The clean, comfortable mailing center is packed with interesting extras – those fun and functional gifts perfect for topping off a package or grabbing just because – but shipping is the heart of the business.
“It’s a people business. It’s all about people,” says owner Shawn Petri. “Give people choices and meet expectations. If you do, they’ll come back.”
Petri and his small staff pride themselves on knowing the ins and outs of UPS, Fed Ex, the US Postal Service and DHL, the four major carriers, so they can guide clients to the best send.
Mailing packages makes-up about 80 percent Postal Connection’s sales.
“People think the US Post Office is the cheapest, but it’s not always,” Petri said. “For small packages and boxes and mail, yes. But when it comes to large boxes and packages, Fed Ex and UPS can be very competitive, and they turn out to be cheaper than the post office. It depends on what you’re sending.”
Petri, who opened the shop in 2019, came from a lifetime of sales, retail and working with the public. From the start, his mission was blending choices, efficiency, friendliness, and atmosphere into a place where people would enjoy doing business.
And, his small staff is right there with him.
“I engage with people as soon as they walk in the door. I always greet them. Say Hi, how are you doing,” said Sara Blake. Blake joined the Postal Connection staff a few months ago, bringing the roster to three.
“I just told Sara the other day it kind of reminds me of Cheers, where people come in, and we know their name,” Blake’s co-worker Cynthia Fonseca added. “They feel like you can see them. They’re walking into a familiar place.”
About 70 percent of the regulars are senior citizens, according to Petri.
The store carries a full range of packing and packaging materials, and Petri rounds out the retail selection with an array of items he hand-picks. Cards, pottery, beautiful bags, jewelry, decorations, small toys, games and puzzles line the walls.
As the holiday season kicks into high gear, Blake said she’s excited to help make the most wonderful time of the year stress-free.
“I’m looking forward to helping customers get packages to their loved ones,” She said, adding a bit of wisdom. “Ship early if you can. Get it out as soon as you can.”
Postal Connection is open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday.
Postal Connection is located between Rite Aid & Planet Fitness at 16200 SW Pacific Hwy.(Hwy 99) in Tigard. They can be reached at 503-639-6755 or www.postalconnection.net
