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!
Here’s another thought – after visiting the UK and seeing some reality TV shows about border control & airport customs, I think the USPS Inspector General’s job, showing behind the scenes details would make interesting television. I recommend the USPS check out some of those UK shows to get a feel for how to do it & then do their own show too. Also make for good PR to see what the USPS does that we don’t know about. Goodness knows the USPS could use some good PR!
Providing a self-service kiosk at airports to allow travelers to ship back to their homes objects that cannot be taken on planes, i.e. a pocket knife or that engraved lighter from your wife. The cost would include postage, package, and service fee and would be paid by credit or debt card. Thanks Ken W. Nashville, TN
I’ve always thought this would be a great idea for those “Mailbox etc.” type of companies – and give the traveler the option to send USPS, UPS or FedEx. But I’d be cool with a monopoly option for any of those companies to do this – I’ve been wanting this since the first time I traveled after 9/11!
USPS should sell advertising on their cancellation stamps. Royal Mail has been doing it for years!
[...] now on what the United States Postal Service will need to do to survive the changing times. We even blogged about some of our own ideas on this awhile [...]