BUSINESS PROFILE
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Story and Photo by Sophia Dedon

Goin’Postal
REACHING ASTOUNDING HEIGHTS

Marcus and M.J. Price and the employees at Goin’ Postal care about the customers, community and their franchises.

From a 400 sq. ft. retail store, Goin’ Postal has grown into a franchise corporation with over 144 stores spread all over the United States in just 22 months of franchising. There are literally stores in all four corners of the continental U.S. and scattered throughout many of the states in between.

Residents in Zephyrhills can still recall when Marcus and M.J. Price opened their tiny shipping store on 8th Street where customers could come to ship anything they desired. They can find the cheapest rate for shipping amongst the different companies such as UPS, Fed X, U.S. Mail, and DHL. Goin’ Postal also offers business services like faxing, copying and more.

Eventually, the Prices realized that this business had much more potential than they anticipated. If they wanted it to grow, they were going to have to open franchises. After first offering training to friends and family, they began selling the franchises. For a $15,000 franchise fee someone can buy the rights to have a Goin’ Postal store, and it only takes approximately another $25,000 in equipment and other costs to get it up and running.

“We have a goal to hit at least 2000 stores. With a current deal that is in the works, it is possible for us to soon be the second largest packing & shipping store chain, and to one day possibly be the largest shipping store chain in the U.S.,” said Marcus.

But the question still comes to mind, what makes this small town business so different that it could quickly surpass its competitors at such a rate? According to M.J., the answer is simple, “We think that the three most important aspects of the business are customer service, low prices and community involvement.” No matter which Goin’ Postal you go to in the U.S., the staff always cares about their customers and makes everyone feel important.

A substantial reason for this consistency is that every single person starting a franchise gets their training right here in Zephyrhills. Previously, franchisees were trained in the back of the retail store in Zephyrhills, but in January 2006, Goin’ Postal moved the corporate headquarters to 4th Street, where they now have a state-of-the-art training facility and staff offices. The retail store remains in the same location on 5th Ave. and franchisees still enjoy some hands-on training at that store while they’re in town. When the franchisees come to town for training, they cannot help but comment on the wonderful atmosphere of Zephyrhills. Many especially love the quaint downtown area. Goin’ Postal is simply another aspect of Zephyrhills that should make us proud of our community.

The community involvement of Goin’ Postal should be obvious to the residents of Zephyrhills because Marcus and M.J. are frequently, almost always, at community functions. Whether it means M.J. is dressed up as a mermaid giving children toys at Halloween, or Marcus is dressed up as Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz, they will bend over backwards for the community.

The Prices also contribute much of their success to their excellent staff, especially Megan Andersen-Gaarder, who has been with them since they began franchising. All of their employees are hard working and dedicated, willing to do all it takes to get the job done.

It is difficult for some to believe that this Zephyrhills business continues to grow to such heights. The wonderful thing about it, though, is that no matter which location you go to in America, you will still get that same Mom and Pop feel. Goin’ Postal is here to serve the people and help them meet their shipping needs the least expensive way possible.

Goin’ Postal’s Zephyrhills retail location is 38439 5th Ave. Their corporate location is 4941 4th Street. For more information about Goin’ Postal call 1-800-504-6040.

FOCUS -DADE CITY/ZEPHYRHILLS EDITION • March 1, 2006 - April 1, 2006 • PG 32