Certified mail, return receipt requested

[Wayne02]

Earlier this week I had to mail three kind of important documents via certified mail with return receipt to three different organizations. This is the first time I've used this service from the usps. The PO clerk made sure I had the documents filled out correctly.

Today I received two of the receipts back in the mail, one of them contained a signature and date, but the other had no signature and no date.

I was under the impression that a signature is required on the return receipts?

The one that is not signed went to a PMB box, which based on the address and google picture appears to be a UPS store. The USPS website says you can send a return receipt request to a PO box and a note will be put in the persons box to pick up the letter at the desk. I assume this when the person accepting the letter would sign the return receipt.

Maybe UPS doesn't operate their PO boxes this way?

Just curious if anybody has experience with the certified mail, return receipt deal?

Who knew that canceling a gym membership could be so complicated.

Thanks

 

[BarbC]

All the certified, return receipt requested mailings I've done (and I've done hundreds) have come back with a signature. That's the point of going through the process. You want to know exactly to whom and when the mailing was delivered.

 

[perpster]

You actually paid for two different services: certified mail AND a return receipt. You do not have to request a return receipt when sending certified. That's why it's a separate charge. I don't know the rules on cert'd mail RRR to a PMB, but I would think the boxholder would get a notice in the box to show up and sign for it or sign a release and leave the release in the box. If they did a release it should be on file at the post office of delivery. I don't know if they're supposed to give it to you or inform you of it. Then again, letter carriers and clerks are human and mistakes do happen.

Take your receipt from when you mailed it along with the unsigned delivery receipt and ask your Postmaster.

 

[perpster]

BTW, if you needed the return receipt for proof of delivery, you possibly have enough proof having the green card with item number and postmark on it, even though unsigned. Someone had to remove it from the envelope and put it in the mail.

 

[ohiobuckeye]

The post office is very lax when it comes to having the recipients sign the certified mail return receipts. I've had some returned unsigned, some with little more than a long hyphen with a bump in it for a signature, and the "printed name" line is rarely ever filled out. It would be impossible to identify who signed for most of them.

 

[postman93]

Take your receipt and go to your p o that you mailed it from. At the minimum they will refund the cost of the receipt. They can also put the cert # in the computer and it will show they a image of the person who signed the 3849 (salmon colored) form. It may not be any more legable than the other signature but it has the time and date of delivery and also the delivery address on it. Have them give you a copy of it for your records. Yes UPS is supposed to have them sign it but who knows. They are not postal employee's. If you have any other questions send me a PM and I will try to help. I worked the dark side (supervisor) for a couple of years. Mike

 

[CJ]

If it's not important enough for registered mail and I desire a signature, I use Priority Mail with Signature Confirmation. Fast, easy and the signature is viewable online in PDF format. Hasn't failed me yet.

 

[gunlovingirl]

A few years back I used a box at the UPS Store. When I got a piece of mail that required a signature, a note was put in my box, telling me to go to the counter and pick it up, at which time it was signed for. Could be that the employee just didn't bother with that step.

 

[enfield]

"The post office is very lax" when it comes to returning service for the outrageous postage we pay.

 

[truckemup97]

I would think the boxholder would get a notice in the box to show up and sign for it or sign a release and leave the release in the box.

That should be what happens. I occasionally receive such letters, and as no one is usually home when the Postman comes, he leaves a card that I can take to the PO and pick up the letter.

As to no signature on the card? Somebody screwed up. Talk to the Postmaster where you mailed it.