2. Retail Sales
Retail is the way most Americans buy and use mail. This provides local access for the core product applications of correspondence and transaction mailing, domestic and international package shipping, and special services, including delivery through more than 18 million post office boxes. Major customer segments are small businesses and consumers (customers using the mail for personal, rather than business reasons). It is estimated that consumers and small firms generate Postal Service retail revenue of $7.4 billion and $8.7 billion, respectively (meters, permits, and corporate accounts not included).