ATLANTA — As 11Alive continues to hear from hundreds of viewers regarding missing mail and packages connected to a new United States Postal Service distribution facility in Palmetto, small business owners say they, too, are feeling the impact on their wallet.
Owner of Balanced Momentz, a skincare and candle company, Antionette Bibbs told 11Alive she runs her business as clean and efficient as possible -- which is why she feels like her pristine reputation is being soiled by issues related to the USPS facility in Palmetto.
“They don’t care because we’re small change to them, and it does affect my livelihood because if I can’t get my product to someone in a timely manner, especially when they’ve paid for priority, then it’s going to reflect on me, not the post office," Bibbs explained.
The small business owner said she's been waiting for weeks now on supplies that are critical to launching her new merchandise line. She added that hundreds of dollars in supplies have been stuck between Palmetto and Atlanta since early March with no answers from the post office as to when it will arrive.
“Had they communicated properly two weeks ago, I could have re-ordered, even though that’s extra money," Bibbs said.
Despite her frustration, she said she can empathize with the postal workers caught up in this mess because she's been there before.
“I have worked a short stint at the Crown Road facility myself," she explained. "I’m sure they’re overworked at this point, definitely, because if the mail is piling up, the work is piling up. I’m sure."
Full coverage: Postal problems
Early Friday, for the first time, 11Alive was able to speak with an employee inside of the facility in Palmetto. She didn't want to go on camera for fear for her job, but she shared that “it looks like it may be getting better."
"It may take a little time," she said, adding that empathized with those frustrated, as she's enduring delays with her own mail.
"I’m just being patient," the employee said. "Everybody just be patient. We’re working as hard as we can."
While employees beg for the community's patience, business owners like Bibbs said she can only wait so long because their livelihoods hang in the balance.
Those experiencing delays or who have not received mail can contact the newsroom with your concerns as we continue to cover this story. Fill out our online form below, and someone from our news team will follow up with you.