CROMWELL—The galaxy of local mailing services expands this week as Cromwell’s Cartridge World becomes the Postal Service’s latest contract post office.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Cartridge World hosts an official ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 5 at noon. The public is invited to attend.
“Today’s busy lifestyles revolve in many directions and a trip to the post office can be a challenge," said Cromwell’s new postmaster Lisa Leavenworth. "Adding mailing services to Cartridge World is a smart fit for Cromwell postal customers."
Located at 2 Willow Brook Road, postal satellite operations at Cartridge World will be available Monday through Saturday, from 9 am to 6 pm and Sundays from 9 am to 2 pm.
Postal services available at Cartridge World will include postage stamps, Express Mail service, Priority Mail service, Insured or Certified mailings, and packaging products.
In addition to providing convenient hours in locations where shoppers conduct other errands, the state’s 28 contracted sites like Cartridge World expand access to postal products on weekends or holidays—like Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11—when regular post offices are closed. Each site provides a designated area clearly marked for postal operations, with trained employees providing services.
According to postal retail sources, sharing space and resources help retailers and USPS create a "win-win" situation. For retail businesses, the postal contract often allows the owners to make use of underused space while providing an additional service that brings more customers into the facility.
The Postal Service reaches more customers, at more hours, while avoiding the costs of running a full-service post office. And neighborhoods gain service in familiar settings, postal officials explain.
BACKGROUND:
What is a Contract Postal Unit?
A Contract Postal Unit (CPU) is a Post Office that is located inside a retail establishment and operated by the retailer’s employees. CPUs provide postal services to remote, under-served, and seasonal locations where traditional post offices are not available or are over burdened.
A Contract Postal Unit can be supplier-owned or supplier-leased site operated by the supplier. It is operated under contract to the Postal Service to provide postal services to the public.
What are the benefits of a Contract Postal Unit for customers?
- Expanded access to postal products and services, at Postal Service prices
- Convenient additional locations
- Extended hours (weekends and evenings)
Do I pay extra if I buy stamps or mail a package?
A Contract Postal Unit sells postal services, such as stamps or postage for packages, at face value. You do not pay a surcharge or extra fee for mailing services at a Contract Postal Unit.
Can I get a money order or Post Office Box at this site?
Newer contracts for Contract Postal Units do not permit post office boxes. Postal money orders are not available; however, some contract sites offer other money order services.
What are the benefits of a Contract Postal Unit for potential operators?
- Customer traffic to generate additional sales
- Additional revenue source
- Additional customer service and satisfaction
- Competitive advantage
For information regarding Contract Postal Unit locations in Connecticut, contact your local postmaster or the Postal Service’s Connecticut District’s Retail Manager Janice White at (860) 524-6440.
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A self-supporting government enterprise, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 150 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes. The Postal Service receives no tax dollars. With 36,000 retail locations and the most frequently visited website in the federal government, the Postal Service relies on the sale of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses. Named the Most Trusted Government Agency five consecutive years and the sixth Most Trusted Business in the nation by the Ponemon Institute, the Postal Service has annual revenue of more than $68 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail. If it were a private sector company, the U.S. Postal Service would rank 26th in the 2008 Fortune 500.
ABOUT CARTRIDGE WORLD
Emeryville, CA – based Cartridge World is the world’s fastest growing ink and toner refilling retailer and franchisor in the $80 billion printer cartridge industry. The company refills and remanufactures inkjet and toner printer cartridges, using state-of-the-art processes and high quality inks and toners. It offers consumers and businesses a more affordable option to buying new, provides a 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee
