With recent postage increases by the U.S. Postal Service, online auction sellers are increasingly considering UPS as a shipping option. UPS may become more affordable and accessible to these sellers through the shipper's franchise of retail shipping outlets.

UPS said it is preparing to launch an extensive marketing test of its Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE) centers. The company will lower retail prices and re-brand the retail shipping outlets in an attempt to expand the use of its services.

UPS acquired the MBE franchise last April with the goal of making the UPS portfolio of services more readily available to small businesses and consumers at a competitive price through retail channels. UPS said it has significantly enhanced the technology infrastructure that supports all MBE centers and began testing new retail pricing at MBE locations in San Antonio and Phoenix last fall.

Next month, UPS and MBE will expand the market research to four additional markets, including Harrisburg, PA; Greenville-Spartanburg, SC; St. Louis, MO; and Seattle, WA. Participating MBE locations will continue to offer multiple shipping services from a variety of carriers, but will provide the option of lower prices for UPS services. The centers also will be branded to reflect their franchisor's position as a UPS subsidiary.

UPS also announced that Stuart Mathis will become the next president of its Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE) subsidiary when Jim Amos retires on September 30. There are more than 4,000 MBE locations worldwide.

http://www.mbe.com http://www.ups.com