Holiday Tradition at The UPS Store Built Around Packing and Shipping

San Diego, November 17, 2009

'It's All About Delivering the Joy of the Season'

There's a blizzard of holiday packages about to descend on the more than 4,300 The UPS Store® locations across the country, and their owners and professionally trained staff couldn't be more excited.

"We share our customers' excitement as they send off gifts to loved ones across the country," said Mary Hart, a franchisee with 25 years' experience. "Everyone has a favorite holiday tradition and this is ours. It's all about delivering the joy of the season."

It's also a time of year when The UPS Store's certified packing experts are put to the test. "We've definitely had some unusual items to pack and ship over the years," says Hart. "We enjoy the challenge, so bring it on!"

From The UPS Store, packages are handed off to a brigade of brown-suited Santas like Bill Yelle, a UPS driver for more than 16 years. "It's always fun to see the smile on a customer's face when I arrive with packages during the holidays," said Yelle. "And I don't want to brag, but I think the children like the big brown truck as much as Santa's sleigh."

Hart is often asked for advice on how to pack like a pro and offers customers the following tips:

• Begin with the proper materials, including: a new cardboard box designed for shipping (no gift or moving boxes), professional-grade packaging tape (no cellophane, masking or duct tape) and packaging material like foam packaging peanuts or bubble cushioning (no newspapers or real popcorn).

• Include a label on the inside of the package with both the destination and return addresses.
• Use a shipping option, like UPS, which provides a package-tracking number.
• Take batteries out of toys, electronics, etc., before shipping and wrap separately to avoid contact with metal.
• Seal home-made holiday treats in an interior airtight container or plastic bag before packing them. Use an expedited air service, such as UPS Next Day Air®. 
• Ship wrapped gifts and luggage ahead to your destination, especially if traveling by air.

"It's also important to use the right size box," said Hart. "You want to leave at least two inches between your gifts and the walls of the box and fill the space with adequate packaging materials."

"Of course, if you're in doubt, it's always good to turn to the professionals. That's why we're here," adds Hart. "Our assistance is particularly important if you're shipping fragile or unusually shaped items."

Participating The UPS Store locations also offer the Pack & Ship Promise, which reimburses customers the cost of packaging materials and service as well as shipping costs in the event a center-packed item shipped via UPS is lost or damaged (subject to the lesser of actual value, replacement or repair cost).

Hart advises that with only 19 shipping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, good timing is critical. Mondays are typically the busiest shipping days and Dec. 14-18 is expected to be the busiest week. "But procrastinators need not fear. You can ship as late as Dec. 23 for delivery on Dec. 24," said Hart.

As online and catalog shopping have grown, so has interest in The UPS Store mailbox services.  "Our holiday helpers can accept online and catalog orders from any carrier and will send an e-mail or text notification when a package is waiting," said Hart.

The UPS Store carries a full array of shipping supplies and is a convenient location for recycling leftover foam packaging peanuts after the holidays and throughout the year.  The stores also can assist with printing holiday newsletters, programs and personalized family calendars.

Additional tips on shipping holiday gifts, luggage and food can be found in The UPS Store Holiday Ship Shape Quarterly. To find your neighborhood The UPS Store location, please visit www.theupsstore.com.

Editor's Note: To view and/or download B-roll of The UPS Store franchisees demonstrating proper packing techniques for a variety of items, please visit The UPS Store pressroom. To schedule a live pack-and-ship demonstration, please e-mail pr@mbe.com.