| rev:text
| - Having had concerns about a possibly stolen money order, my father and I stopped by the Post Office early this morning to address the issue. When we got there, about 5 people stood in line before us and only one window was open. 35 minutes into our wait, we were finally called in next and I proceeded to explain the problem hoping for a quick fill-up of a money order inquiry form, if not anything more.
The lady casually took in our money order and looked confused. She said that she hadn't encountered a lot of money order issues like mine but went on to fill in a computerized form for me anyway, then had me sign at the end. Another staff spotted her handling the computer and stopped her saying that there's a form I have to fill in by hand. They talked through the procedures with each other, leaving a long line of people waiting very impatiently. About 45 minutes in, the clocked ticked to 11 o'clock, and there were only 2 windows open. People were starting to get antsy. A lot of them demanded more windows but the two ladies continued to redundantly talk about my money order concern and only one window was operating. The man said he couldn't leave his customers and that everyone else should just be patient. I believe the ladies didn't come to a compromise, so I was forwarded to the man handling the other (and only) window.
He went through the same computerized processing of my basic info and we were done in less than 5 minutes. That was a whole hour spent at the post office handling work that could have taken only a few minutes to finish. I understand budget cuts and employee layoffs are prevalent but I was also hoping that there could be an improvement in the efficiency of the services they could accomplish with what they already have, preferably, speed and feeling out how long that lines have gotten.
|