Postal Service Blues

October 16, 2006 8:55 PM

I am expecting two UPS packages, and I have no way to sign for them. Where can I get them delivered in Seattle for me? As usual, there's

UPS won't leave packages for me, and I can't pick them up at their facility. Getting them delivered to me at work is also not an option, as they're large (think lampsized) packages. I thought that they'd be delivered over the weekend, but no go.

I know that there are private 'post offices', etc. where you can get packages delivered there for a fee, and they'll sign them for you. In fact, I know there's a couple on Capitol Hill, in Seattle. (I remember there being one by Elysian Brewing, in fact). So, I need UPS to deliver them there for me. However, I am having a complete brain cramp as to how to Google for them. Help? Thanks in advance.

posted by spinifex23 to shopping (13 comments total)

A UPS store should be able to do that for you, but why can't you pick it up? I've *never* not been able to have a shipper hold something at their facility.
posted by mphuie at 8:57 PM on October 16, 2006

Yeah, UPS will let you pick 'em up. Plus there's a Mail Boxes Etc. over on Cap Hill.
posted by effugas at 9:06 PM on October 16, 2006

The questioner says he can't pick them up, so I was assuming it was a transportation issue with getting to the UPS office. But maybe not.

UPS Store is what all the Mailboxes Etc. are called around here these days. You can find them via the search here.
posted by litlnemo at 9:09 PM on October 16, 2006

Calling UPS the day of and telling them to leave the parcels without your signature? Talking to your elderly next door neighbor and asking if they wouldn't mind signing for you? Rerouting the delivery to happen to a friend's workplace?
posted by enfa at 9:11 PM on October 16, 2006

Yeah, there's a UPS store next to the Bartell's in Harvard Market upstairs, over QFC), on Broadway and Union.
posted by tristeza at 9:11 PM on October 16, 2006

I've done this before - call 800-PICK-UPS, press 0 at the first prompt and ask about getting a driver release on file for your home address. This should allow the driver to leave the packages without a signature. If UPS won't do this for you, you can request that the sender decline a signature on the packages - they can do this when they ship them.

If the driver does attempt the delivery and you are not home, they will usually leave a note for you. On this note, there should be an option for you to sign, leave the note and when the driver attempts to make delivery again, they should leave the packages.

Also, you cannot change the delivery address while the packages are in route unless you are a UPS "preferred customer."
posted by youngergirl44 at 10:13 PM on October 16, 2006

There's also the Queen Anne Dispatch. That's where I have my packages sent.
posted by astruc at 10:59 PM on October 16, 2006

Queen Anne Dispatch - that may work for future reference.

Transportation is an issue, as I don't drive, nor have a Driver's License. I'm going to try the signing thing tonight, as they *didn't* check 'signature required'. That may work in my favor.

Whenever I order from Amazon, they seem to pick a 'random' delivery method - if there is a way to specify one, without a big charge, I'd love to do that. Worst case scenario, I may be able to bribe the coffeeshop down the street.

Mailboxes, etc. is *exactly* the type of place I was looking for! Thanks!
posted by spinifex23 at 11:03 PM on October 16, 2006

An alternate suggestion to youngergirl's (which I'm going to try, thank you): leave a signed note.

I had a huge, huge issue with UPS not delivering an Amazon shipment. I zipcar'd to pick up the package; they wouldn't let me in. Then came the week of phone wrangling trying to get somebody to put it on the truck.

Anyway, I complained to Amazon and they suggested just leaving a note on the day delivery is expected. Something on the order of "UPS, please leave packages for Smith, apartment 2" with a signature. It's worked the couple of times I've tried it.
posted by averyoldworld at 6:22 AM on October 17, 2006

The Mailing facility near Elysian Brewing is called Post Options Business Center located at

1122 East Pike St.
Seattle, WA 98122

Their phone number is [phone].

Found here.
posted by AccidentalHedonist at 7:43 AM on October 17, 2006

averyoldworld, I tried that a few times, no luck. I also tried calling in, but UPS claimed that whether or not to leave packages on the porch was up to the driver. I've also asked senders to not ask for a sig, but this hasn't seemed to work either. These days if I have any option, I don't use UPS. If I have to use UPS I have them send it to the closest UPS Store where I am charged a fee. (I also do not drive, so the UPS Store is the height of inconvienence.)
posted by elwoodwiles at 9:12 AM on October 17, 2006

If you live in an apartment, the easy way is to put a note on the door asking the UPS driver to ring another apartment. Of course, tell the occupant of the other apartment about it and get permission.

If you're in a house, have it delivered next door.

When the sender checks the "deliver without signature" box, UPS drivers have the option to drop the package off or not to, depending on how safe the location looks. FedEx drivers don't have this option and will drop it off regardless.
posted by KRS at 10:59 AM on October 17, 2006

Solution: Have it delivered to my work. Luckily, I have an understanding boss who gave his OK for this.

The 'sign for' option worked, but they couldn't leave it securely, so they didn't leave the packages.

They won't deliver it to Queen Anne Dispatch. I asked. They won't deliver it to a UPS store because I don't have a PO box there. I'm not getting a PO box for two packages. I called the Post Options Business Center, and they no longer offer the 'sign for' option, as it was being used for fraud, which is completely understandable on their end.

So, in the future, I'm having stuff sent to work. In Bellevue. Now, here's hoping Sound Transit doesn't mind me dragging a lamp on the bus :)
posted by spinifex23 at 10:09 AM on October 18, 2006