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Original poster

Can you go to the post office

21 replies

Curdsandwhey · 31/03/2020 15:16

Are you allowed to go to the post office if you combine it with a food shopping trip? We keep being told not to make unnecessary trips, yet post offices are open? I have no money coming in at all but I do have some things I could potentially sell. I don't have a printer so I can't just print postage labels at home.

OP posts:
Original poster
Curdsandwhey · 31/03/2020 15:17

Don't have a go at me please, I have no money coming in at the moment.

OP posts:
goldenorbspider · 31/03/2020 15:20

My local post office is still open. Sign outside asking people to keep their distance. Staff are wearing gloves.

DartmoorChef · 31/03/2020 15:20

There was a big queue of people with parcels when i went today so yes you can.

PotteringAlong · 31/03/2020 15:21

Yes

Meruem · 31/03/2020 15:22

Dsis works in a post office which is still open as usual.

Umpteen · 31/03/2020 15:22

Check the opening times though. Ours has reduced its hours considerably which is fair enough, so long as you know.

pirateparker · 31/03/2020 15:23

Great idea! I have zero income too but can sell stuff. Wasn’t sure if was allowed trips to post office.

Original poster
Curdsandwhey · 31/03/2020 15:26

Okay thanks everyone, but one of the reasons I was asking is because apparently post office staff have been complaining about being snowed under with deliveries now that so many more people are working from home. So if I'm just an individual person trying to sell a few things on Ebay is that still allowed? I'm on a Facebook selling group that's UK-wide where people post things to each other, and the admins have announced that nobody should sell anything unless it's absolutely essential.

OP posts:
Meruem · 31/03/2020 15:43

I would say that needing money for food or bills is essential. If you were just doing it to pass time and didn't "need" the money there would be maybe an argument not to do it but it sounds as if you do need it.

mencken · 31/03/2020 15:45

yes - as you need the money that makes sense. I've just posted some items in the outside box but politely refused a request to go and buy a stamp for something not urgent, as that is unnecessary contact. Another time.

Elouera · 31/03/2020 15:54

There was a women yesterday with 10+ different shaped boxes weighing each, taking things out, weighing again and taking up a great deal of time at the counter. I heard several others in the queue commenting about her. There was a sign saying they were open for 'essential' items, and in your case, if you need the money, then it could be seen as essential. I'd be surprised if people are buying 2nd hand items off ebay currently though? I know freecycle has closed.

Another option is to buy regular stamps from other, smaller shops/supermarket. Weigh your boxes at home, then either drop inside your post office, or drop into the slot outside. Our local one has a larger than normal slot for packages.

Original poster
Curdsandwhey · 31/03/2020 16:18

What counts as essential items then?

OP posts:
Yogawoogie · 31/03/2020 16:23

I’m glad you asked op!
I have a pen pal abroad and don’t know if I can post to her at the moment?

goldenorbspider · 31/03/2020 16:23

Op if you have a printer at home Hermes might be a better option. You print the label and package the items up and they collect them from your home. Does cost abit more though. I imagine the lady with 8parcels is probably a seller. Post office also do business accounts. You just drop your stuff off and they take fees out of your account. They save receipts and proof of postage for you so you're not hanging around.

Gizlotsmum · 31/03/2020 16:23

I need to get stamps as the kids are writing to grandparents... Not essential but nice in sad times and I have a bunch of cards to send in April... So I would say try to minimise the times you go but go...

madcatladyforever · 31/03/2020 16:26

Yes you can, sellers on ebay and etsy are still posting items out to all and sundry.

Thighmageddon · 31/03/2020 16:27

I need to send a birthday present parcel - not essential.

You need money to feed yourself - essential.

Simple.

EasyLifer · 31/03/2020 16:34

My local post office is combined with a covenience store which seems to have a steady supply of toilet roll, it was doing a roaring trade today. There was a queue at the post office counter and a queue out of the door to buy the 1 pack of loo roll per person they were allowing.

Original poster
Curdsandwhey · 31/03/2020 16:36

I don't have a printer at home.

And I'm very unlikely to be walking in with ten huge parcels. I'll be lucky if I sell one or two things if at all, like someone mentioned above people aren't buying much at the moment.

OP posts:
millymae · 31/03/2020 16:39

Our Post Office is open - 2 staff behind the counters and only 2 people allowed in at anyone time.
Customers queue outside standing 2 metres apart.
As it’s open I see nothing wrong with using all the services it offers whether that’s taking out money, buying stamps or sending parcels.
I went in yesterday and the bags behind the counter were full of parcels waiting to get into the postal system.
eBay has adverts asking that people support their sellers (and their own profits) so if you need the money and have things to sell I see nothing wrong with doing so.

Goawayquickly · 31/03/2020 16:39

At ours they’re only accepting parcels that have labels paid for and printed at home so you may want to check with yours. This way they only have to scan them and not touch them or take up time as only two customers are allowed in (also a convenience store)

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