“Where is the postmaster?” This question has struck me every time a parcel has been sent to me by different individuals or groups of sellers via Post Office. I have always been called to collect the parcel unless it is something that has been sent by speed post which is obviously, more expensive.
The case is understandable if the package has an address that demands hours of travelling but I stay close to the post office. I have always thought that speed post is more expensive because it demands an urgency not because it gets delivered. It is my understanding that each package needs to be delivered regardless, even the parcels that cost less and move at the normal rate.
It is very disappointing because this trend of calling up the customers and telling them to come collect the package has not only been functioning within the Post Office but also with the other delivery services that have been set up recently in the district.
An electric cooker arrives and the delivery service tells me that it cannot be delivered because it is too big. Well, at least the delivery services in other districts are delivering huge goods like furniture like huge sofas, beds or chairs, bulky electronic devices, storage containers and so forth.
Delivery services should consider customer satisfaction because as it is, they are also marketing their services. Delivery guys are getting paid to do their work. The local people in the area are not aware of customer rights and it does not mean that people should take advantage of it.
I would like to share an anecdote during which I was a resident of a locality in New Delhi. It is a huge city and despite the extremely hot weather, the many confusing streets and numerous houses, a normal parcel (not even a parcel via speed post) gets delivered till my doorstep. Comparatively, our Nagaland or say, our district is a very small plot of land blessed with a pleasant climate and we live in a close knitted community. It would not take many hours to complete a ride covering the whole town area and I still do not get why people do not give proper house numbers and address while checking out for products because it is only making things hard (or rather easier) for the delivery guys.
In the year 2021, I was sent some letters by my friends from different states during Christmas and I was not even surprised that not one of those letters reached me. I went twice to the Post Office and on the second time, a worker rudely asked me if I was called and on replying that I was not, she told me to not come unless I was. Their calls never came and I am very disheartened to see the lack of clear communication or an essence of work spirit whatsoever.
I appreciate the work done by many delivery workers who are diligent and I am more than happy for the fact that we have delivery services like Delhivery, Xpressbee, Bluedart etc. I am not being ungrateful, I just want to point out that there is room for change. I also urge the consumers to add accurate address and guide these services to your homes if they are lost in the way.
I lack a lot of knowledge and if this lack has hurt any sentiments, I apologize and if this article has made sense even for a person or two, may it be solely for the betterment in our district and state.
– A concerned citizen of Mokokchung.