Watch out all franchised print shops, UPS Store may come to Australia and New Zealand.
Whilst it is only an assumption that UPS Store at some stage will want to go global, they presently claim to be America's largest franchise network of retail shipping, postal, document and business services centres. Also they have just announced the first phase of its new online printing solution.
Local print and sign shops should watch this US juggernaut for any offshore plans that they may signal.
With more than 4,400 locations in, The UPS Store franchise anticipates its sheer size and accessibility will position it as a leader in the online printing arena.
“After reviewing the research and listening to our small-business customers, we realised there is a real need in the marketplace for an online printing platform that is easy to use, provides functionality geared to small businesses, and is supported by a convenient network of physical locations,” said Stuart Mathis, president of Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. (MBE), franchisor of The UPS Store brand. “Nobody can match the size and scope of our network or the commitment of our franchisees.”
Every aspect of the user-friendly program is built from the small-business perspective, with the ability to work on the fly and manage print production from any computer with Internet access. Unlike competitors’ online printing platforms, The UPS Store solution provides a one-page view with a pull-down, accordion-style menu, eliminating the need for the user to navigate back and forth when choosing printing options. The user actively pages through a document preview, selecting print options such as paper, binding, covers, etc., which are applied in real time. Furthermore, by allowing customers to distribute information or documents first and then print at the point of need, the solution reduces cost and environmental impact.
Although the platform is geared to small business, it’s also a convenient way for schools, churches, other organisations and the general consumer to manage their print needs. Planned future additions, such as wide-format printing for graphics, banner and poster applications, and an integrated shipping function will create even more appeal.
The UPS Store
http://www.theupsstore.com/print
