US Postal Service

[MJG]

Ugh. I think everyone in the US is aware that our postal service is having problems with mail delivery times.

A few people on our board have reported long delays -- 10+ days!! -- on deliveries, with plants arriving dying or dead. Even if you use Priority Mail, the post office website says it can't assure the usual time frames for that service.

I ordered recently and decided to spring for $30 Priority Mail Express. It has guaranteed 2-day delivery. My package left Florida last Tuesday, promptly disappearing with no tracking info after Orlando. (Orchid wanted to go to Disney World on the way?)

The post office tried to find it for me last Friday and again this Monday. Gone! Then today the package suddenly appeared on my doorstep. 11 days in transit. Orchid dead as a doornail.

The good news is that Priory Mail Express is indeed a GUARANTEE. If you don't receive in 2 DAYS you get your money back. The other good thing is that they have automatic insurance up to $100. So I'm getting my money back for shipping and the dead orchid.

The moral of this long story is choose you shipping method wisely -- whether fedex, ups, or especially USPS. It's even worth a call to the vendor rather than just checking a box

Here's my sad little orchid. The leaves totally separated from the rootball. I sure hope it had fun at Disney World.