Delivery men have their "UPS" and "Browns"

During a holiday party the other day, as you might expect, the conversation included a little discussion about Christmas gift giving.  We commented on the changes from your traditional store shopping to the now popular purchasing of gifts online, and of course, each had its own valued and unique properties.  We all agreed, that if shipping was included, making purchases on line could be a cost, as well as a time saving measure, and if you buy on line, there is one additional benefit that may frequently be overlooked.

How many times have you waited longingly for a letter or package to come, perhaps from a relative or after sending in some coupons.  In the old days, that occurred commonly.  In fact, I remember collecting box tops, and after gathering enough of them, I'd then send them in to be redeemed and then came the challenge of waiting.  Nowadays however, with today's speedy air transport and the expectations of consumers, the faster it arrives, the better.

Not that long ago, the internet was just burgeoning, but now it would be difficult to manage some of our affairs without it.  In fact, the online retail shopping has well, "virtually" exploded.  Online retailers offer deals, just like their storefront counterparts, but many of them include shipping and handling for the same price as in the stores.  Of course, the time, effort, and gas to physically go shopping may make this online stuff a more attractive option.  However, the purists wouldn't care to miss out on the social part of the experience, and recalling some of the family trips to Boston, to view the lights on The Boston Common, Santa's Village on the top floor of Jordan's, lunch at Bailey's, ending with mass at the Arch Street church, there are a few things that online shopping will never replace, nor should it.

However, even with all the changes as a consequence of online shopping, the internet based retailers can't replace the good old fashioned delivery man, and I am not sure they ever will.  How else would those purchases make their way into the hands of the buyers if it wasn't for those hardy foot soldiers from UPS, USPS, Fed Ex, and all the other delivery companies?  Each of us was able to share a story or two of the mailman or the UPS man stopping in for a few friendly words while transacting their business. 

Yes, the internet has changed the way holiday shopping or for that matter, some everyday shopping is carried out.  Now, instead of a person behind the counter, we now talk to an operator handling the orders or simply place an order without the benefit of any personal contact.  However, when those packages arrive at the door, it is your delivery man who becomes the “face” behind all that activity.  So, the next time the delivery man stops by to drop off a package, be sure you say a kind word, because they are people just like you and me.  The delivery men of today are the milk men of yesteryear, and that makes them special!