Use Convenient Alternatives to Going to the Post Office

Graphic of UPC Self-Service Ship and Mail Center

Meeting our customer’s environmental expectations while providing quality products and services at a reason­able cost is what customer service is all about. Though many retail products and services are purchased at postal facilities, there are “green” alternative access methods for these services. The Postal Service offers Self-Service Mail Centers, (formerly known as Automated Postal Centers®), Contract Postal Units, Stamps.com, Click-N-Ship®, endi­cia.com, stamps on consignment, approved shippers (ex: Office Depot), Stamps by Mail®, and most recently, the Vil­lage Post Office. Another recent access method is via an “app”. USPS Mobile® gives you instant, on-the-go access to popular tools on USPS.com® — like finding Post Offices and collection boxes, looking up ZIP Codes™, calculating prices, scheduling pickups, ordering supplies, scanning labels, and checking package status anywhere, anytime. These alternate methods of access provide customers ser­vice options they want at times convenient to them. Online services meet the needs of people working in offices, at home, or waiting in line at the bank. It saves gasoline, which helps lower greenhouse gas emissions. Here are some alternate access channels that can help our customers “go green.”

Self-Service Mail Centers provide customers with products they use 7 days a week. They are located in many of the busiest Post Offices.

Stamps by Mail service allows the public to purchase stamps through the U.S. Mail.

Stamps on Consignment makes stamps available at participating retailers, such as supermarkets, drug stores, convenience stores, and ATMs at financial institutions.

Contract Postal Units (CPUs) allow USPS to reach customers at times when a trip to a Post Office is not pos­sible or convenient. You can find CPUs in malls and other convenient locations.

USPS.com has transformed communication and busi­ness processes and created opportunities for the Postal Service to improve efficiencies, enhance relationships, and develop new products and services.

endicia.com allows customers to create professional, USPS-compliant labels bearing their own logos, online.

Click-N-Ship is an easy way to send mail right from home. A customer can create labels with postage, pay with a credit card, purchase insurance online, and view shipping history.

Village Post Offices (VPOs) are operated by local busi­nesses and offer popular postal products and services such as stamps and flat-rate package shipping.

Approved Shipper is a private retailer with a packaging and shipping business who may provide a variety of ship­ping services, including USPS services and competitor ser­vices. There are 4,407 Approved Shippers nationwide.

What Can You Do?

Remind our customers of the personal cost savings and environmental benefits of shopping online.