Post box and registered mail

[LivinLOS]

Confused as I posted this today and cant imagine why it would have been deleted.

I have a post office box at the local central post office. I only go once a month or so and its primarily used for banking / statements / stuff like that.

I tried to ask them today what happens if a registered package arrives, something to be signed for. The response I had was "dont worry we will inform you" but the point that seemed lost was if I am only checking the box every couple of months, the package would be returned if its registered mail. That bit didnt seem to process and I couldnt get it past the language barrier.

I seriously doubt they phone to tell you its there..

Anyone have experience of what happens to registered mail at a rarely checked post box ??

[CharlieH]

In my experience, someone will sign a book in the post office, then a card is placed in your box to go collect the parcel held inside.

If you know a registered item is being sent why would you leave it months ? Dont get that bit

[LivinLOS]

But the items get sent back after 4 weeks.. I had this at my house, once they maybe forgot the pink slip, and the second one I was away for a few weeks, by the time I returned the item had been sent back.

And obviously I dont know when I am going to get mail.. How can I know ?? Stuff gets sent to me and when I open the mailbox I find what I have. Thats how post works !! If I knew something was coming registered I would check more regularly. I am trying to work out what happens when a 'surprise' registered package (as happens with a bunch of my credit debit banking cards / access devices / loyalty etc) arrives.

[JLCrab]

I have had the same post office box at the central PO for almost 10 years. For 8+ years I lived 2 minutes from the PO. Now I live about a half hour away. Although I mostly know when I am expecting important stuff in advance, things certainly do arrive unexpectedly.

That said, if you have a post office box and you do not check it every week or two, what's the point?

[lungbing]

Send yourself a registered letter and see what happens.

[LivinLOS]

Send yourself a registered letter and see what happens.

Of course.. Good thinking..

[LivinLOS]

That said, if you have a post office box and you do not check it every week or two, what's the point?

Because it

1) keeps my corporate mail, for offshore tax efficient structures separated from my home address.

2) Keeps my banking and investment correspondence unified and not giving a legal residential address.

3) Means none of it changes if I move house.

4) Keeps it safe (and dry) while I am away.. I have spent the last couple of years only at this address <50% of my time.

Its usually a bunch of old statements, banking transfer confirms, etc etc.. Every once in a while tho I am surprised like when HSBC sent out new access devices.