11238 post office reekingness

emily · June 2007

I just ordered a knitting kit from England, which I had to go pick up at the 11238 PO on Fulton St. today. I signed for it when it was in the sealed plastic cell they use to pass items back and forth with customers.

As I was walking home, I noticed that something smelled quite strongly of incense. By the time I got home, I'd come to the conclusion that it was MY PACKAGE. It looked as though it had gotten very slightly wet on the outside in the rain yesterday, but now I think it was pure perfume or similar.

Anyway, I figured I'd already signed for the package, so I opened it and immediately put all the smelly paper and box in the trash outside. At first I thought the contents were okay, but now I'm thinking that the yarn has picked up quite a bit of the odor. I have terrible allergies/sinus problems/etc. so this isn't just a cosmetic issue.

What the heck should I do? I figure the PO won't give a damn because I signed. The lesson, I guess, is to inspect your packages very carefully, with all five senses...

doctorj · June 2007

Yeah, I think you just have to air it and wear it.

emily · June 2007

Given the shitty exchange rate, this yarn already cost a fortune and it really irks me that it should be in such bad shape before I even invest months in knitting with it. I don't think airing will be enough. I'm wondering whether I can approach the merchant for help given that the wrapping they used was clearly inadequate for the dangers of our crappo postal system. It's obviously the PO people who screwed up but I figure it's hopeless to complain to them.

stacey · June 2007

Emily wrote: Given the shitty exchange rate, this yarn already cost a fortune and it really irks me that it should be in such bad shape before I even invest months in knitting with it. I don't think airing will be enough. I'm wondering whether I can approach the merchant for help given that the wrapping they used was clearly inadequate for the dangers of our crappo postal system. It's obviously the PO people who screwed up but I figure it's hopeless to complain to them.

I would definitely call the manufacturer and see what they say - tell them you received it, it has a nasty smell and you want them replaced.

Also some credit cards carry insurance for things you purchase and have shipped - maybe contact them also.

The only thing I can suggest in the mean time is get yourself a bottle of Fabreze (or Downy makes something similar which may be easier on your allergies) and spray them down and let them air out on the fire escape (just make sure Hedy can't get to them

)

doctorj · June 2007

Sadly, for many items to and within this country, it really pays to pay extra for private shipping. But not all retailers in other countries, who are used to good service from the national post and patchy service from the private guys, necessarily provide that option. If only British and Deutsche Post and so on would exchange packages with Fedex in mid-air over the Atlantic, we'd have the best of both worlds.

brookfetish · June 2007

Febreeze?

stacey · June 2007

BrookFetish wrote: Febreeze?

Thats what happens when you spell phonetically with a Brooklyn accent. Thanks Brook

brookfetish · June 2007

stacey wrote: [quote=BrookFetish]Febreeze?

Thats what happens when you spell phonetically with a Brooklyn accent. Thanks Brook

Ha, honestly, I didn't even see that you had already suggested that!!

emily · June 2007

I talked to someone at 1 800 ASK USPS and they said they'd take the package back. So I walked back to the PO and waited in line again, and the people there said they couldn't take it because it hadn't been insured. (It would have made more sense to call our PO directly, but apparently they no longer have a phone number--the website only lists the 800 number.)

Ugh. So I wrote to the merchant, explaining that it was damaged. Now I'm torn--should I reopen the package and attempt to start the de-smellification process, or just let it sit on the assumption that they'll ask me to return it? I won't hear from them til Monday, for sure, given the time difference.

Maybe I should put the whole thing in the basement--we're a pizza and a few pairs of dirty socks away from the olfactory ambience of a dorm room.

doctorj, I think you hit the nail on the head. They wrapped the package daintily in tissue paper and ribbon. Those of us more familiar with our postal service know that three layers of plastic, crumpled newspaper, and Tyvek is more the way to go...

sweet tea · June 2007

yeah, i wouldn't count on that PO actually following any of the USPS rules. at least, they never have in my experience.

re: de-smellification: maybe the merchant could give you washing advice?

anonymous · July 2007

Our 11238 post office is not the best...in fact I have never been there in the 20-odd years I have lived in the hood. I have made friends with my mailman and stopped almost all junk mail for past tenants. We also have challenges with deliveries going to the incorrect address(this is how I have met some neighbors). Our regular postman has been great but when is is on vacation the poor deliveries shoot up. So, cancel your junk mail and stop the paper waste. Return unwanted mail with a note and stick it in the mailbox (a loving note is better than a cranky one). As far as the stinky package, well, next time, save the wrapping (stick in in a clear bag or something) and/or take it to another more reputable post office. It is very difficult when we have allergies to smells and chemicles. Lastly, there is a thing called "employee mentality" and when it is negative and there is poor leadership there ain't nothing to do about it except to start writing to the source. Sometimes it can be fun to go on a crusade if we have time. Good luck.

11238 post office reekingness

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