Karm Farrugia, Madliena
Shylockian Maltapost
Lightning never strikes twice. But not with Maltapost!
In early February a client posted his VAT return only to have it later returned opened. He had put a correct stamp but which did not carry the € equivalent. The VAT department refused to pay the postage, so Maltapost opened the envelope in order to trace its sender. So much for confidentiality. Besides, by what right had Maltapost to refuse accepting a prepayment for a service? Surely, one cannot compare a postage stamp with our Central Bank's currency withdrawal scheme which, in any case, allows years not weeks before invalidation.
Last week the very same client posted me his income tax return. I was made to pay an additional 14 cents before the postman would let me have it. Overweight. Insufficient postage.
How I long to have the old reliable post office back !
"To do a great right, do a little wrong."
(Shakespeare - Shylock)
5 Comments
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C. Scerri
Jun 18th 2008, 18:16
@J Micallef - the point here is that these stamps are pre-paid i.e. Maltapost received the money before we use the stamps - thus it is illogical that these loose their value just because Malta changed to the EUro!!
J Micallef
Jun 18th 2008, 16:07
One cannot compare postage with the national currency, even if both have money denomination. Perhaps Mr. Farrugia should suggest that Maltapost makes some sort of arrangement with the Central Bank for the exchange of stamps after 3 or 5 years ???
It seems, especially from recent correspondence, that the people have got too much used to a silver service for the price of peanuts. Up to a few years ago, Maltapost was a government entity, and I doubt very much as to the 'accountability' and 'financial reporting' that existed. Now it's a fully fledged commercial entity, which has to safeguard the interests of its clients, its 600 or so employees, and its shareholders.
A cheesecake from maxims is Euro25c, and it only takes half a dozen men to prepare it, while a local stamp costs Euro 19c. And people seem to want a discount on that too!!!
Looks like it's going to take time to rid the maltese of the bad habits, like the 'same day' service - a courier service for 7c!
As for this complaint, if I were a shareholder, I would be happy to know that Maltapost is safeguarding its income.
Keep up the good work, Maltapost.
Anthony Valletta
Jun 18th 2008, 15:11
I went to the Maltapost Head office in Marsa to post some unaddressed mail.I was shocked.
I was led by the security to an underground garage where there is the office for this mailing.I had to walk through bags , boxes and pallets.The floor is untitled and full of dust and there is no windows.There were about six persons working in this garage with no Air .Is this the way the Maltapost treat its customers and its workers? Is there a health and safety officer in the company ? How are these conditions allowed to take place.I think that the CEO and Management are in airconditioned and comfy offices.Who cares about the customers and workers.?Shame on you Maltapost .
Ramon Casha
Jun 18th 2008, 11:19
Maltapost's unilateral decision to refuse to accept those postage stamps was illegal in my opinion - but who's going to file criminal charges over the price of a postage stamp? Still, it's the principle that counts. The postage stamp is a PRE-PAID token for a future service. Once Maltapost accepted the money they are legally obliged to provide the service, and cannot legally alter the conditions unilaterally. It was a clever money-making trick but bad for PR: think of the many thousands of individual stamps lying here and there in desks and drawers everywhere. By making it difficult to exchange them for new stamps they ensured that most people won't be bothered... more money for Maltapost.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Jun 18th 2008, 09:33
Just what exactly is Karm Farrugia suggesting with his last comment regarding his additional 14 c? That he should not pay if his postage stamp does not cover the price dictated for its weight?
Incredible!!