The mailmen/women must be banding together trying to get back at us for all the extra things they have to carry and deliver. I have not been getting the freebies I've signed up for. I never had this problem at my previous address. My mom signs up also and she gets all of hers and we sign up for the same ones.
But in all seriousness, isn't that illegal?
Would a mailperson *dare* to do that?
And when and how would they do it? Like stick the freebie in their pockets?
Anyone really know for sure?
Yes, I know for sure, I work at the USPS.
Of course as you might expect, theft of the mail is grounds for dismissal and federal prosecution. I know of nobody I work with that would dare risk their good-paying job, great-benefits, and job security to pocket samples. In fact loose change (pennies, quarters, even dollars) someone drops on the floor or leaves in the break room stays there untouched. No one is willing to risk it. Plus everybody who works there is given an extensive background check and even psychological testing. I work with some of the most honest, upstanding people in our community.
To the first poster, no it doesn't make much sense that your mom gets the same freebies you ask for and you don't. Even with the inside knowledge of the Postal Service that I have from working there for 14 years I can't come up with a possible valid reason that could be happening to you except to wonder if something may be wrong with your address. Wrong zip code (esp. if you use an incorrect +4), wrong city (using neighborhood designation or region instead of actual delivery city), maybe forgetting an apartment #, maybe???
What I can tell you is that the tiniest thing that makes bulk mail/standard mail undeliverable will cause it to not get to you. Bulk/Standard (also known as JUNK) mail is not forwarded, so anyone who moves will not get them. Free samples are almost exclusively sent at bulk/standard rates.
I can offer you a tidbit on how this is handled, as when I was pregnant and on light duty it was my main job (going through undeliverable mail). UBBM as it is called (undeliverable bulk business mail) is discarded and/or recycled as called for in the mail delivery manuals. Most mail that paper based is double checked for accuracy (to ensure it is handled properly and is not being discarded in error) by a clerk trained in those procedures (ME!), and simply recycled. Probably roughly 10% of mail is not recyclable due to plastic coatings, or merchandise inside. In this case, mail is carefully checked for class and endorsement. If one is present it is handled appropriately (returned to sender, address correction notification, etc.). If there is no endorsement and the mailpiece contains merchandise that appears to have value (CD's, books, clothing) the mailpiece is opened and the contents are sent to the local USPS claims department. If the merchandise inside does not have value (samples of food, perfume, pens, feminine products, etc.) and is not recyclable, this mail is discarded in the regular trash bin.
NOW, it does seem silly to throw out perfectly usable items. Our particular office was allowed to USE items such as these..the pens, for instance. The feminine products were placed in the ladies room. Sometimes food products may have been eaten (not by me, ick....most of that stuff spent a lot of time in a hot truck). The rule is NO ITEMS that came out of an uneliverable BULK/STANDARD class mailpiece were allowed to leave the building, EVER. Period. It was grounds for termination.
So anyway, I hope all you freaps enjoyed this little insight into the workings of your post office. Believe it or not, we love bringing to you mail that you will enjoy. And many of us are freebie hunters ourselves.
I will now go back to lurking and taking in all this wonderful freebieage.
Have a wonderful day!!!
I want my freebies!!!! Maybe I should put a note in my mailbox telling her where to find her own freebies!!!!
Adoption is always a good option.
. Nice to know that we have a friend that works at the post office to give us insight on our missing freebies. Ok.. I'll stop giving my postman the evil eye. 
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and any "new" things have been freaking me out. SO anyway, thanks again
I keep thinking we were do to be notified on September 4th. I have my fingers (and eyes and toes and legs and...
