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Visit your local Post Office™ at 5730 Cottonworth Ave to find everything you need to send mail and ship packages. Explore our other products and services like money orders, Post Office™ boxes, passports, gift cards, and more
Many customers reported rude and unhelpful behavior from staff, with several instances of employees being dismissive or condescending.
Operational Issues
Frequent complaints about the post office not opening on time, being closed during posted hours, and poor handling of passport appointments.
Mixed Experiences
While some customers praised individual staff members for their helpfulness, the overall sentiment leaned towards dissatisfaction with service quality.
Delivery Problems
Numerous reviews highlighted issues with mail and package delivery, including misdelivered items and missing packages.
BK
Bmore Kind
2 days ago
1.0
This is consistently the worst post office I've ever experienced. The people that staff the front of this post office are rude, demeaning, and have zero customer service skills. They need to be moved to a new non-customer facing function. This post office never seems to open on time - I've been there at 9:00am, the posted opening time, on numerous occasions and have to wait 15-20 minutes for someone to show up to unlock the door despite clearly hearing many people in back sorting mail. Upon unlocking the door, they roll their eyes and ask why you need full service assistance, as if someone would wait 15 minutes when they could just drop a letter in a mailbox.
They won't perform passport services during the posted hours for passport services. They won't scan in a package with a prepaid label on it. They won't weigh a letter for you to ensure it has enough postage on it. They roll their eyes and sigh when you say you need to buy stamps and rarely seem to have the seasonal stamps offered. They make demeaning comments to people clearly on the autistic spectrum about their harmless stimming habits. They make personal comments about people that are inappropriate and just plain cruel.
Everyone has a bad day now and then, but this post office isn't that - it's consistently staffed by rude, demeaning, people with an attitude not providing the basic services that a post office supposedly provides. If USPS refuses to move these employees to a new role that better fits their skills, then they ought to at minimum put in more self-service tools in the lobby of this post office so people can get packages scanned, buy stamps, and weigh mail without having to "inconvenience" the people at the front counter.
CS
Callie Simon
Dec 27, 2025
5.0
Staff were incredibly helpful, kind, and patient amongst the holiday rush.
HM
Hal Mendelson
Dec 25, 2025
5.0
I moved to Mt. Washington from another part of Baltimore County and find it hard to believe the terrible reviews. I have gone to the Post Office several times and have had nothing but positive experiences.
YA
Yossi Abenson
Dec 22, 2025
1.0
Made an appointment for passport application for 3 kids. Showed up and was told the agent who does passports was not there. Extremely unprofessional. Would advise to avoid this post office
ES
Eric Shost
Dec 8, 2025
1.0
I approached the counter to mail a letter via Certified Mail with Return Receipt. I had already completed PS Form 3800 and the green return-receipt card to the best of my ability and politely asked the clerk—identified only as Clerk #7 (female employee, no name tag displayed)—whether anything was missing.
Clerk #7 informed me that the recipient’s address still needed to be filled out on the return-receipt card. She pointed at the form in a vague manner and spoke in an abrupt, unaccommodating tone. When I politely asked for clarification on exactly which line she meant, she displayed visible frustration and pointed again without further verbal assistance.
I stepped a few feet to the side of the counter—an area where I have completed forms on numerous prior visits without issue—to add the missing address. Clerk #7 immediately instructed me, in a sharp and condescending tone, to “step back” entirely from the counter area. The manner of the directive clearly appeared intended to assert authority rather than to serve any legitimate operational need.
After completing the address, I returned to the counter and politely asked Clerk #7, “Can you send the letter now?” She responded with a curt “No,” immediately closed the service window, and refused to process my mailing.
I calmly requested to speak with a supervisor. Supervisor Kay Martin arrived. While I was explaining the situation in a polite and calm manner, Clerk #7 repeatedly interrupted and spoke over me. I informed Ms. Martin that Clerk #7 appeared to have an attitude problem and that I simply wished to mail my letter.
Ms. Martin stepped away for approximately five minutes, then informed me that no other clerk was available to log into the system. When I asked whether Clerk #7 could still assist me, Ms. Martin stated that Clerk #7 “did not feel comfortable” serving me. When I asked for the specific reason—reiterating that I had remained courteous throughout—Ms. Martin was unable to provide any justification. Eventually, Ms. Martin processed the transaction herself using Clerk #7’s login credentials.
No apology was offered by either employee, and no effort was made to remedy the poor experience beyond eventually completing the mailing.
I regard this incident as unprofessional conduct, an unjustified refusal of service, and an inappropriate exercise of supervisory discretion.
I respectfully request that this matter be fully investigated, that appropriate corrective action or training be implemented, and that I receive a written response detailing the findings and any measures taken to prevent similar incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions About United States Postal Service
Can I get a passport application at this Post Office?
Yes, Thousands of Post Offices™ accept first-time passport applications for the U.S. Department of State. Most of those locations can also take your passport photo. Please complete and print your passport application form before you apply.
Is an appointment needed for passport services?
Most Post Offices that offer passport services have set hours, and you'll need to schedule an appointment using our online scheduler. We also offer limited Passport walk-in hours at select locations.
Does this location take the photo needed for passports?
For first-time passport and photo services, please make an appointment using our online scheduler.
What is the cost to take a passport photo?
The current fee for a passport photo at USPS is $15.
When does this location do walk-in passports?
We offer limited Passport walk-in hours at select locations.
Can I get a PO Box online?
Yes, you can search for available PO Boxes and reserve one online at https://www.usps.com/manage/po-boxes.htm. The process is quick and secure, and you'll receive instructions for completing your setup in person.
How much is a small PO Box?
PO Box prices vary by location. You can check exact pricing for your area by visiting https://www.usps.com/manage/po-boxes.htm and entering your ZIP Code.
Can you get to the PO Boxes in the lobby after hours?
Most USPS locations offer 24/7 access to PO Boxes in the lobby. Access hours may vary by location, so check with your local Post Office for specific lobby hours.
How can I get a PO Box?
You can apply for a PO Box online or in person at your local Post Office. Just bring two valid forms of ID and your completed application if applying in person. To start online, visit https://www.usps.com/manage/po-boxes.htm.
What time can I check my PO Box weekly and on weekends?
You can check your PO Box during lobby hours, which often include extended hours or 24/7 access. Weekend access may vary. Check with your local Post Office for exact times.
What services does the United States Postal Service at 5730 Cottonworth Ave offer?
They provide mailing and shipping services, money orders, Post Office boxes, passports, gift cards, and more.
Can I get a passport application and photo at this Post Office?
Yes, this location accepts first-time passport applications and offers passport photo services by appointment.
Do I need to schedule an appointment for passport services at this Post Office?
Yes, most passport services require an appointment through the online scheduler; limited walk-in hours may be available.
What are the operating hours of the USPS location at 5730 Cottonworth Ave?
Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and closed on Sundays.
How can I reserve a PO Box at this Post Office?
You can search and reserve PO Boxes online at the USPS website and complete setup in person at the location.
Is there 24/7 access to PO Boxes at this Post Office?
Many USPS locations offer 24/7 PO Box lobby access, but access hours may vary. Check with this location for specifics.
What is the cost of a passport photo at this Post Office?
The current fee for a passport photo is $15.
How can nearby BotaniCuisine restaurant be convenient when visiting the Post Office?
You can enjoy a vegan or vegetarian meal at BotaniCuisine before or after handling your postal needs at the USPS location nearby.
Are there nearby sports facilities I can visit around the Post Office?
Yes, Coppermine Sports Center, Northwest Ice Rink, and Baltimore Beach offer sports and recreational activities near the Post Office.
What local services near the Post Office might be useful after mailing or shipping?
Nearby services like Apple Notary, FX Physical Therapy, and Mt Washington Cleaners offer notary, medical therapy, and laundry services respectively.