PostNet
PostNet is a franchise-based service company operating nearly 700 independently owned locations across the Americas and Africa, providing small businesses and consumers with integrated printing, multi-carrier shipping, and design services since 1993.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1993
- HeadquartersLakewood, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What PostNet does
PostNet International Franchise Corporation is a privately held franchise company headquartered at 143 Union Blvd, Suite 600, Lakewood, Colorado, founded in 1993. It operates nearly 700 independently owned franchise locations across North America, Central America, South America, and Africa, providing small businesses and consumers with three integrated service lines: Design Services (custom graphic design, logo design, business stationery, marketing materials, and personal projects), Printing Services (business cards, brochures, blueprints, signs, banners, canvas wraps, direct mail, postcards, and promotional products), and Packing & Shipping Services (multi-carrier shipping through UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS with custom packing, InsureShield Shipping Protection in partnership with UPS Capital Insurance Agency, and packing supplies). The company also offers an "Etc." category of ancillary services — private and virtual mailbox rental (via iPostal1 and Anytime Mailbox partnerships), notary public, passport photos, document shredding, fax and scan, computer rental, and binding and finishing — alongside packaged product bundles for SMBs.
The underlying technology stack combines large-format and wide-format printing equipment at each franchise location with an integrated multi-carrier shipping platform enabling customers to compare carrier rates (UPS, FedEx, DHL, USPS) from a single drop-off point. InsureShield provides up to $300 of automatic package protection per shipment and up to $30,000 in optional coverage, and the virtual mailbox offering uses digital mail management systems that provide real street addresses for businesses with mail view/forward/shred/recycle capabilities. PostNet does not publish a public API or SDK and operates with no proprietary AI/ML features disclosed.
PostNet's business model is franchise-based: revenue at the corporate/franchisor level is generated through franchise fees, royalties, and shared service programs, while franchisee revenue comes from printing (transaction-fee), shipping (commission-based via carrier partnerships), mailbox rentals (subscription/recurring), and ancillary services (notary, passport photos, shredding, fax/scan, computer rental). The company does not sell finished products through e-commerce; all customer transactions occur at local franchise centers. In 2017, PostNet was acquired by MBE Worldwide, and is now an affiliate of Fortidia, giving the combined network approximately 2,800 locations in 53 countries. Headcount is reported at 1,024, and the leadership team is led by CEO Paolo Fiorelli (also Chairman & CEO of MBE Worldwide), with senior VPs across Retail Network Development, Learning & Development, Finance & Accounting, and Purchasing & Operations.
PostNet firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- PostNet
- Legal name
- PostNet International Franchise Corporation
- Website
- https://postnet.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1993
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- PostNet is a franchise-based service company operating nearly 700 independently owned locations across the Americas and Africa, providing small businesses and consumers with integrated printing, multi-carrier shipping, and design services since 1993.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
PostNet industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Printing, Shipping, and Business Support Services
- NAICS
- Private Mail Centers (561431), Direct Mail Advertising (54186), Postal Service (491)
- SIC
- Services-Mailing, Reproduction, Commercial Art & Photography (7330), Services-Direct Mail Advertising Services (7331), Services-Computer Rental & Leasing (7377)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Post Office Network & Retail Counter Services (TLAAAAAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Direct Mail / Marketing Mail & Bulk Mail Services (TLAAAAAJ), Domestic Parcel Post / Ground Parcels (TLAAAAAB)
Keywords
Where PostNet is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Lakewood
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
PostNet business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Printing Services: Revenue from professional printing services including business cards, brochures, marketing materials, signs, banners, blueprints, direct mail, and custom graphic design. Service is provided at individual franchise locations with pricing based on job specifications.
- Shipping Services: Commission-based revenue from shipping services through UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS partnerships. Franchise locations serve as drop-off points and assist with packing, labeling, and logistics.
- Mailbox Rentals: Revenue from private mailbox and virtual mailbox rental services providing businesses with real street addresses for mail and package reception
- Additional Services: Ancillary revenue from notary services, passport photos, document shredding, computer rental, fax/scan services, binding and finishing services, and packing supplies
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Service-based pricing varies by job specifications |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels4 records
PostNet product offering
Product offeringCore offering
PostNet operates a franchise network of nearly 700 neighborhood centers that provide three integrated core service lines — custom graphic design, professional printing (business cards, brochures, signs, banners, blueprints, direct mail, canvas wraps, etc.), and multi-carrier packing and shipping through UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS. Additional offerings include private and virtual mailbox rentals, notary services, passport photos, document shredding, fax/scan, computer rental, and binding and finishing. Customers access services by visiting local franchise locations or contacting them directly.
Product overview
PostNet is a franchise-based service center offering three integrated core service lines: Design Services (custom graphic design for logos, business stationery, marketing materials, and personal projects), Printing Services (wide-ranging professional printing including copies, business cards, brochures, blueprints, banners, signs, postcards, flyers, calendars, canvas wraps, direct mail, and more), and Packing & Shipping Services (multi-carrier domestic and international shipping through UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS, with custom packing, InsureShield® insurance protection, packing supplies, and package tracking). An 'Etc.' category adds complementary services including private mailbox rental, virtual mailbox, notary, passport photos, shredding, fax and scan, computer rental, and binding and finishing. Product Bundles group combinations of these services for small business needs. All PostNet locations are independently owned and operated franchises.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Design Services Custom graphic design services covering business stationery, logo design, marketing materials, and personal projects and gifts, available through local PostNet franchise centers.
- Printing Services Professional printing services including business cards, brochures, copies, canvas wraps, blueprints, direct mail, signs and banners, postcards, flyers, invitations, calendars, and wide-format printing, offered at franchise centers.
- Packing & Shipping Services Packing and shipping through all major carriers (UPS, FedEx, DHL, USPS) with custom packing, packing supplies, international shipping support, and package tracking.
- Additional Services (Etc.) Ancillary services including binding and finishing, computer rental, fax and scan, notary public, passport photos, private mailbox rental, shredding services, and virtual mailbox.
- Virtual Mailbox Digital mail management service providing a real physical street address where mail and packages are received, scanned for online viewing, and manageable via forwarding, shredding, or recycling.
- InsureShield Shipping Protection Full-value shipping protection insurance against loss, damage, and porch piracy, offered in partnership with UPS Capital Insurance Agency, with automatic protection up to $300 for UPS, FedEx, and DHL shipments and optional coverage up to $30,000.
- Private Mailbox Rental Physical private mailbox rental at PostNet centers providing a real street address, package acceptance from all carriers, and flexible mail pickup.
- Product Bundles Bundled packages combining PostNet services, including Business Start-Up Bundles, Marketing Essentials Bundles, and Pack and Ship Bundles, designed for small business needs.
Companies that use PostNet
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
PostNet technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
Feature3 records
PostNet partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, flagship and core.
- iPostal1 and Anytime MailboxstrategicPostNet became the first national franchise to offer virtual mailbox solutions through partnerships with iPostal1 and Anytime Mailbox, enabling customers to manage mail digitally from any location.
- MBE WorldwideflagshipPostNet became part of MBE Worldwide in 2017. Combined, PostNet and MBE have nearly 2,800 locations in 53 countries. MBE is a global family of packing and shipping centers.
- UPScoreUPS is one of the four major shipping carriers available at PostNet locations. PostNet serves as a drop-off point and reseller for UPS domestic and international shipping services including Next Day Air, 2nd Day Air, Ground, and international express services.
- FedExcoreFedEx shipping services are offered at PostNet locations including First Overnight, Priority Overnight, 2Day, Express Saver, and international options. PostNet provides pack-and-ship services for FedEx customers.
- USPScoreUSPS services available include Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First Class Mail, and Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) for targeted local marketing campaigns. PostNet assists with postage purchasing and mailing services.
- DHLcoreDHL international shipping is available at select PostNet locations for worldwide express delivery services. PostNet offers DHL Express Worldwide and domestic day/time definite delivery options.
- UPS Capital Insurance AgencycoreInsureShield Shipping Protection is provided in partnership with UPS Capital Insurance Agency. This protection covers shipments against loss, damage, and porch piracy for UPS, FedEx, and DHL shipments. Automatic protection up to $300 is provided, with optional coverage up to $30,000 for additional fees.
- FortidiaflagshipPostNet is an affiliate of Fortidia. Fortidia is the parent company overseeing PostNet and other brands in the packing and shipping services sector.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
PostNet competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- AlphaGraphics: Franchise commercial printing and marketing services network with a heavier print-and-design emphasis than PostNet. Comparable in franchise structure and SMB focus, with leadership overlap (PostNet VP of L&D previously at AlphaGraphics).
- The UPS Store: Largest U.S. franchise shipping and printing retail network, operating UPS-exclusive branded locations with print, packing, and mailbox services. Directly comparable business model and target customer (SMBs and consumers) to PostNet, with PostNet differing by offering all four major carriers.
- FASTSIGNS: Franchise signage, graphics, and visual communications network. Comparable franchise scale and SMB customer base, with PostNet VP of Retail Network Development's background at FASTSIGNS underscoring operational similarity.
- PostalAnnex+ (Annex Brands): Franchise network of packing, shipping, printing, and mailbox service centers. Operates an essentially identical franchise model to PostNet, including multi-carrier shipping, with comparable SMB and consumer customer base.
- Pak Mail: Franchise shipping and business services center offering packing, shipping via major carriers, printing, and mailbox rentals. Closest direct franchise-model peer to PostNet in the U.S. retail shipping category.
- FedEx Office: FedEx-owned retail chain offering packing, shipping, printing, and copying services. Competes head-to-head with PostNet for SMB and consumer shipping/print demand, with the advantage of direct FedEx carrier ownership.
Broad incumbents
- Office Depot: National office supplies and printing services retailer. Overlaps with PostNet on print, copy, and basic packing services for SMBs, though lacks the multi-carrier shipping counter franchise focus.
- Staples: Big-box office supplies retailer offering in-store printing, copying, and basic shipping. Competes with PostNet on the print and SMB-services side at greater scale but without the multi-carrier shipping franchise specialization.
Emerging players
- Vistaprint (Cimpress): Online commercial printing platform specializing in SMB marketing materials, business cards, and signage. Represents the digital-native competitor to PostNet's print/design franchise model, with superior scale economics on standardized SKUs.
- iPostal1: Virtual mailbox and digital mail management platform that is both a PostNet technology partner and a partial competitor in the digital mailbox space. Comparable in the virtual mailbox segment and addresses the same remote-work/hybrid-business customer.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
PostNet social profiles
Digital presencePostNet financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
PostNet leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
PostNet funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
PostNet 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 PostNet
What does PostNet do?
PostNet operates a franchise network of nearly 700 neighborhood centers that provide three integrated core service lines — custom graphic design, professional printing (business cards, brochures, signs, banners, blueprints, direct mail, canvas wraps, etc.), and multi-carrier packing and shipping through UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS. Additional offerings include private and virtual mailbox rentals, notary services, passport photos, document shredding, fax/scan, computer rental, and binding and finishing. Customers access services by visiting local franchise locations or contacting them directly.
Is PostNet a public or private company?
PostNet is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was PostNet founded?
PostNet was founded in 1993. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is PostNet based?
PostNet is headquartered in Lakewood, United States, in the North America region.
How does PostNet make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Printing Services are the primary driver. The others are shipping Services, mailbox Rentals and additional Services.
Who are PostNet's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are AlphaGraphics, The UPS Store, FASTSIGNS, PostalAnnex+ (Annex Brands), Pak Mail and FedEx Office. Broad incumbents are Office Depot and Staples. Emerging players are Vistaprint (Cimpress) and iPostal1.
Does PostNet have an API?
No public API is recorded for PostNet.
What industry is PostNet in?
PostNet's product category is Printing, Shipping, and Business Support 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 561431 and its SIC code is 7330.