Does Mail Boxes Etc. Rip You Off?

[Kenji4861]

Today, I tried out Mail Boxes Etc. for the first time. I wanted to send out some packages and the guy told me to pay $25 for a 5 lb .. small package through UPS Ground.

I was surprised and asked them if they can do USPS priority mail. They quoted me $13. I said I'll go to the post office.


Now... does Mail Boxes Etc. have to charge more to make money.. or are they giving the normal price?

 

[brtspears2]

Yes, thats how they stay open.

 

[boyRacer]

Yep they all do... MB etc around here isnt that bad actually... there's another one called Postalworks around my area... they just ream you up the @$$... :| They also markup stamps as well...

 

[Tripleshot]

Mail boxes etc is owned by UPS. If you are going to use a service for your packaging needs, avoid them. Try PostNet or something like that, that is not owned by a carrier and is not biased as you just saw mailboxes etc is. That way you will get the most value for your dollar spent. I know this as a fact. I am about to open up a franchise because of the good service provided by PostNet.

 

[DurocShark]

You're paying for the convenience of having them closer than the PO/UPS office. They don't have much else to sell so they can't do like Staples does and only accept the coupla percent fee UPS pays. Staples figures you're gonna buy other stuff while you're in there. Of course, I rarely do, but...

 

[Ausm]

affirmative

 

[TheBloodguard]

Anyway know the best (cheapest) way to send something that is small such as a PS2 adaptor or cable?
FedEx ground to residential is $7 but the part I want to send is only worth $1 or so. I thought maybe a padded envelope thru USPS, not sure what UPS would charge.

 

[T2T III]

PAB and myself were having a discussion about Mailboxes, Etc. a week or so back. UPS has purchased Mailboxes, Etc. and is currently trying to get the franchises to covert over to the UPS name and make some format changes (e.g. - start charging UPS counter rates.)

Meanwhile, if you can't get to the post office to use Priority Mail, don't forget about using Staples or Office Depot for your shipping needs. Both stores offer UPS counter rates, so you don't get surprised by some massive shipping charge. Then, while you're still in the store, drop the $18.00 that you saved on shipping charges to buy more office supplies.

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: Tiles2Tech
PAB and myself were having a discussion about Mailboxes, Etc. a week or so back. UPS has purchased Mailboxes, Etc. and is currently trying to get the franchises to covert over to the UPS name and make some format changes (e.g. - start charging UPS counter rates.)

Meanwhile, if you can't get to the post office to use Priority Mail, don't forget about using Staples or Office Depot for your shipping needs. Both stores offer UPS counter rates, so you don't get surprised by some massive shipping charge. Then, while you're still in the store, drop the $18.00 that you saved on shipping charges to buy more office supplies.

That sounded like a shameless plug.

 

[RossMAN]

I use Mailboxes, Etc.'s competitor PostNet.

 

[aceO07]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
I use Mailboxes, Etc.'s competitor PostNet.

No locations in MA.

 

[UltraQuiet]

Today, I tried out Mail Boxes Etc. for the first time. I wanted to send out some packages and the guy told me to pay $25 for a 5 lb .. small package through UPS Ground

As has already been stated the parent company for MB Etc. is UPS. They are currently in the middle of a campaign where they are trying to convince all their franchise owners to brand themselves as "The UPS Store". UPS says it is not forcing any of the franchises to adopt the slogan but I believe that the agreement for new franchise owners has this requirement. FedEx is not nearly as nice. It is immediately ending it's relationship with any MB,Etc. store that adopts the new slogan.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: aceO07

Originally posted by: RossMAN
I use Mailboxes, Etc.'s competitor PostNet.

No locations in MA.

That sucks I think they are slowly expanding throughout the USA though. They are coming to San Jose, CA and several other locations.

I pay $15/mo for a box and they accept packages, pay for 1 year and get 3 months FREE. Plus I can call them any time and ask if my package has arrived, you can't do that with the USPS.

 

[T2T III]

Originally posted by: boyRacer

Originally posted by: Tiles2Tech
PAB and myself were having a discussion about Mailboxes, Etc. a week or so back. UPS has purchased Mailboxes, Etc. and is currently trying to get the franchises to covert over to the UPS name and make some format changes (e.g. - start charging UPS counter rates.)

Meanwhile, if you can't get to the post office to use Priority Mail, don't forget about using Staples or Office Depot for your shipping needs. Both stores offer UPS counter rates, so you don't get surprised by some massive shipping charge. Then, while you're still in the store, drop the $18.00 that you saved on shipping charges to buy more office supplies.

That sounded like a shameless plug.

Shameless plug for who? I actually balance my shipping options: USPS Priority Mail, UPS & FeEx Ground. I don't work for UPS - just use their services - and the services of their competitors.