Mail Boxes Etc
Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE Deutschland GmbH) is the exclusive German licensee of a global franchise network operating 160+ service centers in Germany and 3,200+ centers across 60+ countries, providing shipping, logistics, fulfillment, printing, marketing, and mailbox services primarily to small and medium-sized businesses and e-commerce merchants.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1980
- HeadquartersBerlin, Germany
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Mail Boxes Etc does
Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE Deutschland GmbH) is the exclusive German licensee of the global Mail Boxes Etc. franchise brand, headquartered at Bundesallee 39-40a in Berlin. The entity operates as part of the MBE Worldwide S.p.A. network (parent company based in Milan, Italy) and manages more than 160 MBE Service Centers across Germany, supporting a global network of 3,200+ centers in over 60 countries and approximately 250,000 business customers. The company provides a one-stop portfolio of shipping, logistics, fulfillment, printing, marketing, and postal services to small and medium-sized businesses (KMU), e-commerce merchants, private individuals, students, and specialized shippers (art, antiques, valuables).
The core product offering spans four service pillars: (1) Pack & Ship including domestic, European, and international shipping via contracted carrier partnerships with DHL, GLS, Hermes, UPS, FedEx, and TNT, with specialized handling for pallets, bicycles, temperature-controlled goods, and valuables; (2) Logistics & E-Commerce featuring MBE eShip (automated shipping connector integrating with Magento, WooCommerce, PrestaShop, Shopify, eBay, and Amazon), MBE OnLine (shipment management platform), warehousing, fulfillment, returns handling, and micrologistics; (3) Print & Marketing Solutions covering business cards, flyers, brochures, large-format printing, direct mailing, and promotional items; (4) Postmanagement/Mailbox services offered in Standard, Plus, and Premium subscription tiers. Adjacent products include MBE SafeValue (shipping protection for art and antiques), MBE Privilege (loyalty program), and MBE Student Room (thesis printing and luggage shipping).
MBE Deutschland GmbH monetizes the network primarily through franchise fees and royalties from independent franchisee entrepreneurs who own and operate individual centers. Franchise partners require a minimum equity investment of €20,000 and operate under multi-year contracts. Additional revenue streams flow from platform fees on MBE eShip and MBE OnLine, mailbox subscription services, and value-added specialized shipping. The business model relies on a hybrid go-to-market combining physical storefront walk-in service, digital self-service via MBE eShip and MBE OnLine, B2B field sales targeting SMBs, and franchise recruitment marketing. The company's competitive positioning rests on the density of its 3,200+ global center network, master carrier rate agreements, integrated multi-service offerings, and 40+ years of operating history dating to the brand's 1980 founding.
Mail Boxes Etc firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Mail Boxes Etc
- Legal name
- MBE Deutschland GmbH
- Website
- https://mbe.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1980
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE Deutschland GmbH) is the exclusive German licensee of a global franchise network operating 160+ service centers in Germany and 3,200+ centers across 60+ countries, providing shipping, logistics, fulfillment, printing, marketing, and mailbox services primarily to small and medium-sized businesses and e-commerce merchants.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Mail Boxes Etc industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Logistics & Shipping Services
- NAICS
- Couriers and Express Delivery Services (4921), Private Mail Centers (561431), Couriers and Express Delivery Services (492110)
- SIC
- Services-Direct Mail Advertising Services (7331)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Post Office Network & Retail Counter Services (TLAAAAAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Direct Mail / Marketing Mail & Bulk Mail Services (TLAAAAAJ), Micro-Fulfillment Centers (Urban / In-Store / Dark Store Backroom) (TLALADAF), Courier, Pickup & Delivery (Non-commercial) (HSACAIAD)
Keywords
Where Mail Boxes Etc is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Berlin
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Mail Boxes Etc business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Shipping and Logistics Services: MBE centers provide shipping services to customers, generating revenue through negotiated rates with carriers (DHL, GLS, Hermes, UPS, FedEx, TNT) passed on to end customers with margin. Services include national, European, and international shipping of packages, pallets, freight, and specialized items.
- Printing and Marketing Services: On-site printing services including business cards, flyers, brochures, posters, banners, and large format printing. Marketing services include direct mailing, graphic design, and promotional materials.
- Mailbox and Domiciliation Services: Mailbox rental services offering secure address for receiving letters and packages. Packages include Standard, Plus, and Premium tiers with varying service levels including mail check, fax services, and forwarding.
- Warehousing and Fulfillment: E-commerce fulfillment services including storage, picking, packing, and shipping of online orders. Services include inventory management, returns handling, and Micrologistics solutions.
- Franchise Fees: Revenue generated from franchise partnerships including initial franchise fees and ongoing royalty payments. Franchisees operate independent MBE centers under the brand.
- Student Services: Specialized services for students including thesis printing and binding, worldwide shipping of luggage and packages, and mailbox services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Franchise partnership requiring minimum equity investment |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Mail Boxes Etc product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Mail Boxes Etc. operates a global franchise network of 3,200+ service centers providing pack & ship, logistics and e-commerce fulfillment, printing and marketing, and mailbox/domiciliation services. Services are delivered through independently owned MBE Service Centers under a franchise model, with the German licensee (MBE Deutschland GmbH) managing 160+ centers across German-speaking markets. Customers access services both in-store and via digital platforms (MBE eShip, MBE OnLine).
Product overview
Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE) operates as a franchise-based service center network offering an integrated suite of logistics, shipping, e-commerce, print, and marketing solutions for businesses and individuals. The core offering consists of four main service pillars: (1) Pack & Ship for packaging and domestic/international shipping through contracted carriers (DHL, GLS, Hermes, UPS, FedEx, TNT); (2) Logistics & E-Commerce featuring MBE eShip (automated shipping connector for online shops), MBE OnLine (shipment management platform), warehousing and fulfillment, and micrologistics; (3) Print & Marketing Solutions for business cards, flyers, brochures, direct mailing, and promotional materials; (4) Postmanagement/Mailbox Services for postal address, mail reception, forwarding, and fax services. The portfolio also includes specialized offerings like MBE SafeValue for art/valuables shipping, MBE Privilege loyalty program, and the MBE Student Room for academic printing and shipping needs. MBE connects to major e-commerce platforms (Magento, WooCommerce, PrestaShop, Shopify, eBay, Amazon) via its eShip integration.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- MBE eShip: Automated shipping solution for e-commerce platforms
- MBE OnLine
- MBE SafeValue
- MBE Privilege
- MBE Address
Products and services
- MBE eShip Automated shipping platform connecting online shops to MBE's shipping network with direct e-commerce platform integration for streamlined order processing, label generation, and shipment fulfillment. Targets e-commerce merchants needing automated shipping workflows.
- MBE OnLine Shipment management platform that allows users to create shipments, track packages, and access shipping reports and analytics. Targets business customers with regular shipping needs.
- MBE SafeValue Shipping protection and value coverage service for shipping art, antiques, and other valuables with specialized packaging and insurance. Targets auction houses, galleries, art collectors, and specialized shippers.
- MBE Privilege Loyalty program offering rewards and benefits for frequent customers of MBE service centers. Targets regular SMB and consumer customers.
- Pack & Ship Custom packing, eco-friendly packing, packing materials, and shipping services for packages, pallets, freight, and temperature-controlled goods via contracted carriers (DHL, GLS, Hermes, UPS, FedEx, TNT). Targets SMBs and individual consumers.
- Warehousing & Fulfillment Storage, inventory management, order fulfillment, picking, assembly, and customized packaging services for e-commerce businesses. Includes returns handling. Targets online retailers and e-commerce merchants.
- Micrologistics Customized logistics solutions including interim storage, distribution logistics, and tailored logistics services for specific business needs. Targets SMBs needing flexible, customized logistics support.
- Print & Marketing Solutions Creative printing and marketing services including business cards, flyers, brochures, posters, large format printing, roll-up banners, promotional items, and graphic design. Targets SMBs and individual consumers needing printed marketing collateral.
- Mailing Service Direct mailing service with professional design, printing, automatic enveloping, and distribution of marketing materials including postcards, brochures, and catalogs. Targets SMBs running direct mail campaigns.
- Postmanagement / Mailbox Service Mailbox rental service offering a secure address for receiving letters and packages, with mail check, forwarding, fax services, and 24/7 access. Subscription tiers include Standard, Plus, and Premium. Targets mobile professionals, SMBs, private individuals, and students needing a permanent business address.
- MBE Student Room Student-focused services including thesis printing and binding, worldwide luggage and package shipping, and mailbox services. Targets university students needing affordable academic and personal shipping services.
- Import-Export Services Expert handling of international import and export shipments with customs documentation and regulatory compliance support. Targets SMBs and consumers engaged in cross-border trade.
Quantifiable outcome
- 250,000 satisfied business customers globally
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Mail Boxes Etc
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Mail Boxes Etc technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration12 records
Feature4 records
Mail Boxes Etc partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- DHLcoreMBE has contractual agreements with major national and international express couriers including DHL for shipping services provided to franchise customers.
- GLS (General Logistics Systems)corePartnership with GLS for parcel shipping services across Europe.
- HermescorePartnership with Hermes for domestic and international shipping solutions.
- UPScorePartnership with UPS for express shipping services worldwide.
- FedExcorePartnership with FedEx for international express shipping services.
- TNTcorePartnership with TNT for freight and express delivery services.
- PrestaShopcoreMBE Worldwide acquired PrestaShop, an e-commerce platform serving over 1 million business customers. Integration enables comprehensive e-commerce and fulfillment solutions.
- PACK & SENDcoreMBE Worldwide acquired PACK & SEND franchise networks in multiple countries (UK, New Zealand, Australia) to expand global shipping network presence.
- MulticopyminorMBE Worldwide acquired Multicopy to strengthen presence in printing and marketing services sector.
- PostNet International Franchise CorporationminorMBE Worldwide acquired PostNet to expand global service center network.
- GEL ProximityminorMBE Worldwide acquired GEL Proximity for geographic expansion.
- MBE Worldwide S.p.A.coreParent company and brand owner of Mail Boxes Etc. MBE Deutschland GmbH is the exclusive German licensee.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Mail Boxes Etc competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Strengths4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Mail Boxes Etc social profiles
Digital presenceMail Boxes Etc financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Mail Boxes Etc leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Mail Boxes Etc subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
Mail Boxes Etc funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Mail Boxes Etc M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Mail Boxes Etc
What does Mail Boxes Etc do?
Mail Boxes Etc. operates a global franchise network of 3,200+ service centers providing pack & ship, logistics and e-commerce fulfillment, printing and marketing, and mailbox/domiciliation services. Services are delivered through independently owned MBE Service Centers under a franchise model, with the German licensee (MBE Deutschland GmbH) managing 160+ centers across German-speaking markets. Customers access services both in-store and via digital platforms (MBE eShip, MBE OnLine).
Is Mail Boxes Etc a public or private company?
Mail Boxes Etc is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Mail Boxes Etc founded?
Mail Boxes Etc was founded in 1980. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Mail Boxes Etc based?
Mail Boxes Etc is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Mail Boxes Etc make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Shipping and Logistics Services are the primary driver. The others are printing and Marketing Services, mailbox and Domiciliation Services, warehousing and Fulfillment, franchise Fees and student Services.
Does Mail Boxes Etc have an API?
No public API is recorded for Mail Boxes Etc.
What industry is Mail Boxes Etc in?
Mail Boxes Etc's product category is Logistics & Shipping Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAAAAAF, Post Office Network & Retail Counter Services, with a secondary code of TLAAAAAJ, Direct Mail / Marketing Mail & Bulk Mail Services. Its NAICS code is 4921 and its SIC code is 7331.