Today’s customers demand more convenience, and the Postal Service is ready to offer it, with innovative programs for access to postal products and services.
“Customers want one-stop shopping,” PMG Pat Donahoe says in his latest video message to employees. “That’s why major retailers are adding services in their retail stores, like dry cleaning, pharmacies, banking and medical services. If the Postal Service is not at the table, our competitors will be.”
Donahoe explains that the pilot program started with Staples last October is an example of the innovation needed. “Improving access for our customers is the reason we launched the pilot program,” he says. “The Staples relationship has been good for our business. It has put volume in the mailstream, and increasing volume helps to preserve and support Postal Service jobs.”
The Staples pilot program will end starting Aug. 1. Participating Staples stores will transition to the Postal Service’s Approved Shipper Program, which is expected to be complete by Aug. 29.
“The Approved Shipper Program will give customers access beyond normal Post Office hours, in areas where we don’t have regular Post Offices,” Donahoe said, noting that 27 percent of the postal business in the Staples pilot occurred outside normal business hours. “With more outlets for our products and services, the Postal Service can grow business.”
The Approved Shipper Program has been in place since 2005 and almost 6,200 businesses participate nationwide.