Goin' Postal has new take on shipping service, offers eBay

Friday, June 29, 2007
By Marcia Oxford

Kevin Tonn has started a new career after decades of being a professional and volunteer firefighter. From that hazardous occupation, he has launched a new enterprise as franchise owner of Goin' Postal in the Martell shopping complex. "I decided to open at Amador Ridge because you can tell this is going to be the hub of new commerce for the county," Tonn said.

An Ione resident with his wife Noel, a dental hygienist in Roseville, Tonn said his store is one of more than 250 family-owned franchises in the United States with headquarters in Zephyr Hills, Fla. "I was looking for something other than firefighting and after searching franchises on the Internet, I really saw the potential in this and am pleased to offer our service in Amador," he said.

Through Goin' Postal, Tonn and Vicky Mace, his mother-in-law who helps part-time at the site, offers a one-stop shipping center through Fed Ex, UPS and DHL. Boxes, bubble wrap and packing peanuts are available for those who want to pack their own goods, and Tonn provides custom box-making for odd-shaped items.

"There were several reasons for my getting into Goin' Postal," Tonn continued. "The first thing is the family values and the way they conduct their business. I could also see the rapid growth they were experiencing and that's a great deal."

Goin Postal offers many services including USPS stamps at face value, money orders, fax and copy services, passport photos and mailbox rentals. "The rentals are a good thing for small businesses or people who rent because it gives them a degree of security," he said. "If they're expecting packages here, I'll call when the packages arrive."

A major facet of the business will be an eBay drop-off site. "If people have stuff at home they want to sell, but they don't have time or knowledge to deal with eBay, they can bring their items here," Tonn said. "I'll photograph an item, research it, list it on eBay, conduct the auction, then box up the item and ship it to the winning bidder. Once the funds are cleared, the customer receives a check, minus 25 percent for my service. I'm not aware of any business in Amador County that does this. It's why we like to call ourselves a one-stop shipping and business center."

Goin' Postal also carries a bevy of office supplies and unique gift cards guaranteed to tickle one's fancy. Produced by Tickelopes, the self-mailing cards display a variety of messages in fanciful designs. Send birthday wishes in a birthday-cake-shaped card. Friend vacationing? Mail a flip-flop card. Want to meet a friend for coffee? Send a card that replicates a sizable cup of java. The cards cost a bit extra to mail, but the graphic message is compelling enough to make them worthwhile.

Goin' Postal's family values were particularly appealing to Tonn because franchisees are committed to community outreach. Tonn donated $500 to the Amador County Recreation Agency. In the new school year, he will introduce Gifts for Grades. "Kids from grades first through 12th can bring in their report cards each semester and they'll receive different points for each letter grade," he explained. "The points are then entered into drawings and winners might get a Playstation, an iPod or $100 cash."

In another area of grassroots community involvement, during July, Goin' Postal will offer a free replacement flag to anyone who brings in a cloth or nylon American flag that is tattered, torn or faded. Tonn said he has 300 American flags on hand to give as free replacements with a limit of one per family per physical address while supplies last. Replacement flags measure 4 by 6 feet. There are some restrictions, but American flags being turned in must be at least 2 by 3 feet or larger and in a noticeable state of disrepair. Tonn paid for the replacement flags to encourage residents and businesses to beautify their town, city or home with this patriotic gesture.

Prior to his new career as a franchise owner, Tonn spent 10 years as a firefighter, beginning 1996 until 1998 while he was in the Army and stationed at Fort Drum, N.Y. After discharge, he continued as a volunteer firefighter in New York until 2004; he was assistant chief for three years and also a professional firefighter for the federal government at Fort Drum. He moved to Sacramento in 2005 and worked with the fire department there before deciding to try a step into his new career.

Goin Postal at 11310 Prospect Drive, Suite 10, is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For other information, call 223-3456.