First, I needed to drop off an item to be sent quickly. Although the item was small, the package I was given was like 5 times larger than was necessary. So UPS apparently isn't able to send small items in an efficient way, meaning I was mainly paying for unneeded packaging. This is a minor issue, but the first of many.
Second, I wasn't sure of the ZIP code for my destination. The lady helping me simply stood there with nothing to say when I asked for help, apparently, because UPS isn't capable of determining ZIP codes. So, I pulled out my phone and did it for her, since apparently she couldn't be bothered to even make that effort. The store was not busy, she just couldn't be bothered to facilitate anything.
Third, I needed to change the return address on that shipment because, after leaving, I realized she had incorrectly entered the name of my road, even though the road she entered does not exist in my city. I suppose UPS didn't figure it was worth auto-detecting that the return address is valid, even though I can do it myself on my phone in seconds.
Forth, the next lady who assisted me in changing the return address simply walked away from me with the receipt I provided without saying to follow, so I thought she was handling it and, having explained their error, I turned to leave. Instead of being polite and asking me to follow her to a station, she explained in a condescending tone that I needed to be there for her to create a new tracking code. Obviously, had I know all the intricacies of being a UPS employee, I would have known to followed. Obviously, if she had been the least bit polite, like in pretty much any other store, she would have simply told me.
Fifth, the fact that a new tracking code must be generated due to one value needing to change is ridiculous. Obviously the return address should have been loaded in a database table where the tracking code should have been a unique identifier of the shipment, allow any associated data to be altered as needed. This is why I started to walk away originally; both because she said nothing else and walked away from me first, and because she already had all the information needed to fix the issue.
. . .
Although I think UPS could manage their data better, the vast majority of my newfound disdain for UPS is the result of staff who obviously don't take pride in their work and obviously see customers as an inconvenience.
It was clear I was not happy with her tone, and I made it clear that I had no way to know what their procedures were, which is why I did not know to follow her. She made no effort to apologize, just stood there. It was her job to act as a guide, since she had more information about UPS processes being a UPS working; instead, she was impatient and condescending. The store was not busy, so there was absolutely no valid excuse for her terse manner.
I'm sure they've done this to others, unfortunately most people just shrug it off, because it could have been worse, or because they don't use UPS much, or because they'd rather ignore it than let it ruin their day.
I am not those people. Those employees just disrespected the wrong person and have cost UPS all the money I would have spent over the next several decades of my life, how ever long that will be. No doubt others will see this review and think twice about the Columbia road location specifically and UPS in general.
Before today, I wasn't sure whether UPS or FedEX was the way to go; now, it is FedEX or USPS all the way.
If a UPS manager ever reads this, particularly the one for UPS on Columbia Road, you need to take a long look at the people you're trusting to run your store. They have let you down in more ways than one.
The store wasn't even busy. read more
