| Consulting services for opening a mail parcel packing | | | | Authorized Ship Center). Your representative may tell |
| and shipping store can be expensive. That's why we | | | | you conditions that apply. UPS ASO's (UPS Authorized |
| wrote the book in 2002 and of which many have | | | | Shipping Outlets) are "grandfathered," which means |
| taken advantage. | | | | that you may be able to obtain an ASO account if you |
| What's the best way to open a mail packing and | | | | buy an existing store which has ASO status. Contact |
| parcel shipping store? Should you be independent, hire | | | | Retail Shipping Associates at for a DHL account, the |
| a developer, or go with a franchise? We veterans | | | | world leader for international shipping. Also visit RSA to |
| suggest that you know about Cost, Pricing, Location, | | | | inquire about USPS programs. |
| Shipping Accounts, Equipment, POS Shipping Software, | | | | POS/Cash Register Systems |
| Inventory, Supplies, Profit Centers, Store Layout, and | | | | The current major POS (Point of Sale) software (cash |
| then make your decision. | | | | register) programs for packing and shipping stores are |
| Store Opening Expense | | | | PostalMate, ShipRite, and ReSource. Each has their |
| Expect a minimum of $35,000 to open a professional | | | | great points and flaws. Call each for a demo and ask |
| store if you are able to do a lot of the physical upfit | | | | questions. For example, can the POS support you if |
| yourself. Most stores now open for at least $75,000. | | | | you are located in Hawaii? |
| This includes POS (Point of Sale) equipment and | | | | Box Inventory |
| computers, retail displays, and inventory. Of course, this | | | | Of course, buy a general box inventory that works |
| all depends on your "hands-on" abilities, business | | | | great for most shipments. When buying your |
| background, strategy, and where you are located. Yes, | | | | corrugated box inventory, keep in mind that box |
| there are many variables. | | | | makers normally state the inner dimension of a box. |
| Pricing Strategy | | | | What do the outer dimensions mean when shipping by |
| Check your competition on all types of shipments, and | | | | a carrier both dometically and internationally? Buy |
| then decide on your pricing strategy. Pricing strategy | | | | boxes by knowing what outer dimensions can normally |
| depends upon your target market and your profit | | | | be shipped under certain carrier dimensional, oversized, |
| centers. | | | | or international size rules. Consider stronger |
| Location | | | | (double-wall) corrugated for your larger boxes and flat |
| "Location, location, location!" It is important. Make certain | | | | sheets to reduce your possiblity of damage. |
| that you have dedicated parking spaces for your store | | | | Profit Centers |
| since your customers are bringing packages to you. | | | | Know what your community needs with services and |
| Take heed when looking at what we call a "Power | | | | products. We have had stores that did a great |
| Center." In general, your target market is the person or | | | | business with snacks and mailings while another mostly |
| company that needs convenience and is not going to | | | | did large freight. Other profit centers that bring the big |
| a major shopping center on their way home. | | | | income now are custom packing and large freight. |
| Shipping Accounts | | | | Know how to price right and give great customer |
| Contact FedEx to become a FASC (FedEx | | | | service to stay in business now! |