What PostalAnnex+ does

PostalAnnex+ is a multi-service retail franchise brand operated by Annex Brands, Inc., a privately held San Diego-based franchisor. Founded in 1985 by Jack and Martha Lentz as Postal Annex, Inc., the company has grown to over 800 independently owned and operated franchise locations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and is described as the nation's largest multi-carrier shipping franchise network. The parent rebranded to Annex Brands, Inc. in 2007 and now operates seven related shipping and business-service franchise brands, of which PostalAnnex+ is the flagship.

The franchise locations function as neighborhood shipping and business service centers built around a multi-carrier rate-comparison platform covering UPS, FedEx, USPS, and DHL, with package tracking and declared value coverage up to $50,000. Core revenue-generating services include shipping (overnight, freight, international), private and business mailbox rental, notary public services, copying and commercial printing, faxing, passport photos, fingerprinting/Live Scan, document finishing, and shipping supplies. A Virtual Mailbox product extends the mailbox offering into digital mail management. Technology depth is integration-driven rather than proprietary-software-driven: the value lies in carrier interoperability, franchise operational systems, and a suite of vendor relationships rather than internally developed software IP.

PostalAnnex+ generates revenue primarily through franchise fees and royalties paid by independently owned franchisees to Annex Brands, Inc., supplemented by transaction-based shipping services and recurring mailbox rental subscriptions at the franchisee level. The franchisor provides brand, training, marketing, real estate and lease support, vendor relations, and compliance oversight, while franchisees execute local operations and customer acquisition. The customer base is highly fragmented across small/home-based businesses and individual consumers seeking convenient, multi-carrier shipping and one-stop office services in retail-center locations.

Name

PostalAnnex+

Legal name

Annex Brands, Inc.

Website

https://postalannex.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

PostalAnnex+ is a multi-carrier shipping and business-services franchise brand operated by Annex Brands, Inc., with over 800 independently owned locations across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico serving small businesses and consumers with shipping, mailbox rental, notary, and printing services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Retail Shipping and Business Services

NAICS

Couriers and Express Delivery Services (4921)

SIC

Trucking & Courier Services (No Air) (4210)

akta.pro primary industry

Mailroom & Package/Parcel Management Services (BPABAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

P.O. Boxes & Virtual Mailboxes (TLAAAAAG)

Keywords

• Multi-carrier shipping services
• Packaging and shipping supplies
• Private mailbox rental
• Business printing services
• Notary public services

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Franchise Fees and Licensing: Annex Brands, Inc. generates revenue through licensing and franchising fees from PostalAnnex franchise owners. Each location is independently owned and operated under the PostalAnnex brand, paying franchise fees to the parent company.
2. Shipping Services: Revenue from shipping services through UPS, FedEx, USPS, and DHL carriers. Locations offer overnight shipping, freight shipping, and international shipping options.
3. Business Services: Revenue from ancillary services including private mailbox rental, notary public services, copying, printing, faxing, passport photos, fingerprinting, and office supplies

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

PostalAnnex+ provides multi-carrier retail shipping services (UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL) with side-by-side rate comparison, tracking, and declared value coverage up to $50,000 through independently owned franchise locations. Locations also offer private mailbox rental (including virtual mailbox digital mail management), notary public, copying/printing, faxing, passport photos, fingerprinting, freight shipping, and office supplies as a one-stop shop for small businesses and individual consumers.

Product overview

PostalAnnex+ operates as a multi-service retail franchise offering a comprehensive suite of shipping, business, and office services through independently owned franchise locations. The core offering centers on multi-carrier shipping services (offering UPS, FedEx, USPS, and DHL options with rate comparison) complemented by private and business mailbox rentals, notary public services, and document services (copying, printing, faxing). Additional services include passport photos, fingerprinting, shipping supplies, and various office services. The portfolio is structured as a unified retail service model where customers can access shipping, mail, notary, printing, and office services in a single location, with specialized offerings like freight shipping, virtual mailbox, large format printing, and shredding available at select locations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Annex Brands: The parent company and franchisor that owns multiple shipping and business services brands including PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers, and others.

Products and services

• Multi-Carrier Shipping Services Side-by-side rate comparison across UPS, FedEx, USPS, and DHL with package tracking, insurance, proof-of-delivery, and declared value coverage up to $50,000 for retail drop-off shipping of packages and documents. Targets small businesses and individual consumers needing carrier choice and professional packing assistance at neighborhood retail locations.
• Overnight Shipping Expedited next-day and 2-day shipping options for time-sensitive packages through major carriers, available at PostalAnnex+ franchise locations.
• Freight Shipping Transport service for large, heavy, fragile, awkward, or high-value items such as grandfather clocks, artwork, antiques, kayaks, and automobile parts. Targets individuals and small businesses shipping items that exceed standard parcel limits.
• Private Mailbox Rental Secure private mailbox rental with a real street address, dual-lock security, package receiving from all carriers, and privacy protection for personal or business use. Available in various sizes for individuals and businesses, billed monthly per location.
• Virtual Mailbox Digital mail management service that scans physical mail and makes it accessible online 24/7, with options to view, print, forward, or archive mail and packages. Targets remote workers, travelers, and small businesses needing off-site mail handling.
• Notary Public Commissioned and insured notary services for witnessing document signing and administering oaths. Some locations offer Notary Signing Agent (NSA) services for loan documents and mobile notary options, serving individuals, real estate transactions, and small businesses needing convenient document certification.
• Copy Services High-speed black & white and color copying with finishing services including binding, collating, folding, laminating, and stapling. Targets small businesses and individuals needing document reproduction with quick turnaround.
• Printing Services Custom printing services including business cards, flyers, postcards, brochures, letterhead, envelopes, and business forms, with bulk mail postage rate assistance. Includes full-color, large-format (architectural/blueprint/engineering plans), and commercial high-volume printing options for real estate, small business, school, trade show, and non-profit clients.
• Faxing Service Send and receive fax transmissions for contracts, resumes, legal papers, real estate documents, and insurance documents with confirmation of receipt. Targets individuals and small businesses still relying on fax for legal, real estate, or healthcare workflows.
• Passport Photos Professional passport photo services meeting U.S. Department of State requirements for applications and renewals, with expedited passport services through trusted third-party providers at select locations. Targets individual travelers needing convenient passport photo and renewal assistance.
• Fingerprinting / Live Scan Digital Live Scan fingerprinting services for employment or organizational requirements, transmitting electronic fingerprints to the DOJ and FBI. Targets job applicants, volunteers, and license applicants needing certified background check submissions.
• Shipping Supplies Packaging materials including corrugated boxes, bubble packaging, packaging peanuts, tape, padded envelopes, mailing tubes, and foam protection materials for retail purchase. Targets individuals and small businesses preparing shipments or packing items.
• Duplicate Key Cutting Key duplication service for standard and specialty keys offered at neighborhood PostalAnnex+ locations. Targets individual consumers and small businesses needing quick key copies.
• Package Receiving Secure package receiving and holding service to prevent theft from doorsteps, accepting deliveries from UPS, FedEx, and other carriers for mailbox rental customers. Targets individuals and small businesses concerned about package theft.
• Scanning and Shredding Document digitization (scanning) and secure shredding services for disposing of sensitive paperwork while maintaining environmental sustainability. Targets small businesses and individuals needing document conversion and certified destruction.
• File Upload Online file upload service allowing customers to send documents digitally for printing or other services at participating locations, enabling remote submission of print-ready files. Targets small businesses and individuals needing print jobs without an in-person visit.
• Office Supplies Common office supplies available for retail purchase at PostalAnnex+ franchise locations for the convenience of small businesses and home-based business operators.
• Greeting Cards Greeting cards and gift items for various occasions sold at PostalAnnex+ franchise retail locations.
• Laminating Service Lamination services to protect and preserve documents, photos, and other materials, offered as a standalone finishing service at PostalAnnex+ locations.
• Document Binding Document finishing service for binding papers together for professional or organizational purposes, offered at PostalAnnex+ locations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Declared value coverage up to $50,000 against loss or damage
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• UPScoreTechnology or IntegrationUPS Authorized Shipping Outlet partnership. PostalAnnex locations serve as UPS Authorized Shipping Outlets, offering UPS shipping services, tracking, and declared value coverage up to $100 (additional coverage available up to $50,000).
• FedExcoreTechnology or IntegrationFedEx Authorized Ship Center partnership. PostalAnnex locations serve as FedEx Authorized Ship Centers, offering FedEx shipping options and tracking services.
• United States Postal Service (USPS)coreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership providing USPS shipping services including Priority Mail, First Class Mail, and other postal options at PostalAnnex locations.
• DHL ExpresscoreTechnology or IntegrationDHL shipping services available at PostalAnnex locations for international shipping to over 220 countries. All DHL shipments include tracking, proof of delivery, and basic declared value insurance starting at $100.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Sunshine Pack & Ship: Sibling brand under Annex Brands operating packing and shipping franchises. Comparable business model within the parent portfolio.
• The UPS Store: The largest direct competitor, with 5,500+ U.S. locations. UPS-owned franchise network offering UPS shipping, mailbox rentals, printing, and business services — the closest large-scale analog to PostalAnnex+'s multi-service retail shipping model.
• Parcel Plus: Sibling brand under Annex Brands offering shipping, mailbox, and business services in a franchise model. Directly comparable unit-level economics and customer base to PostalAnnex+.
• Pak Mail: Sibling brand under Annex Brands, Inc. offering shipping, freight, and packaging services. Directly comparable franchise model within the same parent company, providing insights into unit economics across brands.
• AIM Mail Centers: Another sibling brand under Annex Brands operating multi-carrier shipping and business services franchises. Same franchisor, comparable offering, providing portfolio comparison and shared-services leverage reference points.
• Postal Connections: Independent franchise network offering shipping, mailbox rental, and business services. Smaller-scale direct competitor with similar franchise structure and SMB/consumer focus.
• Handle With Care Packaging Store: Sibling brand under Annex Brands specializing in custom packing, shipping, and crating. Same franchisor with a more niche specialty focus.
• Navis Pack & Ship: Sibling brand under Annex Brands focused on specialty crating, freight, and packing services for high-value and oversized items. Comparable franchise structure within the parent portfolio.
• FedEx Office: FedEx-owned retail print and ship centers offering FedEx shipping, copying, printing, and packaging services. Competes directly with PostalAnnex+ for SMB shipping traffic at corporate-operated and franchise locations.

Broad incumbents

• United States Postal Service (USPS): National postal operator offering Priority Mail, First Class, and P.O. Box services that PostalAnnex+ resells and competes against for mailbox and shipping customers. Provides baseline postal pricing and service levels.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/postalannex
• Xx.com/postalannex
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/postal-annex

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about PostalAnnex+