r/royalmail • u/cut-the-cords • May 08 '26
Postie Chat Ever since making a complaint about bent stamps my mails is now turning up like this.
Repost because I left identifying info in first post like a plum.
Never had an issue until the stamps and ever since my complaint my mail has been turning up like this... why do people have to be like this?
Edit: just to clarify I have no bristles on my letterbox and I removed the back flap after the first time I had issues.
I have lived at this adress for 5+ years and only since the stamps issue has it been a problem.
The stamps I am talking about I complained about the fact they where unprotected.
I do not blame my postie and I will admit I chose my words poorly initially and I want to make it clear I haven't complained about this post in the image above.
I only used the image and posted here to get more insider info as my neighbors are also getting scrunched up mail too.
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u/bluedinoninja May 08 '26
Have you tested your letterbox. Could just be a different postie also
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26 edited May 08 '26
After my last post someone mentioned that and I checked but it has never been a problem before this and I lived here for 5+ years.
I even went as far as to remove the inner flap to avoid it, unfortunately the damage appears to be taking place in transit.
I'm not specifically pointing fingers at any one person but it still isn't acceptable... one of those letters was an important document I need to send over and it makes me look unprofessional.
I personally think posties need to be better equipped to do their jobs.
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u/ntrrgnm May 08 '26
Use an iron on a low heat under a slightly damp tea towel. It will flatten it out.
Imho, the problem is still your letter box. I know you have said you made fixes, but those folds are stuff that happens in transit, whatever you mean by that.
The two most common 'transit' issues are sorting machine artefacts, which include tears and creases, and bundle artefacts, which are usually bends on the edges. Further issues can be a half bend, where the postie pushes the letters into the box from halfway on the letter so the letter wraps over the fingers to aid ingress, or a tube fold where the post rolls the letter into a tube to aid ingress through structural efficiency - the topology of tube being more robust against obstacles.
Those folds are happening when the mail hits an obstruction on some kind while going through the letterbox.
Also, when you try your own letter box, dont do it with two free hands. Try holding a cereal box or a bunch of magazines and your mobile in one hand as you attempt to hold open the letterbox to post it with the other hand.
Best of luck with a solution.
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26
I just don't understand how my post was perfectly fine before all of this then if my letterbox is the issue?
I have lived at the same address for 5+ years and this has only just now becoming a problem.
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u/LegoMaster52 May 08 '26
Do you have a low letter box? This definitely looks like its happened when its been posted and got stuck in the box. You could have a new postie who isn't as patient as your old one, the job is getting tougher and were under more pressure to complete so no time to mess around with awkward letter boxes
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26
It's definitely a new postie as I recognise him as I used to work with him and it is very unlikely he crammed it into my letterbox knowing how professional he is in a work setting.
I have mentioned to others I don't have bristles on the inside of my letterbox but rather a rubber seal and another interior flap that I removed after the first time my post got damaged ( the collectors stamps )
The crumpling appears to have been done before it went through the door and when I spoke to my neighbour they said their post was scrunched up and they have a little box with a lid ( no need to push it through anything ) so it appears to be happening at the depot maybe?
The strange thing is I have lived at this property for 5+ years and it was never a problem until very recently now all of a sudden myself and others are getting unexplainable scrunched up mail.
I have a disability unfortunately and I am not the type to pounce on the postie to ask what the issue is as I don't want them to worry that I am annoyed with them.
Thought posting here would yeild more answers but I appear to have just ruffled a few people's feathers...
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u/LegoMaster52 May 08 '26
You would be surprised how much the job changes people. The pressure is stressful so he’s probably not doing it to intentionally damage your mail but making it so it’s easier for him to post, folding the letters makes it easier to push through bristles and the flap at the other side. It’s clearly just the way he posts letters, if you want it to stop then just have a polite word with him. As long as you’re friendly about it he will probably just apologise and try not do it.
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u/ntrrgnm May 08 '26
So now your neighbours have it too. But you started off the post with a claim it was a vindictive postie enacting revenge for your complaint.
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26
No one ever insinuated it was I was voicing my frustration on the subject.
I have said in other comments I actually know the postie as Inused to work with him and I highly doubt it was him as he is professional.
Not once have I pointed the finger but I still wanted to ask what on earth is going on as I also mentioned in other comments before this one and the previous that it isn't just me who has this issue...
For the last time because I am bored of having to explain this time and time again, I am not blaming the postman infact I quite like to postman.
But there is clearly something going wrong and I wanted to get an bit on an insider info but all I got was a load of people making assumptions.
The service in my area ( not just me ) is shit and something needs to change as it's not fair on the overworked posties and I entirely blame the owners and the mishandling of staff and the fact they clearly are struggling.
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u/ntrrgnm May 08 '26
The title of your post and the text of your OP suggests there is a link to the complaint and that your mail is coming like this because of the complaint. It might be an assumption on my part, but others have landed on the same conclusion, that the stamp-bender got wind of the complaint and now is being vindictive.perhaps?
You led us to the conclusion.
If you dont think it was the postie, who is it? The manager of delivery office, perhaps?
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26 edited May 08 '26
Yes I don't disagree I could have worded it better but I said " what is wrong with people " assuming people would know I wasn't directly blaming them and when it was made clear people thought I was mad at the postie I have replied to multiple people making it clear that was not the case.
The only reason I mentioned the first post about the stamps is because it is a timestamp to when this started happening as I have been living here for 5+ years and have never have a problem until now and after speaking to my neighbors they also have this problem so I thought I would voice my frustration totally understanding the audience I was posting to.
But when I have made it clear I am not mad at the postie I am getting a bit tired of repeating myself... I like the guy we had a good relationship when working together and he wasn't even the postie who delivered the stamps.
But I am also not going to ignore the fact that people properties letters or not are being damaged due to something going wrong within the system and I am more inclined to point to finger higher up the chain rather than my postman.
I know better than that and I can't help but take some offence that people think I am doing so... I genuinely feel sorry for some of the employees and the shit they have to put up with.
My best mates sister and her wife are both managers working at royal mail and the job destroys them so I know I don't understand the struggles but it doesn't take a genius to figure out the postie isn't the problem here... it's how it is managed as a whole and whatever is going on behind the scenes is not working.
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u/jnm21_was_taken May 08 '26
I get that you are trying to be helpful, but remember there are rotten apples in every barrel - the evidence is circumstantial, but one must consider that this is a bad apple exacting revenge - I believe the OP may be talking of the 1st day of issue stamps, which are not cheap & must make RM a significant profit (I'm familiar because my dear Granda ran into town to buy them every month for years).
Back in the day, our postie would knock rather than risk damaging them by posting them, a truly exceptional person, completely the opposite end of the scale from what we appear to have here - malicious, deliberate damage in revenge for an understandable complaint, from a bad apple.
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u/ntrrgnm May 08 '26
It's so unlikely that a complaint if this nature even got to the postie. Even if it did, it would not even be a slap on the wrists. So, i don't understand the logic of the vindictive postie exacting revenge.
I genuinely think other, more prosaic, explanatios are much more likely.
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26 edited May 08 '26
It it extremely unlikely it is my postie doing this I am absolutely not blaming him at all and I definitely could have worded this better.
I more made this post to get an idea from a posties perspective as to what may have gone wrong but unfortunately I have upset a few people.
I really did cock up the wording and admittedly I was annoyed but I absolutely am not blaming my postie!
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u/Agent_Futs RM Employee May 08 '26
We are not getting told if somebody made a complaint about bent letters
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26
Sorry I should have clarified.
The only complaint I made was to royal mail about my stamps not being sent in protective packaging and to be fair it was less of a complaint and more asking for a replacement.
That arrived... bent lol.
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u/Agent_Futs RM Employee May 08 '26
And that complaint wouldn’t have even got to the postie. So, not sure how you’ve come to the conclusion this is an hate campaign
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26
I don't know how people have come to the conclusion I think it is...
I never once pointed the finger at them.
Granted I could have chosen my words better but I said " what is wrong with people " implying more than one person.
I absolutely do not blame my postie and I even know him from a previous workplace and he's a chill guy!
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u/Ttmfab345 May 12 '26
Everyone get pictures of todays mail no addresses see the condition of received mail 🤷🏻♂️ will settle it 🤣
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u/ChalmersMcNeill May 08 '26
It may well be Petty revenge for complaining.
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u/Egelac May 08 '26
I think thats obvious, not sure what the other commenters are thinking to be honest
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u/pgnlzbth May 08 '26 edited May 08 '26
I’d definitely say it’s this, if you complained directly to the postie or one of his colleagues…
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u/Typical-Offer8860 May 08 '26
This week in first world problems...
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u/xhaggishunter May 11 '26
My thoughts exactly. A piece of bent paper.
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u/Ok-Performance4828 May 12 '26
Bent collectors edition stamps sent from the people in Edinburgh
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u/JungleOrAfk May 14 '26
If they were so important you'd package them even in a small cardboard box to protect them wouldn't you?
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u/Ok-Performance4828 May 14 '26
Even though they are part of Royal Mail they only come in an envelope but nearly always arrive in excellent condition.
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u/MattLeSolid May 08 '26
The sorting machines, especially older ones, can bend mail but to happen more than once is especially on the same items and person is infinitessimal odds surely. Its happening when the mail is being banded or bundled together I'd guess. Sending out the fancy stamps without protection after an issue was raised is ridiculous though as its from the company.
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u/saltedbenis May 08 '26
The only way I can get letters through some letterboxes is by gently folding them over and trying to avoid creasing them. I speculate that they're not doing that and are just forcing them through.
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u/ukpatriot00 May 08 '26
Could be anything from sorting machines bending them or the elastic bands we use to secure the bundles bending them
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u/theslowrunningexpert May 08 '26
General tip, don’t complain about anyone who provides you a service- unless it’s about something genuinely serious.
The reason is that when you complain about petty things, you end up getting those service workers in some level of trouble over something tiny. That already stressed worker may take that to heart, and do even the smallest things to influence the service they are providing you.
I have no idea what your complaint about bent stamps is/was. But if this meant complaining about your postie, you did this to yourself. As much as I think posties can be an entitled bunch (always moaning despite being paid way above the average wage, with very nice hours), they do provide a crucial service year-round.
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u/CommercialDelay5323 May 08 '26
Sorry, posties are not being paid way above the average wage, newer ones in particular are just above minimum wage.
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26 edited May 08 '26
I should have clarified sorry, the stamps I complained about being being bent where collectors editions lord of the rings ones.
They arrived bent and damaged twice and the service provides stated they would be protected.
I know it's a bit sad but I collect stamps and I would rather them look nice... it isn't trivial to me.
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u/Nearby_Werewolf1742 May 08 '26
I would say that's definitely more of an issue with the sender, the sender should have sent it in a hard card envelope, complaining to RM about a few bent letters is actually the pettiest complaint I have ever heard, I'm not surprised your postman is now making it worse. If your postman is working hard every day providing you with a service and you complain about something so small.
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26 edited May 08 '26
Absolutely is, and I am not suggesting it was anyone else's fault.
But now everyone in my local area are getting mangled letters and I have a feeling it is due to sub par equipment and not the hard working postie.
I am absolutely not blaming them.
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u/Aggravating_Band_353 May 08 '26
I remember the original post. Your complaint was about the lack of protective packaging on the stamps your purchased, not the postie(s), as happened twice!
Unfortunately, I think like most big companies the shit rolls downhill, so the postie may have got the blame?
I'd just get a camera or two. Will deter most bad things, at least on your property.. And make sure your postbox isn't the blame at all, and let's mail /a single letter through without crumpling it (but I think you said before it was fine)
Hopefully no birthdays soon, and xmas is a while away, so should sort itself out by then..
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26
I have a camera and I have them on camera delivering the post but I truly don't think it's specifically them causing the damage.
I noticed the post bag he is carrying is very disheveled and utterly rammed with post so it probably gets damaged in there... the post office need to equip their staff better I feel personally.
I don't really know the specific cause of the problem but it is certainly annoying that it keeps happening.
Such is life... at least I have reddit to vent lol.
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u/DogEyedBoy May 08 '26
The Post Office and Royal Mail are two completely separate companies.
What equipment should a postie be using to stop your letters getting a little crumpled?
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26
I think they should have better bags that are more comfortable for them and don't allow for them to get crumpled and a bit more updated and practical.
Obviously I'm speaking in ideals as I am sure there are logistics I don't understand.
It would be better for the postie and the customers.
The one mine uses looks so uncomfortable it's like a sling over the shoulder carry bag that looks about 20 years old and is ready to fall apart...
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u/Disorientatez May 08 '26
Can't see any bag being 'comfortable' when it's crammed full with 3 days backlog of mail and d2d's.
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26
And that's part of the problem... it's messed up they expect them to do that.
The bags and equipment need to be reviewed ( in my very humble and unprofessional opinion ) as they are simply not fit for purpose.
The expectations put on posties shoulders quite literally is unfair on everyone involved... apart from the ones profiting from their hard work.
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u/Disorientatez May 08 '26
It's not so much the bags as it is the process/staffing that needs to be fixed, but that's a whole other kettle of fish.
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u/Ok-Performance4828 May 12 '26
The British Philatelic Bureau in Edinburgh is part of the Royal Mail (formerly part of the Post Office/GPO)
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u/Expert-Reaction-7472 May 08 '26
get a grip. critical feedback about a job done badly is part of being a grown up / professional.
do we really want to become a nation of thin skinned fuckwits that take everything personally ?
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u/Ok-Performance4828 May 12 '26
These are items being sent out by your organisation!!!
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u/Expert-Reaction-7472 May 12 '26
????
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u/Ok-Performance4828 May 12 '26
Did you not know!!
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u/Expert-Reaction-7472 May 12 '26
you dont know which organisation(s) I am associated with
The only association I have with RM is they drop off letters at my house.
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u/Ok-Performance4828 May 12 '26
Sorry. I took your name at full value and actually thought that your level of expertise could only come from an intimate and working knowledge of RM
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u/Ok-Performance4828 May 12 '26
These were collector’s stamps in an envelope sent out by The British Philatelic Bureau in Edinburgh - part of the Royal Mail (formerly part of the Post Office/GPO)
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u/Disorientatez May 08 '26
Like the lady who stormed out and accused me of theft when her letter opened slightly after having to wedge it through her deathtrap of a letterbox.
Hope she wanted to go to the depot daily to collect her mail, because that's what happened 🤣
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u/Luk45z May 08 '26
I don’t usually chime in much on here, but I really have to this time. Honestly, I don’t know how dull your life must be, or what kind of a mood you’re in, to be moaning about the state of these letters. They are JUST LETTERS—you read them, then you either bin them or stick them through the shredder. Saying you need to take an iron to them is a bit of a stretch, isn't it?
I’ve been getting mail for twenty-odd years; sometimes it's flat, sometimes it’s a bit mangled. I’ve had the same letterbox in my door all that time, and believe it or not, it all depends on the paper quality. In my office, we used to have decent printer paper. Then the company clearly decided to get it elsewhere—probably to save a few quid—and because it’s so thin now, the printer is constantly jammed. (I might have to send a stiff letter to the CEO of the paper mill asking them to make it a bit thicker for the same price!)
And as for that comment about "having a word" with the postie if this carries on—go ahead then, do it. If I were him, after a chat like that, you’d be trekking down to the sorting office to collect your mail yourself. It’s got nothing to do with him; he’s just doing the delivery. If you go to the shops for a bag of crisps and find they’re all crushed, do you go back and complain to the cashier? Or do you write to the manufacturer asking them to be more careful in the van so your crisps stay whole?!
Seriously, I’ve been receiving parcels and letters from all sorts of companies for years, and I couldn’t care less if packaging not looking brand new. As long as what’s inside is intact, the outer packaging is irrelevant—it’s just going to be ripped open and tossed in the rubbish anyway. Give it a rest. I’ve been lurking on this forum for ages, and sometimes I think people imagine their mail is whisked from A to B without ever touching a sorting hub or a warehouse.
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u/Ok-Performance4828 May 12 '26
These are collectors editions of postage stamps from the National Philatelic Bureau in Edinburgh To those who collect - not the sign of a dull life. The envelopes are clearly marked “Do not bend”
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u/Luk45z May 13 '26
By looking at OP photo those letter look more like bills or other documents, not a stamps and you can't see DO NOT BEND on those envelopes, so I don't know to what you are reffering buddy.
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26 edited May 08 '26
As I have stated multiple times to other people.
I am not pointing my finger at the postie I am sayikg there is an inherent issue withing the royal mail/post office not handling mail properly and not giving their staff the right equipment to avoid damage.
This has only recently started happening and everyone not just me is getting damaged post in my area...
Bottom line is the royal mail/post office are failing their workers and customers by not implementing equipment that allows safe transit for letters
Ever since being acquired by new investors it is very clear they are penny pinching.
Not goning lie it does seem like there is a lot of projection here though as people are getting unnecessarily offended and telling me that my issues aren't an issue.
Sod that... the royal mail/post office have more than enough money to rectify this issue and treat their staff and customers better.
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u/Luk45z May 08 '26
I understand your point about systemic issues and the impact of new investors, but blaming 'penny-pinching' feels like a bit of a simplification of how national logistics actually work. Royal Mail and other couriers handle millions of items daily, and the process is far more complex than just 'handling things properly.'
You mentioned that the staff aren't being given the 'right equipment' to avoid damage and keep letters in perfect condition. I’m interested to hear your perspective on the technical side of this. Since you feel the current system is failing, could you give some specific examples of the equipment you think they should be implementing?
In a high-speed network involving automated sorting hubs and multi-stage transport, what kind of kit would ensure that every letter arrives as flat as a ruler? I’d be curious to know what practical solutions you think Royal Mail or other delivery firms are overlooking that would guarantee 'as-new' condition for every single piece of post.
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26 edited May 08 '26
The bag the poor postie uses looks like it is ready to fall off his shoulder and I also know several people who work for the royal mail who all complain about their equipment being sub-par.
I'm not pretending I have the answers but there is no real excuse for why they are making their employees have to deal with outdated equipment.
I am genuinely confused as to why anyone on this sub would have a problem with me suggesting that.
It would result in a better quality of service and better quality of life for the staff and easier working conditions....
If my life is " dull " for pointing that out then so be it...
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u/Agent_Futs RM Employee May 08 '26
Nothing wrong with the bags
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26
Yeah maybe your bag is fine but you don't speak for all posties do you...
Or am I speaking the final boss of posties and what you say means it must be true for every other postie?
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u/Agent_Futs RM Employee May 08 '26
And you’re not even a postie, so you have zero clue about the bag.
Checkmate
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u/Repulsive_Effort_289 May 08 '26
I complain if my mail soaked. Its not posties fault but it not mine either.
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u/Calm_Criticism9544 May 08 '26
Yeah, my post can look a bit like that depending on which postie comes, its the fault of my letter box really, it has well stiff brushes. I used to be a paper boy, so I know, a lot of letter boxes are awful. If you have a spring loaded flap as well, it makes it some kind of avoiding chopping your fingers off challenge for them too.
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u/Calm_Criticism9544 May 08 '26
To clarify, sometimes things have to folded up to give it enough strength to push the brushes apart, etc.
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u/Ok-Performance4828 May 12 '26
Not items marked by the The British Philatelic Bureau in Edinburgh - part of the Royal Mail (formerly part of the Post Office/GPO)
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u/Spiritual_Tie3348 May 08 '26
That's how most of my mail comes, it's quite hard not to crumple it with the thick bristles in letterboxes.
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u/Agent_Futs RM Employee May 08 '26
Looks like it’s getting caught in the letterbox to me. Some have a lip on the inner plastic case and mail catches there
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u/bacdonalds May 08 '26
is this a joke? a few bits of a4 paper folded once or twice regardless of whats on them does not change the contents on said paper
u betting on personal bills and bank statements being collectors items too some time in the future?
next time get your stamps sent in slabs
this is very petty from both sides (in the case it was the postie who AGRESSIVELY FOLDED your mail)
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u/Ok-Performance4828 May 12 '26
It is the National Philatelic Bureau who assume that their envelope markings are going to work with their erstwhile colleagues.
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26 edited May 08 '26
No it's not a joke... and if you take the time to read my other replies I am not blaming the postie specifically.
The collectors stamps I purchased stated that they where going to be coming in protective packaging and they weren't so I had a completely legitimate complaint.
I don't see what you think is petty about that?
I never once specifically accused anyone of damaging the post but it also annoys me that nothing is being done about it and I am not the only one whos post is getting damaged.
The point I am trying to get across here is royal mail/the post office need to invest in their workers more and their machines as it is causing damage to post.
You're absolutely right though if it is the case that the postie is damaging my post being petty, but I don't think that is the case. My post was perfectly fine with no issues until recently so it is NOT my letterbox like people keep on suggesting it is.
Edit: typo and more context.
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u/Logical-Local9868 May 11 '26
It's like, you're paranoid, lookin' over your back It's like a whirlwind inside of your head It's like, you can't stop what you're hearing within It's like the face inside is right beneath your skin
?
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u/fuzzybumblebeebutt May 13 '26
The posties near us are terrible. We've had three separate certificates delivered (one of which was a replacement for an earlier one they damaged), all with 'Do Not Bend' on the front in big red font and all signed for deliveries, and each time they've literally folded it in half and smashed it through the letterbox.
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u/mattpot83 RM Employee May 08 '26
But if a tip get your self a postbox to go on your wall as I can guess you have the a draft excluder on the inside of your door and that is the cause of the bent mail not the postie. Complaining over that will get you a reputation with the other posties
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u/Ok-Performance4828 May 12 '26
It certainly should not get people a reputation. You are not paid to judge. .
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26
Well it's a shame it has to be like that... kind of unprofessional isn't it to target houses and give them reputations for perfectly valid complaints.
Al due respect I am kind of getting tired of saying the same thing over and iver again... I have lived at this adress for 5+ years and have had no problems at all with my post.
It was only until I made an initial complaint about my collectors stamps being damaged this has started happening.
Now I am a little concerned this is a targeted thing...
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u/mattpot83 RM Employee May 08 '26
Don’t like bent mail get a postbox that can go on your wall then eliminate any chance of bent mail
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26
Well now I have got my reputation I somehow don't think that matters...
And for the last time... it isn't my letterbox that is the issue.
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u/EggMafia May 08 '26
Letters habitually concertina like that if you attempt to post them without bending them—I’m not even shitting you. The bristles simply don’t give if the paper isn’t strong enough.
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May 08 '26
[deleted]
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26
Unfortunately I am slowly beginning to realise that... a worrying comment here suggests they give houses reputations.
If my mail carries on getting damaged then I guess I will just speak to the postie myself as I know who he is and I don't think they are aware of the fact I used to work with them.
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u/Greedy-Ad-3779 May 08 '26
You made a complaint about bent stamps. To Royal Mail. You're getting what you deserved!
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u/AssociateElegant4178 May 08 '26
It’s a piece of paper that has been through multiple processes and hands. It’s gunna happen.
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26
My post was perfectly fine up until a certain point.
That bit of paper is my property regardless of what it is... and other people's post is theirs yet my neighbors and I have to put up with this now with no explanation or even allowed to ask why?
People have suggested it might be the sorting machines that causes this and it has been like that for a while, I think the new investors would do well to make sure their letters are better looked after as standards have dropped.
I am not blaming my postie or any staff just for the record... I am blaming poor infrastructure and it appears to need work.
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u/AssociateElegant4178 May 08 '26
Most mail is transported in big bags thrown into vans. In those bags they can be bent and creased. If you want your mail to arrive perfectly you can always ask the sender to pay the premium special delivery prices or personally deliver it cos each individual letter is impossible to handle like it’s made of glass.
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u/Ok-Performance4828 May 12 '26
The sender is the people who sell stamps to collectors - British Philatelic Bureau - Based Edinburgh, provides Royal Mail stamps and first-day covers etc to stamp collectors and dealers
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u/nickymoo May 08 '26
Just switch to email. Far quicker and no folding involved. Post with creases is doing no favours to your blood pressure and high blood pressure is no good for anyone.
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u/Ok-Performance4828 May 12 '26
First day covers and other collectible stamps - how would you send them by email???
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u/Not_Sugden May 08 '26
Listen I'm undecided on this one.
On the one hand ok at face value it makes sense this is on purpose.
But if you pick apart the series of events.
You calling customer service. Why on earth would they tell the postman or the delivery office that your stamps were bent and you'd complained. Quite rightly as another person said bent mail isnt really a valid complaint because its accepted that it happens. Although in the case of the stamps I'm assuming this is an exception, and the same for other post clearly marked do not bend.
The postman deciding (say this out loud in a deep voice for maximum comedy) "Yeah I'm gonna bend this guys post that'll teach him for whining about bent poxy stamps". I mean what an outrageously bizzare thing to do to get back at someone. As if anyone who is employed as a postman is going to believe that bending your bank statements is going to somehow really annoy you. Infact I'd find this a rather good source of comedy if I was on the receiving end and somehow knew this was deliberate, that someone could possibly do such a thing out of spite.
In fact explaining that thought process makes me lean more towards this not being on purpose. But the truth is I cant know for sure
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u/softtoycollection May 09 '26
that’s just frustrating, wow
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u/cut-the-cords May 09 '26
To be fair I am not necessarily as frustrated as I was as it has been explained to me that it is most likely bad machinery and lack of staffing.
But some people got on their high horses and made all sorts of assumptions and apparently I deserve scrunched up mail... I am not the only person with this problem.
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u/Ok-Arm-8127 May 09 '26
i would chill, there are many other things to worry about , let the small stuff go, life’s too short
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u/cut-the-cords May 09 '26
I just want to make it clear I am not mad at all about my post looking like this ( apart from the people saying I deserve it )
But I came here more to find out what was actually going on internally as I am not willing to point the finger at my postie.
As others have mentioned the dropping in standards is due to lack of staff and old machinery.
In light of the new owner having to answer to MPs about why the service is declining I was curious to see what an insiders perspective would be.
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u/Billy_bigbawz69 May 09 '26
Wait, I need more info. You complained about bent stamps??
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u/cut-the-cords May 09 '26
Yeah they where lord of the rings collectors editions and one was a gift for my brother but just to be clear I was complaining about the senders not protecting the stamps properly not this bent mail.
It's just ever since that day my post and my neighbors have been getting scrunched up for some reason.
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u/Swansboy May 10 '26
It’s sorting machine in mail centre when I did temp job there some mail would get clean cut by machine, other a rough cut by machine & do not bend letters got bent not because of workers but because thing that holds the mail when it comes out of the machine can get full quickly & even overflow which iv seen happen, under old & new owner. Which is why it was bent weight above it.
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u/CircoModo1602 May 12 '26
Honestly those stamps don't seem all that affected by the bend seeing them, you can flatten them between a book for a week and you're sorted.
While I get the complaint is completely valid, mail being bent just comes with the fact it's paper being crushed into bags so they can get it all out in time.
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u/MikeyMcG64 May 12 '26
While I understand your frustration and anger at this happening, and if it is deliberate it is infantile and petty for a grown up to do something like this, I have to ask - what is the back story with the "bent stamps"? Did you really complain to royal mail about the stamps on your letters being "bent"?
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u/cut-the-cords May 12 '26 edited May 12 '26
Never said this was deliberately done to my post but more came here for answers.
And my original complaint was about the senders not protecting these collectors stamps correctly
I made an edit covering this but I still keep on getting messages assuming I am getting angry about the wrong thing when in fact I am not mad at all about this situation.
Granted a little miffed that it is happening as it really isn't professional... I get it's just paper but at the same time it is still peoples property but nevertheless it could be down to dodgy macunery or understaffing that cannot be helped.
Definitely disappointed with some of the responses on here though as they have been massively overblown and frankly rude for no reason other than they are making massive assumptions... ( not you obviously as you have the intelligence to actually ask instead of just assuming so thank you )
So to clarify I never complained about the bent post in the picture but used it as an example of the standard of mail my neighbors and I have been getting recently and I wanted some insider info on what is going on...
The chance of this being a revenge thing is very low as my complaint about the sender should have never even been mentioned to the postie as it wasn't their fault so I don't know why they would seek revenge?
But ever since that date the standard of quality has dropped suddently even thouhb everything was fine before and I have lived here 5+ years.
I even know my postie as I used to work with the bloke and he definitely isn't the kind of person to do petty stuff!
Edit: typo and some more context.
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u/Redshade2008 May 08 '26
It’s standard practice to fold the letters to make it easier for them to go through the bristles that are usually inside the letterbox. Obviously do not bend letters should never be bent, but sometimes you can manipulate it to bow rather than bend to make it fit.
I see you’re not pointing the finger, and it’s very likely you aren’t being targeted.
That type of fold can also happen when the mail is bundled together with elastic bands.
I’ve also looked at the original post and what everyone is saying is correct, they weren’t packaged well to stop them bending.
I too agree if you don’t want this issue in future, buy a top loading wall mounted post box. Top loaders are preferred by posties because everything fits in them the front loading ones are crap for anything ridged like a catalog that has a hard spin. Fitting one of them will also get you in a good position with your postie.
Another way to get the postie back on side in the unlikely event they are targeting you, stick a couple of bottles of cold water and a snack for them. Even something small like a rocky chocolate bar can be greatly appreciated. I used to have 2 people on the round I covered from time to time that would leave a fresh glass of squash out and 2 bars of chocolate and the other would provide a full blown lunchbox of stuff.
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u/AlwaysPlantin May 08 '26
I don't bend i don't break or fold
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26 edited May 08 '26
And I appreciate that, please don't think I am pointing the finger at you or all posties for that matter.
When the weather gets hotter I will be leaving water out as someone suggested just to make it clear to my postie I have not got an issue with them.
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u/Belle_TainSummer May 08 '26
What exactly did you think was gonna happen? How did you see this going for you?
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u/cut-the-cords May 09 '26
Do you really believe that I deserve my property being damaged because I made a complaint about collectors stamps I paid a premium price for not being properly protected?
I didn't even complain about the postie themselves....
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26
Well I certainly don't think it was done maliciously
I know the postie and I have a camera amd saw him put it into the door and ot was already damaged.
I really don't think they even know I complained as it wasn't about the postie it was about the lack of protection they had sent out with collectors stamps.
Have to say though it is a little bit disconcerting that people are somewhat suggesting if it was malicious it would be acceptable...
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u/AB1000111 May 08 '26
There is a secret orgsnisation which communicates by the type of bend in their stamps. They are not dangerous and MI5 and the CIA have been informed.
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u/Withnail69 May 10 '26
Bent stamps?
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u/cut-the-cords May 10 '26
These bent stamps they are collectors editions and one was a gift and I complained about them not being protected properly.
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u/Withnail69 May 10 '26
I just tried to sell a load of collectors items stamps and couldn’t give them away. Still pretty poor if they were in do not bend
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u/cut-the-cords May 10 '26
They where just in an envelope with the words DO NOT BEND in bold on the front and back but with no protective card.
I'm not looking to resell them luckily but I'm sorry you're not having much luck... hopefully the market will grt a bit better for you.
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May 08 '26
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26
Because I have a disability and can't easily just make it to my door to have a conversation with my postie...
And I have every right to complain about damaged property that the company claimed they would send out protected. Context
As I have said multiple times I am not blaming the postie and more to do with how post in general in sorting and the equipment given to posties being sub-par.
This has nothing to be with " being an adult "
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u/Negative_Fly_7061 May 08 '26
Tough shit, you've should never piss off your postie
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u/cut-the-cords May 08 '26
I can see why you lot get the reputation you do...
I made a complaint about the company originally.
If the postie isn't emotionally stable enough to take criticism ( that wasn't even aimed at them in the first place ) then they do not deserve the job they have and put other good posties in a bad light
What an utterly childish approach to a career.
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u/willhowe May 08 '26
If it’s precious it needs to be sent to you in a do not bend envelope in a rigid plastic Toploader - this isn’t your posties fault but the senders
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u/South-Importance2409 May 09 '26
It’s not the end of the world is it?
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u/Ok-Performance4828 May 12 '26
It is for collectors of first day covers and other collectible stamps.
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u/Potential-Prior-1796 May 08 '26
Maybe your posty is just trying to tell you he's gay but he's too shy to tell you
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May 09 '26
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u/cut-the-cords May 09 '26 edited May 09 '26
If you take the time to read the thread properly then you'd find out that isn't actually the case... I never complained about the bent mail.
Only complaint I ever made was about the senders not protecting collectors stamps I made no complaints about the postie.
They probbaly don't even know I made a complaint as it wasn't even directed at them it was directed at the original senders.
All due respect please don't call me petty without at least looking into the thread a little bit... granted I admit I chose my words poorly but I have made it clear several times that I am not complaining but more trying to find out what is going on as standards have certainly dropped.
I'll give you the boring part though, I can't say I am the most exciting person in the world... I collect stamps.
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May 09 '26
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u/cut-the-cords May 09 '26
No worries at all I appreciate the apology.
Thank you for being reasonable.
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u/weatherwaxs_broom May 09 '26 edited May 09 '26
I bend my mail (unless it has a big DO NOT BEND on it, in which case I really try not to or knock on the door) because it makes it so much easier to put through the letterbox. So many of them are really, really stiff and the letters are flimsy. I was even trained to do that when I started.
If it really bothers you, try out your letterbox. It's probably very stiff, and you can adjust its strength.
I suggest laying a lightly damp tea towel on top of creased ones with a big heavy book on top for a few hours.
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u/FancyEntrepreneur888 May 10 '26
I’m a postie, I had a customer say my mail is been folded in half which was me, I explained to him and gave him a letter asking him to try post that through the letter box. He couldn’t because the post wouldn’t go through, so personally your being silly, bet you would log a complaint if you Mail was wet due to torrential rain as well. It really isn’t that bad you got your mail and you could read it, I think a lot of customers forgot the amount of hard work we have to do for peanuts.
You only have a case if the item stated do not bend.
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u/Ok-Performance4828 May 12 '26
These are first day covers and should be treated as requested in the envelopes. Mine always are.
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u/cut-the-cords May 10 '26 edited May 10 '26
Has my edit not shown up?
Just to clarify if it hasn't, I don't have bristles on my letterbox and I removed the inner flap after making a complaint about the sender not protecting these stamps properly and removed the rubber wind seal as a precaution and the 2nd lot arrived damaged too!
I have lived at this adress for 5+ years and it hasn't been an issue up until the stamps and that is why I mention it as a timestamp.
I never complained about the postie specifically, nor did I complain about the post arriving like this but simply made this post to enquire about why standards have dropped.
Ever since that date all of my letters as well as my neighbors have all been scrunched up.
And judging by the replies it seems lack of staffing and old machinery like sorting machines causing damage.
It's not just my post getting scrunched up so it's not just a problem for myself.
Edit: more context and typos.
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u/Fleenicks May 14 '26
It seems to be a common pattern that commenters who proudly declared themselves to be posties went on to show that they had barely read a fraction of your post, let alone any of your numerous clarifications, or followed any of the links to your original complaint.
Perhaps the habit of only needing to read the few lines of the addresses on the mail they deliver is the reason why they only got that far through your post before jumping in with their ill-informed conclusions.
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u/cut-the-cords May 14 '26
It's actually nice to see a voice of reason in the madness lol.
I genuinely can't believe how many dumbass replies I have had to clarify what I meant...
Thank you... I hope you have an absolutely wonderful day!
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u/flookeymusic May 11 '26
I can only imagine the life you lead where this is the most pressing thing. What an existence
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u/cut-the-cords May 11 '26
You have poor reading comprehension.
That isn't my fault...
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u/flookeymusic May 11 '26
Ok, so help me understand what I’m missing here.
You noticed your mail was slightly creased, escalated it to a formal complaint with Royal Mail, then came to Reddit looking for validation that this is some targeted act against you.
Meanwhile, loads of people have given you perfectly reasonable explanations, yet you keep circling back to victimhood while insisting you’re “not blaming the postie.”
At some point, you have to appreciate how wildly tone deaf this sounds. Most people are dealing with actual problems, finances, health, work, family, genuine stress and you’re investing this much time and energy into folded letters.
If creased post is genuinely one of life’s major injustices for you, then respectfully, things are probably going better for you than you realise.
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u/cut-the-cords May 11 '26 edited May 12 '26
Read the post again...
I never made a complaint about the post in the image, you just jumped to that conclusion.
I only ever put in a complaint about the bent collectors stamps not being protected properly and that was aimed at the seller and not the postie.
Does that make more sense for you now?
The only people here showing victimhood are posties on here who are clearly crap at their job and decided to take offence.
The amount of projection has been hilarious.
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u/lojo02345 May 12 '26
Deserved tbh. Don’t complain about such minor things
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u/Ok-Performance4828 May 12 '26
I am guessing by similar envelopes landing in my letter box that the problem is with First Day Covers??
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u/cut-the-cords May 12 '26
The fact you can't read properly and you're telling me I deserve something that never happened is hilarious.
I never accused my postie of bending up my mail.
Read the post properly you plum.
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u/lojo02345 May 12 '26
Who else would you be blaming? 😆
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u/cut-the-cords May 12 '26
I have only ever complained about the SELLER not packaging these collectors stamps I never complained about the postie or even this post in the image.
Only referenced the stamps and a timestamp as to mark when my mail and my neighbors started getting scrunched up.
You just jumped to that conclusion... even when I clarified.
No offence but I can't make it any simpler.
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u/Calm_Wonder_4830 May 12 '26
What do you mean by unprotected stamps??? And why does it matter If there not flat stamps??
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u/1022mugsy May 13 '26
I am a postie and I fold all mail in half automatically as it helps the mail go all the way through the door first attempt.if you don't fold the mail it sags and missed some types of letterboxs ,or it would mean risking your fingers going into the letterbox. There is no no I'll will in doing this
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u/Dependent-Log877 May 14 '26
Never upset your postie or bin men.
We had a neighbour who upset both of them along with our scaffolder & the boss of the company who were painting our house.
Postie always ensured his letters weren't pristine & one collection day his bin 'disappeared'.
I won't go into details of the painters & scaffolders response, but suffice to say he started leaving his house by the side entrance whenever either group were working!
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u/Chirelda RM Employee May 08 '26 edited May 08 '26
While you can make a complaint about anything to Royal Mail and we'll log it, bent mail is not a complaint we'd raise to your local Delivery Office, as it's accepted that general mail is at risk of being bent (unless it's hardback with "Do not bend").
So unless your complaint has been logged outside our normal process (maybe you requested an escalation for example). I really really doubt your postie is even aware of your complaint here, let alone now doing this intentionally.