Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. (MBE), a UPS® company, is the world’s largest franchisor of retail shipping, postal and business service centers. Its franchise brands, The UPS Store® and Mail Boxes Etc.®, together comprise more than 5,900 independently owned locations around the world, providing convenient and value-added business services to the small-office/home-office (SOHO) market, corporate "road warriors," and consumers.

History
The Mail Boxes Etc. concept was introduced in 1980 as a convenient alternative to the post office. Throughout its evolution, it has continued to define and lead the business services category it created. In 2001, UPS acquired Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. In 2003, the two companies introduced The UPS Store brand. On April 7, 2003, approximately 3,000 Mail Boxes Etc. locations in the United States (at the time, nearly 90% of the domestic U.S. network) re-branded as The UPS Store and began offering lower (around 20% on average) UPS-direct shipping rates. The stores remain locally owned and operated, and continue to offer a variety of shipping, postal and business services, with convenient locations and world-class service.

Growth
In the year following the re-branding, Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. sold more than 500 new The UPS Store locations in the United States – a record for the company, and phenomenal growth for a quarter-century-old franchise. Special-venue site development also has grown steadily with locations on college campuses and military bases, as well as in convention centers, hotels, and urban renewal areas/empowerment zones. Special-venue sites create an opportunity to provide services to consumers, regardless of where they live, work or travel.

In addition to its domestic network, Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. has expanded globally through master license agreements, with locations in 40 countries. Historically, the services provided by The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. locations have been adaptable to the needs and market conditions of various countries and cultures around the world. In 2004, the company crossed the threshold of 5,000 locations worldwide. Throughout the company’s historic growth, one thing has remained constant: the commitment of its franchisees to providing personalized and convenient business solutions and a world-class customer experience.

Industry Recognition
In 2008, Entrepreneur magazine’s annual "Franchise 500," a ranking of franchise opportunities based on factors such as financial strength, growth rate and size, rated The UPS Store/Mail Boxes Etc. #1 in the postal and business services category for the 18th consecutive year. Additionally, the company has a rich tradition of award-winning marketing and public relations campaigns, among other accolades.

* 1990-2003 listed under the Mail Boxes Etc. brand

MBE is a UPS® company. The UPS Store® and Mail Boxes Etc®. centers are independently owned and operated by franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. in the USA and by its master licensees or their franchisees outside of the USA. Services and hours of operation may vary by location. ©2007 United Parcel Service of America, Inc.