HOME | CONTACT US | MY ACCOUNT

PackageHub®

PackageHub BUSINESS CENTERS®
828 OFFICIAL STORES OPEN,
202 IN THE PIPELINE

 

National Store Network

Strength In Numbers | United We Thrive

The PackageHub Business Center® (PBC) national store network is a non-traditional franchise model that unites the best-of-the-best Retail Shipping Associates (RSA) Premium Members into a nationally-branded network. This network will help entrepreneurs like you take your business to the next level and profit from new opportunities in the digital economy.

To become a PBC member, store owners must first meet the network requirements, successfully complete the membership application and approval process, agree to the terms of the PBC Franchise Agreement, and pay monthly membership fees.

NOTE: PackageHub Business Centers® (PBC) is NOT a Retail Shipping Associates (RSA) program. PBC and RSA are two separate business entities. When you become a PBC, the agreement you sign will be with PBC, LLC., and is separate from your RSA membership.

What is a Non-traditonal Franchise?

All the good stuff, none of the bad!
  • NO Initial Franchise Fee*
  • NO Royalties (% of Revenue)
  • NO Long Term Contracts (30-day Out)
  • NO Restrictions on products or services offered
  • NO Store Name Change Required
  • NO Store Remodeling Required
Key Program Benefits

Why Be A PBC?

PackageHub Business Centers® has a lot more to offer than just a brand name...

  • National advertising, promotions and PR
  • Local advertising and PR support
  • Branded marketing materials and signage
  • PBC website with “Find a Store” feature
  • Negotiated discounts with carriers and suppliers
  • New products & services to bring in more customers
  • Free or low-cost operations and sales training
  • Online Resource Center of tools, training, and best practices

Get Guaranteed

UPS ASO Status

PackageHub Business Centers® (PBC) has successfully formed an alliance with UPS on behalf of all PBC franchisees. PBC locations in good standing are automatically approved for Authorized Shipping Outlet (ASO) status, and for those locations that are already ASOs, they will benefit from even deeper discounts*!

The partnership between PBC and UPS has been two years in the making, and it has been over 15 years since UPS has formed an ASO alliance such as this. All PBC franchisee members will profit from the new benefits and opportunities this exciting and significant partnership brings.

ASO Program Benefits

  • Deeper Discounts*
  • Drop-Off Compensation
  • UPS Locator
  • UPS Rewards Program

Getting Your Account...

What If I am already a PBC & ASO?
You would need to apply for your PBC UPS ASO status.

Your discounts and new compensation rates automatically apply to your existing account*!

(Upon completing the PBC UPS ASO Application process)

What if I am already a PBC, but not an ASO?
Apply to be an ASO, and you will be automatically approved!

(Minimum turnaround time is approximately 14 business days)

I am not a PBC, how do I get ASO status?
You would need to apply to become a PBC location, get approved, then apply for your ASO status.

* PBC Members in Alaska & Hawaii receive regular ASO rates.

Get Guaranteed

FedEx FASC Status

PackageHub Business Centers® (PBC) has created a partnership with FedEx on behalf of all PBC franchisees. PBC locations in good standing are automatically approved for FedEx Authorized ShipCenter (FASC) status, and for those locations that are already FedEx Authorized ShipCenter (FASC), they will reap the rewards from even deeper discounts!

FASC Program Benefits

  • All PackageHub® locations WILL be approved as FedEx Authorized ShipCenters! If you have applied for FASC status and been denied, you will now be approved because your store is a PackageHub®.
  • The deeper discounts, fee reductions, and waivers for PBC locations are significantly better than FASCs that are not PBCs.
  • Your store will be listed on the FedEx.com locator—customers looking to ship or drop off will be directed to your store.
  • You’ll be able to accept FedEx drop-offs, which means you’ll be paid $.75/FedEx Ground and $1.00/FedEx Express drop-offs. This could mean hundreds or thousands of additional revenue dollars every month.
  • Adding FedEx will make your store a complete multi-carrier provider for your customers-more options, happier customers.

Getting Your Account...

What If I am already a PBC & FASC?
You would need to apply for your PBC FedEx FASC status.

Your discounts and new compensation rates automatically apply to your existing account*!

(Upon completing the PBC FedEx FASC Application process)

What if I am already a PBC, but not an FASC?
Apply to be an FASC, and you will be automatically approved!

(Minimum turnaround time is approximately 14 business days)

I am not a PBC, how do I get FASC status?
You would need to apply to become a PBC location, get approved, then apply for your FASC status.

* PBC Members in Alaska & Hawaii receive regular FASC rates.

Get Drop-Off Compensation From

Pitney Bowes

PackageHub Business Centers® (PBC) has partnered with Pitney Bowes to bring compensation to our franchise members for specific USPS Drop-Offs. This is a potential opportunity for “found money” that has been going through your stores for years—it’s about time you get paid for this drop-off service you already offer.

Available only to PBC and Annex Brands, this partnership with Pitney Bowes (in collaboration with PostalMate®) is a first step in the right direction. Creating opportunities for additional revenue streams is what PBC is all about, and compensation for some of your USPS drop-offs starts today!

We are excited to make this announcement, but we need to make sure you are doing everything you can on your part to be eligible for the compensation; 0.50¢ per qualifying USPS return package drop-off. Let’s review some of the specifics of how it works and how you can start earning (it’s very easy)!

How It Works

  • Compensation applies to 42 different types of Pitney Bowes USPS returns labels.
  • You must use a scanner when entering these packages into your PostalMate® software (DO NOT enter tracking code manually—only scanned packages will be eligible for compensation).
  • You must be on at least version 12.3.1.15 (or later) of PostalMate®.
  • PackageHub Business Centers® will pay your earnings once per quarter (more information to come at a later date).
  • Please use this opportunity to show these customers how great the Customer Experience can be at a PBC—their positive experience will help to ensure this program and others like it will continue and grow!

Start Earning!

This program does not provide compensation on all USPS items, so to ensure you get as much compensation as you can, we recommend making it a store policy to scan all of your USPS drop-offs* into PostalMate® that contain merchandise in them; letter mail is not eligible for compensation (Scan only items with a scannable bar code).

Everything else is already in place and ready to go—just do business as usual, scan those USPS package drop-offs, and compensation will come your way according to how many eligible packages you have scanned.

*By scanning ALL USPS drop-offs, we’ll be able aggregate and use this data to create new partner relationships for PackageHub Business Center®

National Store Locator

reach new customers

PackageHub Business Centers® has the most robust and comprehensive online store locator in the industry — including "Search-by-Service" function. It has been fully optimized for mobile use so customers can find you on-the-go. Check out the LIVE locator by clicking the button below.

PBC Store Locator
In-Store Marketing & Branding

Look Professional. Be Professional.

PBC Marketplace, the official ecommerce platform for members of PackageHub® to buy all the PBC gear they’ll need in order to successfully co-brand their store — exclusively for members of PackageHub®. Whether you're sporting the PBC apron, polo, or hat, you are representing the PackageHub® name connects us all.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Does your store make the cut?

STORE AESTHETICS

Maintain a clean, organized, professional, and secure store environment, and agree to adhere to the PackageHub® policies and procedures for in-store branding.

Store Offerings & Operations

Offer standard products and services including mailbox rentals, domestic and international shipping, professional packing, printing, and basic office services (at a minimum).

RS Premium Member

Maintain RSA Premium Membership in good standing throughout the PBC Membership term.

Owner/Operator Professionalism

Follow the PBC Code of Ethics, policies and procedures, be dedicated to highest standards of professionalism and customer service, and be loyal to the PBC brand.

Store Hours

Must maintain minimal days and hours of operations. Requirements may vary based on market size and/or unique location.

Staffing & Training

Agree to hire and train staff who are professional, courteous, and knowledgeable—as proven though certification training.

The RS Advisory Council

Why PBC Is The Future For Independents

Watch The Video

As we built PackageHub®, the RS Advisory council was there every step of the way — helping to shape the future of the industry. These 20 dedicated store owners come from all corners of the country and their locations run the gambit from urban and metro to suburban and rural. Without their input and unfiltered feedback PackageHub® would not be where it is today. Watch the video to hear why these veteran independent store owners think this model is the future for all independents.

Solving the

Final Mile/Final Yard

A unique advantage of being owner-operated is the outstanding customer experience our stores offer. The PBC team plans to actively educate customers, carriers, and online retailers about our service advantage and use it to monetize e-commerce package handling to the benefit of member stores.

Plans are in the works for a universal package receiving service that can eliminate porch piracy, save carriers a truckload in residential stops, and deliver a seamless “final yard” experience.

As a PBC member, your store can become the local HUB where neighbors “get all their stuff” and “get all their stuff done” while helping make e-commerce both economically and environmentally sustainable.

PBC First-Step Application

* For stores that have voluntarily dropped out of the PackageHub® network, there will be a $100 reinstatement fee to rejoin.

PBC Franchisee Only Discounts

PackageHub® has built relationships with the key carriers, vendors and service providers who sell directly to the industry. Our network of PBC's represents extraordinary buying power to these providers and we negotiate pricing and discounts that you simply can’t get on your own.

 
Carrier Programs
 
UPS

PackageHub Business Centers® (PBC) has successfully formed an alliance with UPS on behalf of all PBC franchisees. PBC locations in good standing are automatically approved for Authorized Shipping Outlet (ASO) status, and for those locations that are already Authorized Shipping Outlets (ASO), they will benefit from even deeper discounts!

  • Additional minimum 3.1% discount off UPS products (Avg Savings- $230/ month)
  • Guaranteed ASO Status (Avg Drop-off compensation- $881/ month)
 
FedEx

PackageHub Business Centers® (PBC) has created a partnership with FedEx on behalf of all PBC franchisees. PBC locations in good standing are automatically approved for FedEx Authorized ShipCenter (FASC) status, and for those locations that are already FedEx Authorized ShipCenter (FASC), they will reap the rewards from even deeper discounts!

  • All PackageHub® locations WILL be approved as FedEx Authorized ShipCenters! If you have applied for FASC status and been denied, you will now be approved because your store is a PackageHub®.
  • The deeper discounts, fee reductions, and waivers for PBC locations are significantly better than FASCs that are not PBCs.
  • Your store will be listed on the FedEx.com locator—customers looking to ship or drop off will be directed to your store.
  • You’ll be able to accept FedEx drop-offs, which means you’ll be paid $.75/FedEx Ground and $1.00/FedEx Express drop-offs. This could mean hundreds or thousands of additional revenue dollars every month.
  • Adding FedEx will make your store a complete multi-carrier provider for your customers-more options, happier customers.
 
Pitney Bowes

PackageHub Business Centers® (PBC) has partnered with Pitney Bowes to bring compensation to our franchise members for specific USPS Drop-Offs. Compensation applies to 42 different types of Pitney Bowes USPS returns labels. PBC's will receive 0.50¢ per qualifying USPS return package drop-off. 

 
Point-Of-Sale Discounts
PC Synergy (PostalMate)

PBC Franchisee's will receive a $15 per month savings on PostalMate license fee.

Learn More About PostalMate
 
Exclusive Vendor & Supplier Discounts
Anytime Mailbox

$100 off activation for new customers and 50% discount on Operator Direct sign-ups for the first 12 months

Learn More About Anytime Mailbox
 
Avanti Press

10% discount on ALL greeting cards.

Learn More About Avanti Press
 
FotoZoomer

10-12% discount from MSRP (up to $2750 savings)

Learn More About FotoZoomer
 
HexcelPack

10% off wholesale pricing

Learn More About HexcelPack
 
RJ Young

Up to 10% additional discount on leases, purchases and outsourcing services.

Learn More About RJ Young
 
Shred America

Additional 10% discount to all PBC's.

RS Premium Member Discount >>
 
SignaPay

25% additional discount off RSA Premium program.

Learn More About SignaPay
 
uBoxes

15 % off current Website/retail pricing, plus 5% Rewards.

RS Premium Member Discount >>
 

PBC Franchisee Requirements

Store is Open For Business
  • Store MUST be open and operating a minimum of 3 months as a retail shipping location.
  • Operate a pack-and-ship store as your primary business with a retail storefront and a designated customer counter for receiving packages.
  • Permanent Store Front Sign.
  • RS Premium Member ($24.95 per month)
  • PBC Franchise Fee (upon approval - $75 per month)
  • PBC LED Sign (upon approval - $95)
Core Services Offered

DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

  • USPS checked – Approved Shipper or Not
  • FedEx or UPS checked or DHL – Authorized Accounts

MAILBOX RENTAL/PACKAGE RECEIVING USPS

  • Mailbox Rental or Digital Mailbox Rental

PROFESSIONAL PACKING

  • Packing-Basic

BASIC OFFICE SERVICES

  • Copies B&W or Copies Color or Printing Digital or Printing Large Format
  • FAX Services
POS System
  • PostalMate (including CashMate)
  • ShipRite
STORE HOURS
  • OPENS no later than 9:00am Monday - Friday
  • CLOSES no earlier than 6:00pm weekdays
  • OPEN for at least 4 hours on Saturday (Must correlate between 9am - 6pm)
STORE PROFESSIONALISM – STORE PICTURES
  • Outside Front of Store
  • Retail and Entry Area
  • Counters
  • Mail and Package Storage Areas
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
  • Packing 101 - Basic Packing
  • Shipping 101 - Domestic
  • Shipping 102 - International
  • Operations 101 - Outstanding Customer Service
  • Operations 102 – Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA)
STORE WEBSITE
  • Must obtain a PBC Store Website (upon PBC approval) 
BUSINESS INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
  • Must meet the PBC Business Insurance Requirements – See attached document under the Resources Tab.

Getting Started is Fast and Easy

We invite all U.S. independently-owned retail shipping and business centers to apply for PBC membership. The process of applying to become a PBC member includes the following:

Step 1

Complete the PBC First Step Application at www.rscentral.org/pbcrequest

 

Step 2

Within 3 weeks, you will be notified via email if you have met the minimal initial requirements to proceed to the next step in the application process. You will be asked to provide additional information including:

  • Store & Owner Details
  • Store Photos
  • POS System Reports
  • Past Training & Certifications
 

Step 3

Within 3 weeks, you will receive the PBC 3rd Step Application. You will be asked to provide additional information including:

  • Federal Tax ID
  • State Tax ID (if applicable)
  • Company Principle(s) Name(s)
  • Company Principle(s) Home Address(es)
  • Company Principle(s) Cell Address(es)
 

Step 4

If the above information is accurate, within 3 weeks, you will receive the PBC Receipt of FDD. Signing the Receipt will begin the 15-day required wait period per Franchise Law.

 

Step 5

Your application will be reviewed in the order received and if there are no outstanding requirements (minus PBC Required Training or Core Services), you will then receive the PBC Store Agreement.

Otherwise, you will be notified if you have been approved or if further action is needed in order to qualify.

 

Step 6

Agree to the terms and sign the PBC Member Agreement. (Term: 3 year. You may cancel any time with 30 days written notice.)

 

Step 7

Pay PBC Membership Fees. (Monthly $75).*

*Special promotions may include waivers of membership fees for specified periods of time.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

General PBC Questions

What Does PBC stand for?

I’ve heard about PBC and the PackageHub™ Business Center network. What is it?

Who is eligible to become a member of the PBC Network?

My store is already part of a franchise. Can I still apply to be a PBC?

What are the mandatory services I have to offer to qualify to be a PBC?

What if a store very near to mine also wants to be a PBC, or open a new store and become a PBC? Are there protected territories?

Are RS Premium Membership fees collected separately from PBC Membership fees?

I’m an RSA Basic Member. Do I have to be a “Premium” Member before I apply to be a PBC?

Product Offerings

My store doesn’t offer private mailbox rentals Does this disqualify me from becoming a PBC?

I don’t offer FAX service. We only get a couple of requests a month so it’s not worth the expense. Does that disqualify me?

Will the PBC Member Agreement restrict what products and services I offer at my store(s)?

What services am I required to offer to qualify as a PBC? And do I need to have them all in place before I apply?

What qualifies as offering mailbox rentals?

What qualifies as package receiving?

Training & Certification

In the requirements to become a PBC, it talks about hiring and training staff who are knowledgeable—as proven through certification training. What else do I need to know about that?

I’ve heard mention of a PBC Knowledge Exam. What is it?

Who needs to be trained and certified in order to qualify as a PBC?

Do my employees need to take certification training or pass the exam?

What classes qualify as demonstrating my knowledge about the postal and shipping business?

What if I don’t pass the PBC Knowledge Exam?

Store Professionalism

What kinds of things will you be looking for in terms of the ”look” of my store?

Are we required to have employee uniforms? And what qualifies as a “uniform”?

Will I be able to order PackageHub Business Center branded uniform shirts and or other apparel like aprons, vests, jackets, hats?

Negotiated Agreements

If PBC negotiates a “master account” with a carrier, will I lose my individual relationship with that carrier?

What if I decide to discontinue my membership as a PBC, will my relationship with carrier and suppliers change or be restricted? Or can I go back to my previous arrangement/status?

PBC Requirements

In the PBC Launch presentation you mentioned that there would be two different standards for store hours—urban and rural. What’s the distinction between the two? How are exceptions made?

Do I need to extend my store hours before I complete the PBC Membership Application?

What are the minimum business insurance requirements for PBC members?

The PBC Membership Agreement

How can I trust that the PBC management team will act in my best interest?

Do I, as a store owner. get a “vote” in how PBC is run and how it changes over time?

Is the PBC Network a separate business entity or part of RSA?

Is the PackageHub Business Center (PBC) network a franchise?

The PackageHub Brand Name

Can I change my store name to PackageHub Business Center?

I’m opening a new store. Can I just name it PackageHub Business Center?

Do I need to create a new Fictitious Name or change the legal registration of my business in any way when I become PBC?

UPS ASO Program

How can I determine if my UPS User Account can be used for PBC UPS Billing Management?

Resource Files

 TitleDescriptionModified DateSize
BloomBerg News - PBC ArticleMailbox Stores’ New E-Commerce Plan Fights ‘Porch Pirates’9/17/2019Unknown
PBC Business Insurance DefinitionsPBC Business Insurance Definitions10/31/202217.99 KB
PBC Business Insurance RequirementsPBC Business Insurance Requirements10/31/2022122.67 KB
PBC FASC Savings Calculator ToolExcel spreadsheet that can estimate your savings when using the new PBC FASC rates over the normal FASC rates.8/23/202313.96 KB
UPS ContactsASO Contact Numbers and Email Addresses9/30/2022293.69 KB

Recorded Events

  • Event
    Date Recorded
  • PBC-FedEx: Numbers Update
    PBC & FedEx: Numbers Update
    08/21/23
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - July 23 2023
    07/07/23
    Members Only
  • Intro To RS Expo & PBC FedEx Announcement
    Introduction To 2023 RS Expo & PBC FedEx Major Announcement
    06/28/23
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - June 23 2023
    06/23/23
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - March 30 2023
    03/30/23
    Members Only
  • Shred America
    Shred America – Premium Supplier Spotlight
    03/02/23
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - January 13 2023
    01/13/23
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - November 8 2022
    11/08/22
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - September 20 2022
    09/20/22
    Members Only
  • PackageHub Webinar
    PackageHub - What's In It For You?
    07/28/22
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - June 20 2022
    06/20/22
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - May 13 2022
    05/13/22
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - April 27 2022
    04/27/22
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - April 8 2022
    04/08/22
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - March 24 2022
    03/24/22
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - March 10 2022
    03/10/22
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - February 11 2022
    02/11/22
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - January 21 2022
    01/21/22
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - January 7 2022
    01/07/22
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - December 3 2021
    12/03/21
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - Novenber 19 2021
    11/19/21
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - Novenber 4 2021
    11/04/21
    Members Only
  • PBC UPS ASO Program Details
    PackageHub® UPS Authorized Shipping Outlet (ASO) Program Details
    10/21/21
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - September 24 2021
    09/24/21
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - September 10 2021
    09/10/21
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - August 31 2021
    08/31/21
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - August 12 2021
    08/12/21
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - July 29 2021
    07/29/21
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - July 15 2021
    07/15/21
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - July 1 2021
    07/01/21
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - June 17 2021
    06/17/21
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - June 4 2021
    06/04/21
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - May 20 2021
    05/20/21
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - May 6 2021
    05/06/21
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - April 22 2021
    04/22/21
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - April 8 2021
    04/08/21
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - March 24 2021
    03/24/21
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - March 10 2021
    03/10/21
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - February 25 2021
    02/25/21
    Members Only
  • State of the Hub
    First edition of State of the Hub, a bi-weekly video covering essential and up-to-date information about all matters related to PBC.
    02/04/21
    Members Only
  • PBC Update Webinar
    PackageHub Business Centers Update Webinar
    01/21/21
    Members Only
  • PackageHub Business Centers® Update
    PackageHub Business Centers® Status and Latest news
    10/20/20
    Members Only
  • PackageHub Business Centers® Update Webinar
    PBC Update—Status, Policies, & Changes
    03/26/20
    Members Only
  • PackageHub Business Centers™ Webinar
    PackageHub Business Centers™ Introduction Webinar
    11/21/19
    Members Only
  • RS Expo 2019 Friday General Session
    Featured Speaker Gina Schaefer and the PackageHub™ Business Center Reveal by RS Associates President Brandon Gale
    08/23/19
    Members Only
  • RS Expo 2019 Thursday General Session
    Keynote Speaker Jim Cochrane and the The State-of-the Industry General Session by RS Associates President Brandon Gale
    08/22/19
    Members Only

This website and all information located on this website do not represent an advertisement or offer to sell a franchise and are for information purposes only. Any offer of a franchise from us can only be made directly by us (or our authorized representatives) outside of this website and with delivery of a franchise disclosure document as required by federal and some state laws. Certain states in the United States regulate the offer and sell of franchises within their respective states. Registration states include California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin (“Registration States”). We will not offer or sell any franchises to any residents of any Registration State until we have filed and received approval of our franchise disclosure document from that specific Registration State. If you are a resident of any Registration State or any state that requires approval of our franchise disclosure document, then you will not be offered a franchise until we can deliver to you a franchise disclosure document that has been registered and approved according to the laws of your state.

© 2022 PBC, LLC. All rights reserved. PackageHub Business Centers® is a registered trademark of PBC, LLC.