Virginia Beach Post Office Offering Contract Postal Unit Seminars

Local Business Owners Have Opportunity to Operate Mini-Post Offices

Virginia Beach, VA — The U.S. Postal Service is looking for Virginia Beach businesses interested in operating a mini-Post Office known as a Contract Postal Unit, or CPU. These contract units provide the general public additional access to postal services where they live, work and shop, both during and after normal Post Office business hours. Virginia Beach currently has two of these contract units at the Cape Henry Hardware and Ace Hardware stores. Nationwide, there are more than 4,000 CPUs.

In mid-March, postal officials will mail letters to businesses in several Virginia Beach delivery zones with an invitation to informational seminars where business owners can learn more about the benefits of a CPU partnership. Seminars are scheduled at the Oceanfront Area Library, Tuesday, March 24, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.; the Central Library, Wednesday, March 25, 1 – 3 p.m.; and the Princess Anne Area Library, Friday, April 3, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

“Contract Postal Units traditionally increase customer traffic, sales and satisfaction with the host business,” said Postal Service Retail Specialist Kris Lydon. “The business can distinguish itself from nearby competition by offering what competitors don’t have – postal services.” Lydon noted the Postal Service provides counters, signage, a computer system that weighs and rates mail and training while the host business provides a floor space minimum of 150 square feet. The business keeps a percentage of sales from most products and services provided at the CPU. Lydon also pointed out that participating stores cannot compete with the Post Office by offering private mailboxes or other competitive products, and the location must be handicapped accessible.

The seminars are free and seating is limited, so reservations are required. Businesses wanting to sign up for a seminar or obtain more information can call either Lydon at 804-775-6386, or Virginia Beach Customer Relations Coordinator Barbara Foster at 757-463-5698.

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An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 149 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes, six days a week. It has 34,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products and services, not tax dollars, to pay for operating expenses. Named the Most Trusted Government Agency five consecutive years by the Ponemon Institute, the Postal Service has annual revenue of $75 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail.