Quote Originally Posted by Karen View Post
Saturday delivery is far more important to some people than others, Johanna. Folks who rely on getting their medications, and social security checks often are living so close to the bone that waiting an extra two days can be detrimental. Mail service is rural areas is often a lifeline. It's not to say it would impossible to adjust without it, but it would be a hardship on some folks. Maybe they could stop Saturday delivery in certain areas, like big industrial areas, or something, but it seems the rural folks tend to be hit hardest with some things, let's keep Saturday for them!
They would adjust by having the meds ordered a day or two earlier, have their SS checks deposited electronically (which saves more money). And, unless the rural people have some 'in' with the banking system, they can't draw on their check until it clears anyhow. Probably Tuesday am, best.

Change is super hard for people, I get that. Losing one's job is heart wrenchingly scary- I totally get that. But, losing money- government "owned" business or not- needs to be examined from a cost perspective. Cuts need to be made, offices/plants/distribution centers need to be closed. I think Saturday service is a redundancy.

I never gave postage much thought before I started my own practice. I have electronically paid all my household expenses for a couple of years now (and LOVE it), and two other expenses are electronically deposited. Now? Ten letters costs me near $5.00. That seems inconsequential until you realize ten letters is probably 3 days of 'work' for me. Do the math (cause I can't). It adds up.

I strive to email as much as I can as it saves ME money. Me, the consumer. So, I see it differently, as I don't depend on the USPS to support me. Heck, I don't even go to my mail box every day. That is just a convenience we all have taken as a necessity.

There isn't any doubt in my mind the frequent use of the internet and email has reduced the money coming into the USPS. Sure, other things may affect it, but, the bread and butter business- selling of postal services- has made a big difference.

I can still remember the USPS "two day mail"....LOL, it should have read, "the two day- maybe cause we don't guarantee it-mail". You PAID for two day mail...but you just might not get it. That, to me, is part of the problem. When there are no other competitors...service can lag. And, of course, the USPS has made great strides in the mailing service. Great strides. They had to, to stay competitive with the other major giants.

I can't remember the last time I purchased something online and it came to me by the US Mail. Maybe it is the area I live in, but my packages come FedEx or UPS. My medications come to me FedEx, now that I think of it.

Dunno. I don't dislike the PO at all, in fact the mail lady is someone I like to walk and chat with, if it happens that way. But, to say that they should somehow be exonerated from the recession or business practices that affect the rest of our world doesn't seem right.