Salt Lake residents now have a toll-free number they may call 24 hours a day for information about services and to register complaints with the U.S. Postal Service.
And by the end of May, a total of 57 post offices along the Wasatch Front will be served by the same toll-free number, 1-800-275-8777 or 1-800-ASK-USPS. By calling that number, individuals will be able to obtain information about postal services in any part of the country.Independent studies commissioned by the Postal Service have shown that half of postal customers seeking information about hours, postal rates, mailing requirements, etc., have not been able to reach a post office by telephone.
"About 50 percent of the customers making calls get frustrated because they receive a busy signal or the phone isn't answered promptly," said Thelxi Hauenstein, customer relations coordinator for the Salt Lake City Post Office.
But by using the toll-free number, customers should receive prompt, accurate information to their questions, she said.
Types of information that will be available and service that can be given include ZIP codes, mailing rates and mailing requirements, hours of operation, product and service information, stop mail delivery (from three to 30 days) during vacations, restart the mail and assistance with service concerns.
The latter might include everything from expressing appreciation for service to registering a complaint about mail delivery, Hauenstein said.
"About 80 percent of our customer service calls are for routine postal information. Our goal is to have these calls answered within 20 seconds or less."
For additional information, visit the U.S. Postal Service Web site, www.usps.com.