Ziba - a potential future for physical mail postage - Thoughts?

[fpglurker]

Hi all,

Coming out of lurker status here.

I saw this today, and wanted to start up a conversation. I am curious about your general thougts on something like Ziba from an addressing / letter writting standpoint. Good, Bad, Indifferent? Think it could make you more creative with your envelopes a la Schin at OpenInkstand? It could go either way.


I'm not sure how much "easier" it would make sending letters, but I could see it being good for bulk postage.
I think it could open us up to more creative envelopes. Both in making your own (which I do not do) and dressing them up with all sorts of art, calligraphy, scripts, etc.
I guess i'm neutral at the moment. I admitedly do little physical mail

lurker (usually)

[Nashtah]

it would need a lot of by in and would probably slow down shipping as the post office works cause not look to see the address but would need to scan each piece and probably rescan at delivery.

It would also not work international.

They never talk about cost, which worries me as this would be reduce the need for stamps but those that write already have stamps.

[caribbean_skye]

I think it is a cool concept but they talk about a single piece of mail. what happens if we send out several pieces. How does one tell the difference between the pieces once theyve been picked up? They also dont mention how much you would need on the back end as presumably not every thing you send needs the same "code". That could potentially drive up the cost to the consumer if you have to buy specialised equipment just for that. As long as there will be human hands involved theres always a chance that packages will go awry.

I like the idea of something similar from addressing an envelope standpoint however the current system certainly hasnt stopped people from creatively using an envelope. The postal system could benefit greatly from using some of their ideas and implementing them to work within their current system.

Thanks for sharing this.

[Pendragon]

While the Ziba postage solution is certainly interesting, it seems to me like a solution in search of a problem. We already have a very simple solution for postage, one that does not require high-tech gadgets or smartphone apps, one which works even when the electricity is out for days: stamps. As you can see at the link, they come in wide array of beautiful designs and denominations. For envelope art, a fountain pen will do very well and does not require the purchase of anything additional.

If I am going to go high-tech for mail instead, I might as well just send an email. It is less expensive and arrives at its destination almost instantaneously. For parcels, USPS, FedEx, UPS or DHL do the job quite nicely. So for me, the Ziba device is a non-starter.

[tandaina]

Seems like it makes letters/packages *more* complicated. Not less.

1. I can already print digital postage at home, doesn't save me anything there.
2. If I have someone's address in my contacts to tell this software where to go it really isn't hard to look at that contact and write out there info.
3. What if I mail 3 things that day? Only way this could work is if the send to address were part of the burned on mark, period.
4. Most mail is still hand sorted at a number of levels, certainly by the carrier at the delivery end. This makes that much more complicated and less intuitive.
5. Why? I'm all for tech fixing problems but as others have said this seems like a fix desperately in search of a problem that doesn't really exist.

[Silverbreeze]

I wouldn't mind it if it was a digital stamp maker without ink or labels but I would still need to write a delivery address just to not miss send

[Holsworth]

I like the idea of the stamp unit on its own, but I don't think it adds a huge amount of potential to a system that already works and has done for hundreds of years.
If you could use the stamp unit purely for decorative effect (and change the design each time) it looks like a fun way to tart up envelopes!

[mmahany]

I like the idea of the stamp unit on its own, but I don't think it adds a huge amount of potential to a system that already works and has done for hundreds of years.
If you could use the stamp unit purely for decorative effect (and change the design each time) it looks like a fun way to tart up envelopes!

I'd be inclined to agree with you if it weren't for the fact that the US Postal Service is losing roughly $25 million each day. To that point, the system does not work and we will be lucky if it's even in existence in 10 years.

The business model of the USPS is ridiculous. Brick and mortar locations ultimately need to be shut down. I can create a shipping label on my computer or even my cell phone. At that point, I only need a printer.

The only value they provide is to the 70 year old lady trying to ship Christmas presents to her grandchildren. Maybe it's harsh, but the USPS needs to stop catering to that type of client, close down their staffed locations and cater to the people that actually generate significant revenue.

While I see little value in this Ziba system, something similar has the potential to add value to the USPS.

A very simple idea that addresses the problem is to create kiosts where I can pay a small fee ($1 or so) to scan a barcode on my phone that will then print out a label. I drop it in a bin and it's done. It's the equivalent of creating "Self Checkout" lines in grocery stores. Anyone with basic common sense can operate one and the technology has greatly improved to make them well worth the cost.

I personally dread each time I have to go into the Post Office. I end up sitting in line for 30 minutes while someone who barely speaks English tries to ship perishable food internationally. I finally get to the front of the line and an employee finally asks everyone if they have a prepaid package or need to pick something up.

[Holsworth]

I like the idea of the stamp unit on its own, but I don't think it adds a huge amount of potential to a system that already works and has done for hundreds of years.
If you could use the stamp unit purely for decorative effect (and change the design each time) it looks like a fun way to tart up envelopes!

I'd be inclined to agree with you if it weren't for the fact that the US Postal Service is losing roughly $25 million each day. To that point, the system does not work and we will be lucky if it's even in existence in 10 years.

The business model of the USPS is ridiculous. Brick and mortar locations ultimately need to be shut down. I can create a shipping label on my computer or even my cell phone. At that point, I only need a printer.

The only value they provide is to the 70 year old lady trying to ship Christmas presents to her grandchildren. Maybe it's harsh, but the USPS needs to stop catering to that type of client, close down their staffed locations and cater to the people that actually generate significant revenue.

While I see little value in this Ziba system, something similar has the potential to add value to the USPS.

A very simple idea that addresses the problem is to create kiosts where I can pay a small fee ($1 or so) to scan a barcode on my phone that will then print out a label. I drop it in a bin and it's done. It's the equivalent of creating "Self Checkout" lines in grocery stores. Anyone with basic common sense can operate one and the technology has greatly improved to make them well worth the cost.

I personally dread each time I have to go into the Post Office. I end up sitting in line for 30 minutes while someone who barely speaks English tries to ship perishable food internationally. I finally get to the front of the line and an employee finally asks everyone if they have a prepaid package or need to pick something up.

Thankfully this isn't the case with Royal Mail, despite their privatisation last year. In fact my local post office is currently closed for 2 weeks for a refurb and when it reopens will be open for an extra 50+ hours a week!

[Pendragon]

I personally dread each time I have to go into the Post Office. I end up sitting in line for 30 minutes while someone who barely speaks English tries to ship perishable food internationally. I finally get to the front of the line and an employee finally asks everyone if they have a prepaid package or need to pick something up.

I hear you there! In my local Post Office, customers frequently carry unpackaged goods up to the counter. They then proceed to buy tape, etc. from the Post Office and wrap their packages right there. It is very inconsiderate as far as I am concerned, and makes for long waits for everyone. For some reason, the employees don't require people to have the packages pre-wrapped for shipment. Once the package is wrapped, the customer then needs to get into a long discussion with the clerk about shipping. Grrrrrr!!!! Are these people just lazy or are they stupid?

To avoid the wait, I just use the self-service kiosk in the Post Office. It weighs the package, presents shipping options and prints out a sticker with the correct postage. There are seldom more than two or three people in line at the kiosk, and often no line at all. When there is a line, it moves quickly and I have never waited more than a few minutes.

[Sailor Kenshin]

Didn't watch the video. Dont know that anything's wrong with the current mail system, INCLUDING physical post offices.

[tandaina]

I like the idea of the stamp unit on its own, but I don't think it adds a huge amount of potential to a system that already works and has done for hundreds of years.
If you could use the stamp unit purely for decorative effect (and change the design each time) it looks like a fun way to tart up envelopes!

I'd be inclined to agree with you if it weren't for the fact that the US Postal Service is losing roughly $25 million each day. To that point, the system does not work and we will be lucky if it's even in existence in 10 years.

The business model of the USPS is ridiculous. Brick and mortar locations ultimately need to be shut down. I can create a shipping label on my computer or even my cell phone. At that point, I only need a printer.

The only value they provide is to the 70 year old lady trying to ship Christmas presents to her grandchildren. Maybe it's harsh, but the USPS needs to stop catering to that type of client, close down their staffed locations and cater to the people that actually generate significant revenue.

While I see little value in this Ziba system, something similar has the potential to add value to the USPS.

A very simple idea that addresses the problem is to create kiosts where I can pay a small fee ($1 or so) to scan a barcode on my phone that will then print out a label. I drop it in a bin and it's done. It's the equivalent of creating "Self Checkout" lines in grocery stores. Anyone with basic common sense can operate one and the technology has greatly improved to make them well worth the cost.

I personally dread each time I have to go into the Post Office. I end up sitting in line for 30 minutes while someone who barely speaks English tries to ship perishable food internationally. I finally get to the front of the line and an employee finally asks everyone if they have a prepaid package or need to pick something up.

Thankfully this isn't the case with Royal Mail, despite their privatisation last year. In fact my local post office is currently closed for 2 weeks for a refurb and when it reopens will be open for an extra 50+ hours a week!

Well sure that's true if you have the money to own your own computer, a printer, are computer literate, live in an area where leaving the package for the mailman to collect won't get it stolen, etc.

The USPS serves as a safe and non-exploitive check cashing location for those without a bank account (who tend to be the poorest and most vulnerable). It serves the elderly, those who don't own computers, etc. The USPS is losing money because of ludicrous regulations forced on it by a Congress that *wants* government failure and privatization (profit!) of everything. The USPS is still the safest and most reliable way to send packages/letters/etc within the US and beyond and absolutely essential as a service provider in many rural and economically depressed areas. Just because those of us here don't "need" its services doesn't mean it isn't needed.

The USPS is a government *service* it is not *meant* to *make a profit.* That we've gone so far down the road of unbridled captialism that we can't see a place that serves the poor, elderly, and needy as a value says a lot about us. UPS and Fedex already cater to those who are "revenue generators" and you can take your business there if you feel better served. While the USPS remains a service to the citizens of this nation, whether or not they are of "economic value."

[Pendragon]

Well sure that's true if you have the money to own your own computer, a printer, are computer literate, live in an area where leaving the package for the mailman to collect won't get it stolen, etc.

The USPS serves as a safe and non-exploitive check cashing location for those without a bank account (who tend to be the poorest and most vulnerable). It serves the elderly, those who don't own computers, etc.

That is certainly true for the Post Office near me. There is an old folks home in the neighborhood, too. While some of the senior citizens do really well with computers, many others are digital electronics averse. The simplest solution is often the best, and handwritten letters are nothing if not low-tech, simple and easy to create. Most of these folks could easily afford a computer. They can all leave packages outside until the cows come home without them getting stolen. Even so, they choose to go to the Post Office. Oh wow, did people ever howl when the Postal Service planned to shut it down! The USPS backtracked and kept the facility open.

The USPS is losing money because of ludicrous regulations forced on it by a Congress that *wants* government failure and privatization (profit!) of everything.

I agree with the first part of that - forcing the USPS to prefund their retirement obligations is ridiculous. I don't see how Congress wants the Postal Service to fail, though. How else would they get their campaign mailers delivered?

The USPS is still the safest and most reliable way to send packages/letters/etc within the US and beyond and absolutely essential as a service provider in many rural and economically depressed areas. Just because those of us here don't "need" its services doesn't mean it isn't needed.

No, it's not. At least not for packages in my experience. FedEx and DHL are both more reliable for delivering parcels, both domestically and internationally. For letters, the postal service is not the safest and most reliable way, it is the only way. In the US, private carriers are not allowed to deliver to mailboxes and PO boxes.

The USPS is a government *service* it is not *meant* to *make a profit.*

It is also not meant to be a black hole for taxpayer dollars. If it is well managed and freed from unnecessary regulation, it should at least be able to break even.

That we've gone so far down the road of unbridled captialism that we can't see a place that serves the poor, elderly, and needy as a value says a lot about us. UPS and Fedex already cater to those who are "revenue generators" and you can take your business there if you feel better served. While the USPS remains a service to the citizens of this nation, whether or not they are of "economic value."

Those revenue generators are what funds the social welfare benefits for the poor and elderly. In any event, a postal service is not a welfare agency, it is a parcel and letter delivery service. As long as it does that with reasonable efficiency and cost, what difference does it make whether it is done by a privatized entity or a government agency? It is the end result that counts.

[mmahany]

Well sure that's true if you have the money to own your own computer, a printer, are computer literate, live in an area where leaving the package for the mailman to collect won't get it stolen, etc.

The USPS serves as a safe and non-exploitive check cashing location for those without a bank account (who tend to be the poorest and most vulnerable). It serves the elderly, those who don't own computers, etc. The USPS is losing money because of ludicrous regulations forced on it by a Congress that *wants* government failure and privatization (profit!) of everything. The USPS is still the safest and most reliable way to send packages/letters/etc within the US and beyond and absolutely essential as a service provider in many rural and economically depressed areas. Just because those of us here don't "need" its services doesn't mean it isn't needed.

The USPS is a government *service* it is not *meant* to *make a profit.* That we've gone so far down the road of unbridled captialism that we can't see a place that serves the poor, elderly, and needy as a value says a lot about us. UPS and Fedex already cater to those who are "revenue generators" and you can take your business there if you feel better served. While the USPS remains a service to the citizens of this nation, whether or not they are of "economic value."

Do you feel that public libraries don't already address the points you mentioned by offering free internet access and the ability to print for a minimal cost (if not free)?

I'd also appreciate if you could direct me to any information about USPS' current ability to cash checks. The only information I found on-line was the proposal of offering such a service.

Your last paragraph seems to address the point of completely dissoving the USPS. To confirm, I'm not suggesting such a thought, but only the idea of dissolving the majority of staffed USPS locations that cater to less than 5% of the population.

Perhaps an excellent idea would be to close down 95% of USPS locations and have only staffed locations within Welfare or Social Security offices? That would specifically cater to the people you are concerned about, significantly lower operating costs, and ultimately make the USPS system less of a money pit (not to be confused with profitable).

[tandaina]

So then all those times I get sent something and am not home to sign for it... I just? What?

Physical post office locations do not cater to 5% of the population. I use mine regularly and it isn't just little old ladies in there. Reducing service isn't necessarily the best or only option.

And if you dont have a credit card you'll never be able to do that nifty online postage. A lot of folks still ship and pay with cash at the good old USPS.

[mmahany]

So then all those times I get sent something and am not home to sign for it... I just? What?

Physical post office locations do not cater to 5% of the population. I use mine regularly and it isn't just little old ladies in there. Reducing service isn't necessarily the best or only option.

And if you dont have a credit card you'll never be able to do that nifty online postage. A lot of folks still ship and pay with cash at the good old USPS.

Once again, your arguements address the proposal of dissolving the entire USPS system...a point I'm not trying to make.

[tandaina]

No, I'm talking about physical locations. Where I got pick up my package when I can't be home for delivery, where I go to mail things, where those without access to electronic payment can hand a person cash for postal services.

You are talking about closing physical locations, there are thing that real people use that need a person present.

[mmahany]

No, I'm talking about physical locations. Where I got pick up my package when I can't be home for delivery, where I go to mail things, where those without access to electronic payment can hand a person cash for postal services.

You are talking about closing physical locations, there are thing that real people use that need a person present.

There is a difference between a shipping center and a service center.

Amazon is a perfect example. Their warehouse is a shipping center. You can't go to their warehouse and shop for goods. However, when you make a purchase online, your order is prepared and shipped from their warehouse.

USPS should utilize the same model. Mail enters/leaves through shipping centers via delivery trucks. Pre-paid packages can be dropped off at these locations as well. UPS and FedEx have built successful business models around that concept.

Service centers are entirely different. Again, that's why "Self-Checkout" lines exist. If you don't have a card, there's a feed for cash... no different than a vending machine.

It doesn't take a person to perform those tasks. Modern technology (whether you choose to utilize it or not) can address those needs without issues and help a much larger quantity of customers.

[Pendragon]

Amazon is a perfect example. Their warehouse is a shipping center. You can't go to their warehouse and shop for goods. However, when you make a purchase online, your order is prepared and shipped from their warehouse.

USPS should utilize the same model. Mail enters/leaves through shipping centers via delivery trucks. Pre-paid packages can be dropped off at these locations as well. UPS and FedEx have built successful business models around that concept.

The problem is that the USPS would still have to prepay retirement benefits, unlike UPS, FedEx and a host of private regional carriers. The primary source of the USPS's cost inefficiency would still be present. It would be far easier to simply repeal the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006. This poorly thought out legislation requires the USPS to prefund, in a ten year period, retiree health care benefit for the next 75 years. That dog just don't hunt. The Postal Service also overpaid the Civil Service Retirement System by about $75 billion over the last 40 years. None of that has been paid back to the USPS.

[caribbean_skye]

only 1 post office that i have been to in the last 3 years (i have been to 5, in 2 different states) have had a self-check-out. That wasnt even the newest of the 5 either.