My own PO has been, for the most part, fabulous. Many times I've gone in with a lot of boxes, held up lines, etc, but clerks have not bugged me. I feel SO blessed given the struggles some others have.

I've been conscious of how much work I make for them, though; I know when I come in with a dolly-full, the line piles up behind me, then they have a pile of unhappy campers behind me, etc.  So a couple things I do extra-consciously:

1. Smile and say hello. I'm aware that sometimes my 'nonexpression' on my face---or what I think is no expression---can come across grumbly or irritated. So I pull pollyanna out of my pocket!
2. Greet the clerk by name. They wear nametags, so I use them! I chat a little, and jot a note to myself about anything they say---if they talk about their kids, I can ask how Josh did in the football game, etc.
3. Have allllll my paperwork complete before going in. I know the junkies probably all do that already!
   
4. Acknowledge their job is tough and I appreciate them. Today I treated the clerks to 2dozen cookies and a thank you card. They barely looked at the card and dove into the sweets, lol. One of them looked across at me and said, "You're a real nice American. You even care about us." I'm not sure if that's true, but a little quasi-bribery goes a long way to soften a heart to help us in what we do!
5. Order my supplies online when I can. They always offer me boxes and forms and labels, but I try to keep up with my needs by ordering online. And I let them know I do that to make their day go easier. 
6. Have some blank cards on hand so they can write to the troops too. I often tell them I'll pick theirs up next week when I'm in, and they sometimes do come through---and they are more 'invested' in what I do since their notes go in them too.
7. Share a huge and hearty thank you FROM THE TROOPS. I remind them that they're not helping me, they're helping our nation's heroes. And I try to do so loudly enough that the people in line behind me hear that it's for the troops. It engenders a lot of patience! And often a conversation or two as I'm leaving, as well.

This kind of stuff can be really hard if you have a grumpy PO to deal with, and if you've had bad experiences with them in the past....but a good relationship is hard to beat. My clerks go the extra mile for me, regularly making recommendatinos and offering help, etc. Try to pick one thing (or come up with something that works for you) and give it a shot next time you go in! Even if it's just a thankyou card for them to post on the breakroom bulletin board.

 (I'm considering asking the supervisor there if I can have a table there some Saturday to have customers sign cards...another way to build a bridge so they know what I'm doing and for whom!)

Kuddos to you!  That's great.... Love your ideas........sorry to say I gave up on my P.O. a long time ago lol

Sandy...

Great advice on the PO and how to make it a better adventure!!!!   As for the table on a Saturdday.........it wouldn't hurt to ask.   We used to (on our days off) have bake sales outside the PO and raise money for the American Cancer Society.   Our postmaster (1) of course new us (2) thought it was good public relations with the customers know we were supporting the ACS, (3) gave everyone inside a good way to spend lunch/break time and (4) many people liked to take goodies back to their offices after making a run to the PO.     I think the idea of setting up a table with cards is a great idea.   It will be on an individual Postmaster decision.   Some places can do it if the USPS does NOT own the building.   If it is a USPS owned building, they might not be able to.     But..........a wonderful idea............good luck with it.

Love peace and blessings.......Annne Marie

MY mom is a retired Post Master and everyone at our local post office knows me by name and has since i was wee little (I cant get away with anything!) I do however call ahead when I take a truckload of packages to send. The post master here gives me a time to come and he has a clerk meet me at the dock. No holding up the line, no huffy customers and no waiting!

You might call your post office and see if you can arrange for the same deal....worth asking.

 HI

 I had 20 care packages in my car to mail. I was crossing my fingers, and whatever esle would cross<S>, that I could ship them all at once and get the postage all on teh same receipt. I didn't go to our post office in town. They are wonderful people but  processing teh packages is slow.........so I drove a bit to another post office where a clerk , who works in both local and that office, wasa on duty. before i brought anything in I  told them I had 20 care packages to ship, would like to do it all at once and could they handle that?  They said No Problem. I again asked, Are you sure? I don't want to get in  any customers way, etc. Again, No Problem. so I began lugging everything in.   One lady saw all the stuff and said "I'd help you but I have my dog with me".  I sweetly replied..Have a Nice day. lol

 The clerks were wonderful!!!!!!!!! Efficient, talkative about AnySoldier, and extremely pleasant.

I am going back with a small thank you basket. They deserve it!

I admit I left there with a huge smile in my heart.