Mail Boxes Etc.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. (MBE), a UPS company, franchises The UPS Store® and Mail Boxes Etc.® retail shops. The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. locations together comprise the world’s largest franchise network of retail shipping, postal and business service centers with more than 5,700 locations in more than 75 countries. In the United States, The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. locations are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. Outside the United States, locations are owned and operated by MBE master licensees or their franchisees.
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[edit] Services
- Packaging service
- large/irregular items, crating, electronics, antiques, high-value
- Shipping
- Document service
- black/white copies, color copies, digital printing, brochures, postcards, binding, laminating and finishing
- Private mailbox service (many locations with 24-hour access)
- Moving supplies
- Faxing
- sending & receiving
- Notary service
- Passport/ID photos
- Office & mailing supplies
[edit] History
The Mail Boxes Etc. concept was introduced in 1980 as a convenient alternative to the post office. Throughout its evolution, it has continued to define and lead the business services category it created. In 2001, UPS acquired Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. In 2003, the two companies introduced The UPS Store opportunity offering the U.S. network the choice to re-brand, and also set lower maximum retail prices for UPS shipping services. On April 7, 2003, approximately 3,000 Mail Boxes Etc. locations in the United States (at the time, nearly 90% of the domestic U.S. network) re-branded as The UPS Store and began offering lower (around 20% on average) UPS-direct shipping rates. The stores remain locally owned and operated, and continue to offer the same variety of postal and business services, with the same convenience and world-class service.
[edit] Growth
In the year following the re-branding, Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. sold more than 500 new The UPS Store locations in the United States – a record for the company, and phenomenal growth for a quarter-century-old franchise. Special-venue site development also has grown steadily with locations on college campuses, military bases, in convention centers, hotels, and urban renewal areas/empowerment zones. Special-venue sites create an opportunity to provide services to consumers, regardless of where they live, work or travel.
While UPS has sold many new The UPS Store franchises, the profits returned to the owners is not mentioned. This is due to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations preventing franchisors from making such earnings claims (see franchising). As these figures can vary so greatly from location to location, and ultimately owner to owner, the franchisor encourages prospective franchisees to speak with existing owners before making a decision to purchase.
[edit] Industry Recognition
In 2006, Entrepreneur magazine’s annual "Franchise 500," a ranking of franchise opportunities based on factors such as financial strength, growth rate and size, rated The UPS Store #4 among all franchise opportunities and #1 in the postal and business services category for the 16th consecutive year. Additionally, the company has a rich tradition of award-winning marketing and public relations campaigns, among other accolades.
[edit] International
In addition to its domestic network, Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. has expanded globally through master license agreements, with locations in more than 40 countries. Historically, the services provided by The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. locations have been adaptable to the needs and market conditions of various countries and cultures around the world. In 2004, the company crossed the threshold of 5,000 locations worldwide. Throughout the company’s historic growth, one thing has remained constant: the commitment of its franchisees to providing personalized and convenient business solutions and a world-class customer experience.
On October 5, 2005 Mail Boxes Etc. announced the debut of The UPS Store concept in India and the conversion of 265 Mail Boxes Etc. locations in Canada to The UPS Store brand. All other international locations continue to operate under the Mail Boxes Etc. brand.
[edit] Canada
Canada is the first country outside the United States to adopt The UPS Store name, with 95 percent of existing Mail Boxes Etc. franchisees choosing to re-brand.
[edit] India
Jetair Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd. is the exclusive master licensee to develop The UPS Store business within India. This agreement marks the introduction of The UPS Store brand outside North America as well as the first time a new market has been developed exclusively as The UPS Store. The UPS Store will be India’s first full-service network of retail outlets that combines packaging, shipping and other business products with Jetair airways ticketing services. The retail network primarily will serve small- and medium-size businesses, mobile workers, small-office, home-office workers and general consumers.
[edit] Franchise Opportunities
Franchise opportunities are still available worldwide. More information can be found at The UPS Store Franchise Opportunites website.
[edit] Trivia
The Wikimedia Foundation's mailing address is a The UPS store in downtown St. Petersburg, FL.
