When we were first thinking of opening a shipping center, we had no idea where to begin. We didn't know what we needed, how to get started or who we could talk to. The very idea was daunting with no information to guide us through our new endeavor.
I've put all this info together for you, so that future shipping center store owners might have it a little easier when starting their own business ventures.
How Much Will It Cost?
After our personal experience, the bare minimum I would even consider opening a mail and parcel center with is $25,000. You have to have a finish-out on the building. You need to purchase POS equipment and software. You have to buy supplies and retail displays. The list goes on and on, and I'll discuss some of the stuff you will need later in this guide.
Choosing a Location:
Choosing a location is THE most important factor when opening a mail and parcel store. If you have a poor location your clients will not notice you, it may be too far out of their way, or inconvenient to get to you.
How To Apply For Shipping Accounts
Setting up your shipping accounts is not overly difficult if you know how to get started. Be forewarned that you can not apply for your accounts until you are within 30 days of your opening date. Details are as follows:
·Fedex - Fedex does not allow you to mix your business with anything else. For example, you can not run an office supply store, that also ships packages via Fedex. Also make sure when you fill out this application that you put the full business name as found on your tax ID. You can fill out your application here: http://www.fascnet.com
·DHL - DHL shipping accounts can be obtained through the AMPC here - http://www.ampc.org/assets/join.htm or through RSA here - www.rscentral.org
·USPS - The USPS approved shipper program does not give you any discounts, but it does provide you with a free pick up from the post office. Even though this will not be a huge money maker for you, you need to be able to service all your customers needs. The USPS approved shipper program application can be downloaded directly from the AMPC here - http://www.ampc.org/assets/join.htm or through RSA here -www.rscentral.org
·UPS - UPS is not currently taking any applications for new ASO's. There is a big debate about this subject and if you want more info just google on it. Basically the only way to get ASO status with UPS is to buy an existing store. We do not have ASO status with UPS and it does not hinder us at all. A little finesse can easily direct a customer towards Fedex or DHL.
What Equipment Will I Need?
To set everything up properly you could easily spend $10,000 to $15,000 on equipment for your store. You will need a POS system on your front counter. A POS system typically includes a computer, cash drawer, receipt printer, label printer, two monitors, a barcode scanner and a credit card machine. Your needs and preferences determine exactly which type of setup to buy. The friendly people over at POS savings will be happy to answer questions and get you setup with your POS System. http://www.POS-Savings.com
What Software Should I Use?
There are several choices for your shipping software, but there are really only three that stand out of the crowd in my opinion. Postalmate, ReSource, and Shiprite. For our business we chose Postalmate. It has a great interface, built-in cash register software, and mailbox management. The other companies offer similar services, and everyone I speak with likes them just as well. It's a matter of preference, and you will need to do some of your own research on this topic to see which one you prefer. Here are a few links on this subject.
Postalmate - http://www.pcsynergy.com/
ReSource - http://www.resourcesoftware.com/
Shiprite - http://www.shiprite.net/
What Retail Displays Should I Have?
Again, this is a topic mostly based on preference. There are many different types of displays you can purchase with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. The most common types of displays are Gridwall, Slatwall, and Gondola Isles.
What Supplies Should I buy?
Boxes: The most common supply you will use, and also the one you need to have the most of. We carry more than twenty different types of boxes, and I strongly encourage you to get a good inventory going when you open your shipping center. Here is a list of some good sizes to purchase when starting up your business. You can adjust the list as you see fit:
Secondary Money Makers:
One of the most important parts of opening a mail and parcel center is your secondary money makers. The more services you offer, the more customers you will attract. People just love to get everything done in one convenient place.
Article Source :http://infopool.webverve.com/
