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PackageHub®

PackageHub BUSINESS CENTERS®
1258 OFFICIAL STORES OPEN,
64 IN THE PIPELINE

 

National Store Franchise

Strength In Numbers | United We Thrive

The PackageHub Business Center® (PBC) is a non-traditional franchise model that brings together top-performing RSA Premium Members into a nationally branded network—designed to help independent store owners grow, compete, and capture new revenue opportunities in today’s evolving retail and e-commerce landscape.

Unlike traditional franchises, PBC is built for flexibility. You maintain control of your business while gaining access to national partnerships, exclusive programs, and tools that drive customer traffic and increase profitability.

NOTE: PackageHub Business Centers® (PBC) is a separate entity from Retail Shipping Associates (RSA). Your PBC agreement is with PBC, LLC and operates independently of your RSA membership.

What is a Non-traditional Franchise?

All the advantages. None of the typical franchise limitations.
  • NO Initial Franchise Fee*
  • NO Royalties (% of Revenue)
  • NO Long-Term Contracts (30-day out)
  • NO Restrictions on products or services
  • NO Required store name change
  • NO Required store remodeling

Key Program Benefits

Why Upgrade to PBC?

PackageHub Business Centers® delivers far more than branding—it transforms your store into a high-visibility, revenue-generating destination.

  • National advertising, promotions, and PR
  • Local marketing support to drive store traffic
  • Branded signage and in-store marketing materials
  • PBC website with “Find a Store” visibility
  • Negotiated pricing with carriers and suppliers
  • Exclusive programs that bring in new customers daily
  • Ongoing training to improve operations and sales
  • Access to tools, resources, and proven best practices


National Store Locator

Reach New Customers

PackageHub Business Centers® features one of the most advanced store locators in the industry—fully optimized for mobile and designed to connect high-intent customers directly to your location.


In-Store Marketing & Branding

Look Professional. Be Professional.

PBC Marketplace gives members access to branded materials and apparel that elevate your store’s image and reinforce trust with every customer interaction.


MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Does Your Store Qualify?

Store Presentation

Maintain a clean, organized, and professional environment aligned with PBC branding standards.

Operations & Services

Offer core services including shipping, packing, printing, and mailbox rentals.

RSA Premium Membership

Maintain RSA Premium status in good standing.

Professional Standards

Commit to high standards of customer service and PBC operating practices.

Store Hours

Maintain consistent operating hours appropriate for your market.

Staff & Training

Ensure staff are trained, knowledgeable, and customer-focused.


PBC Franchisee Only Programs & Discounts

PackageHub® has built national partnerships with major carriers, vendors, and service providers—giving PackageHub Business Center® (PBC) franchisees access to programs, pricing, and revenue opportunities not available to independent operators.

These exclusive programs are available only to locations operating within the PackageHub network, including those approved as UPS Authorized Shipping Outlets (ASO) and FedEx Authorized ShipCenters (FASC).


 
Carrier Programs
 
UPS® PBC ASO Benefits

PackageHub Business Centers® (PBC) operates under a national agreement with UPS, providing franchisees with access to the UPS Authorized Shipping Outlet (ASO) program.

This relationship positions your store within the UPS retail network—delivering increased visibility, consistent customer traffic, and operational advantages not typically available to independent locations.

KEY BENEFITS INCLUDE:

  • Guaranteed ASO Approval Path
    Streamlined entry into the UPS ASO program for qualifying locations.
  • Enhanced Shipping Economics
    Access to improved pricing structures that increase margin opportunities.
  • Consistent Drop-Off Traffic
    Ongoing customer visits driven by UPS network demand.
  • Competitive International Pricing
    Strengthened ability to compete on global shipping services.

PackageHub’s national relationship with UPS enables franchisees to operate with the scale, visibility, and economics of a much larger retail network.

 
UPS / Happy Returns Program

The UPS / Happy Returns program transforms your store into a Return Bar location within one of the largest and most recognized returns networks in the country.

Through PackageHub’s partnership with UPS, your location is surfaced to millions of shoppers actively searching for fast, box-free, label-free return options—turning returns into a consistent, high-frequency traffic driver.

These customers are often new to your store, creating a powerful opportunity to introduce your full range of services while increasing transaction volume and long-term customer value.

KEY BENEFITS INCLUDE:

  • Drives consistent, high-frequency customer traffic
  • Positions your store as a certified return destination for major retailers
  • Creates new customer acquisition opportunities
  • Increases daily transaction volume with minimal labor impact
  • Unlocks incremental revenue opportunities tied to return activity
  • Builds repeat visits and long-term customer relationships

 
FedEx® PBC FASC Benefits

PackageHub Business Centers® (PBC) has established a national relationship with FedEx, providing access to the FedEx Authorized ShipCenter (FASC) program.

This partnership expands your store’s capabilities while increasing visibility through FedEx systems and customer-facing platforms—driving new traffic and strengthening your position as a full-service, multi-carrier shipping destination.

KEY BENEFITS INCLUDE:

  • Facilitated FASC Approval
    Expanded approval opportunities for qualifying PackageHub locations.
  • FedEx Locator Visibility
    Placement within FedEx store locator systems driving customer traffic.
  • Recurring Drop-Off Traffic
    Consistent inbound visits tied to FedEx network activity.
  • True Multi-Carrier Capability
    Offer customers more choice and convenience.

PackageHub’s FedEx partnership enables independent stores to compete with national retail networks through increased visibility, service breadth, and traffic flow.

FedEx Easy Returns Program

FedEx Easy Returns positions your store at the center of one of the fastest-growing segments in retail—e-commerce returns.

Through PackageHub’s FedEx integration, your location becomes a certified return destination—bringing in high-intent customers with a clear reason to visit your store.

Returns are fast, simple, and require minimal staff time, creating a steady stream of transactions, increased visibility, and scalable revenue opportunities tied directly to return volume.

KEY BENEFITS INCLUDE:

  • Drives consistent, high-frequency customer traffic
  • Positions your store as a certified return destination for major retailers
  • Creates new customer acquisition opportunities
  • Increases daily transaction volume with minimal labor impact
  • Unlocks incremental revenue opportunities tied to return activity
  • Builds repeat visits and long-term customer relationships
 

Point-Of-Sale Discounts
PC Synergy (PostalMate)

PBC Franchisee's will receive a $10 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
 
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 >>
 

HOW TO APPLY

PBC FRANCHISEE REQUIREMENTS

Store is Open For Business
  • You may submit your PBC Applicaton when you are 30-days from opening & operating.
  • Store MUST have completed and passed the required RS Academy Certification Online Training courses (Shipping 101 & 102, Operations 101 & 102). Packing 101 will be required once available.
  • Operate a pack-and-ship store as your primary business with a retail storefront and a designated customer counter for receiving packages.
  • Store Name MUST reflect Pack & Ship services.
  • Permanent Store Front Sign is required to be permanently installed, attached to the building and approved by PBC.
  • In-Store Signage.
  • RS Premium Member (prior to finalizing PBC approval - $30.00 per month)
  • PBC Franchise Fee (upon PBC approval - $100 per month - Includes PBC Store Website)
  • PBC LED Sign (upon PBC approval - $95)

Core Services Offered

DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

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

MAILBOX RENTAL/PACKAGE RECEIVING USPS

  • Mailbox Rental or Digital Mailbox Rental

NOTE: Must obtain CMRA status with Postmaster

 

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) - 30 day Ultimate Report must be provided.
  • ShipRite Next ​30 day Production Report must be provided.

NOTE: Report must reflect shipping activity.


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)

NOTE: Only Saturday Store Hour Exemption Requests will be accepted and reviewed. Monday - Friday Store Hours are non-negotiable.


STORE PROFESSIONALISM – STORE PICTURES
  • Outside Front of Store
  • Retail and Entry Area
  • Counters
  • Package Storage Areas (secure)
  • Mail Storage Areas (secure)

NOTE: Photos MUST be taken from a distance.


TRAINING REQUIREMENTS 
* All Must Be Taken & Passed by the Designated Store Manager

 

  • 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 (upon PBC Approval) – 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 Phone Number(s)

 

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 $100).*

*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?

DOCUMENTS


 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 Requirements2/27/2026123.38 KB
PBC Permanent Store Sign RequirementsTypes of Outdoor Business Signs (Permanent Signs)2/26/2026262.77 KB
UPS ContactsASO Contact Numbers and Email Addresses9/30/2022293.69 KB

 


 


Recorded Events

  • Title
    Date
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - April 13 20256
    04/13/26
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - February 16 20256
    02/16/26
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - July 11 2025
    07/11/25
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - April 10 2025
    04/10/25
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - January 23 2025
    01/23/25
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - July 12 2024
    07/12/24
  • PackageHub 1000 Stores
    PackageHub 1000 Stores Celebration Video
    05/08/24
  • Small Business Insurance from CHUBB
    Protect Your Business with Essential Coverages! Presented by Chubb.
    04/30/24
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - March 15 2024
    03/15/24
  • UPS International Webinar
    UPS International Webinar and The Exporting Experience
    02/08/24
  • PackageHub Returns Compensation
    PackageHub Returns Compensation
    01/29/24
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - Jaunuary 22 2024
    01/22/24
  • PackageHub Returns Essentials
    PackageHub Returns - Just the Essentials
    01/10/24
  • PackageHub Returns
    PackageHub Returns Program Webinar
    12/29/23
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - July 23 2023
    11/22/23
  • PBC-FedEx: Numbers Update
    PBC & FedEx: Numbers Update
    08/21/23
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - July 23 2023
    07/07/23
  • Intro To RS Expo & PBC FedEx Announcement
    Introduction To 2023 RS Expo & PBC FedEx Major Announcement
    06/28/23
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - June 23 2023
    06/23/23
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - March 30 2023
    03/30/23
  • Shred America
    Shred America – Premium Supplier Spotlight
    03/02/23
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - January 13 2023
    01/13/23
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - November 8 2022
    11/08/22
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - September 20 2022
    09/20/22
  • PackageHub Webinar
    PackageHub - What's In It For You?
    07/28/22
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - June 20 2022
    06/20/22
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - May 13 2022
    05/13/22
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - April 27 2022
    04/27/22
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - April 8 2022
    04/08/22
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - March 24 2022
    03/24/22
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - March 10 2022
    03/10/22
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - February 11 2022
    02/11/22
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - January 21 2022
    01/21/22
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - January 7 2022
    01/07/22
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - December 3 2021
    12/03/21
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - Novenber 19 2021
    11/19/21
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - Novenber 4 2021
    11/04/21
  • PBC UPS ASO Program Details
    PackageHub® UPS Authorized Shipping Outlet (ASO) Program Details
    10/21/21
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - September 24 2021
    09/24/21
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - September 10 2021
    09/10/21
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - August 31 2021
    08/31/21
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - August 12 2021
    08/12/21
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - July 29 2021
    07/29/21
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - July 15 2021
    07/15/21
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - July 1 2021
    07/01/21
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - June 17 2021
    06/17/21
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - June 4 2021
    06/04/21
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - May 20 2021
    05/20/21
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - May 6 2021
    05/06/21
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - April 22 2021
    04/22/21
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - April 8 2021
    04/08/21
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - March 24 2021
    03/24/21
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - March 10 2021
    03/10/21
  • State of the Hub
    State of the Hub - February 25 2021
    02/25/21
  • 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
  • PBC Update Webinar
    PackageHub Business Centers Update Webinar
    01/21/21
  • PackageHub Business Centers® Update
    PackageHub Business Centers® Status and Latest news
    10/20/20
  • PackageHub Business Centers® Update Webinar
    PBC Update—Status, Policies, & Changes
    03/26/20
  • PackageHub Business Centers™ Webinar
    PackageHub Business Centers™ Introduction Webinar
    11/21/19
  • 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
  • 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

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.

© 2025 PBC, LLC. All rights reserved. PackageHub Business Centers® is a registered trademark of PBC, LLC.