A recent article in the Washington Post got me thinking…what are some other ideas the USPS could use to generate income in their lobbies. I’m sure there are a lot of great ideas on how to transform the way they do business in processing, delivery, etc. But what about the retail side of things.
In the article, the USPS recently announced that they would be adding gift cards to their retail product line. Shipping supplies have long been in the lobbies of most locations and many of them have full “stamp” stores wherein they sell postal related gifts (ie: framed stamp art). Some have also added greeting cards to the mix, an idea I stumbled on in 1994 while on a trip to the UK – Royal Mail had already been doing it for years.
When I saw this article it made me wonder what else could they offer.
Years ago UPS and FedEx aligned themselves with store fronts (ie: Kinkos) which I am sure increased their revenue stream. Make copies, print calendars and ship stuff – great combinations!
What about a convenience store? Pick up a gallon of milk on your way home and ship that package to Grandma too.
Standing in line is commonplace in a USPS lobby – why not do it with a cup of coffee? Not sure anyone would want to “hang out” in a coffee shop at the post office – but getting their morning “cup of joe” before (or after) shipping a package might make the trip more enjoyable (and save you from having to drive around to find a Starbucks). And some post offices might be a meeting place in some small towns – so pairing it with a coffee shop might work out in those cases too!
Currently, all revenue plans the USPS wants to try have to be approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission. But they are trying to get Congress to allow them to lessen the restrictions they have in making these kinds of decisions. I think brainstorming with their customers would be a great way to be ready for the day these changes are made.
So what other ideas could we send their way? I’d love to hear what other people have in mind for helping the USPS generate revenue so they can stay in business for years to come!
Posted by Shelly Blake 
