Mailbox and Shipping Store Franchise vs. Starting Your Own
What five years costs on each path, counting every cost we can source on both sides. Change the revenue to see how royalties grow with your sales.
Preview: figures awaiting verification
Some numbers on this page haven't been checked against their sources yet.
At a glance
| Franchise (3 brands) | Independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $35,000 – $39,950Pending verificationSourcesThe UPS Store (Traditional) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026PostNet 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Annex Brands Retail Centers (PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued February 4, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range across 3 franchise brands. | $0 |
| Initial investment | $222,368 – $606,081Pending verificationSourcesThe UPS Store (Traditional) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026PostNet 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Annex Brands Retail Centers (PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued February 4, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 3 brands. | $66,387 – $275,040*Pending verificationSourcesPostNet 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Annex Brands Retail Centers (PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued February 4, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Salsbury Industries (mailboxes.com) — 4B+ horizontal mailbox, 20 A doors, rear loading, private access (3620ARP)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Salsbury Industries (mailboxes.com) — 4B+ horizontal mailbox, 35 A doors, rear loading, private access (3635ARP)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Secretary of State — Notary forms, services and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 14 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded. |
| Ongoing royalties | 5% of revenuePending verificationSourcesThe UPS Store (Traditional) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026PostNet 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Annex Brands Retail Centers (PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued February 4, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 3 brands. | None |
| Operating costs (5 years) | $101,400 – $376,900Pending verificationSourcesThe UPS Store (Traditional) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026PostNet 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Annex Brands Retail Centers (PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued February 4, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths. | $101,400 – $376,900 |
| Brand, training, and support | Included | You build your own |
Franchise fee
- Franchise (3 brands)
- $35,000 – $39,950Pending verificationSourcesThe UPS Store (Traditional) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026PostNet 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Annex Brands Retail Centers (PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued February 4, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range across 3 franchise brands.
- Independent
- $0
Initial investment
- Franchise (3 brands)
- $222,368 – $606,081Pending verificationSourcesThe UPS Store (Traditional) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026PostNet 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Annex Brands Retail Centers (PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued February 4, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 3 brands.
- Independent
- $66,387 – $275,040*Pending verificationSourcesPostNet 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Annex Brands Retail Centers (PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued February 4, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Salsbury Industries (mailboxes.com) — 4B+ horizontal mailbox, 20 A doors, rear loading, private access (3620ARP)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Salsbury Industries (mailboxes.com) — 4B+ horizontal mailbox, 35 A doors, rear loading, private access (3635ARP)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Secretary of State — Notary forms, services and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 14 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Ongoing royalties
- Franchise (3 brands)
- 5% of revenuePending verificationSourcesThe UPS Store (Traditional) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026PostNet 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Annex Brands Retail Centers (PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued February 4, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 3 brands.
- Independent
- None
Operating costs (5 years)
- Franchise (3 brands)
- $101,400 – $376,900Pending verificationSourcesThe UPS Store (Traditional) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026PostNet 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Annex Brands Retail Centers (PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued February 4, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths.
- Independent
- $101,400 – $376,900
Brand, training, and support
- Franchise (3 brands)
- Included
- Independent
- You build your own
We don't have a sourced revenue forecast for this business, so royalties and 5-year totals depend on your own numbers. Franchise investment figures come from each brand's disclosure (FDD Item 7) and already include the franchise fee. * Excludes independent startup lines we haven't sourced yet.
What franchisees report taking in
From each brand's own disclosure (FDD Item 19), copied exactly. These are gross sales before royalties and costs, not profit, and not a promise of what you will earn.
The UPS Store
The 2026 FDD reports 2025 adjusted gross sales (not profit) for 5,058 franchised storefront centers open and reporting all year, with the top and bottom 10%.
- Average 2025 adjusted gross sales, 5,058 franchised Traditional centers open and reporting all of 2025$724,293 a yearPending verificationSourceThe UPS Store (Traditional) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19. 'Adjusted gross sales' are sales (without sales tax) plus commissions, and include the UPS shipping charges customers pay, before royalties and all expenses. Not profit. From unaudited franchisee reports. Traditional (storefront) centers only; leaves out 183 centers not open or not reporting all of 2025 and 267 non-traditional centers. Your results may differ. 2,263 centers (45%) exceeded this average.
- Median 2025 adjusted gross sales, same 5,058 centers$692,858 a yearPending verificationSourceThe UPS Store (Traditional) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19. 'Adjusted gross sales' are sales (without sales tax) plus commissions, and include the UPS shipping charges customers pay, before royalties and all expenses. Not profit. From unaudited franchisee reports. Traditional (storefront) centers only; leaves out 183 centers not open or not reporting all of 2025 and 267 non-traditional centers. Your results may differ.
- Average 2025 adjusted gross sales, top 10% (506 centers)$1,248,208 a yearPending verificationSourceThe UPS Store (Traditional) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19. 'Adjusted gross sales' are sales (without sales tax) plus commissions, and include the UPS shipping charges customers pay, before royalties and all expenses. Not profit. From unaudited franchisee reports. Traditional (storefront) centers only; leaves out 183 centers not open or not reporting all of 2025 and 267 non-traditional centers. Your results may differ. 189 of these 506 centers (37%) exceeded this average.
- Average 2025 adjusted gross sales, bottom 10% (506 centers)$345,790 a yearPending verificationSourceThe UPS Store (Traditional) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 23, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19. 'Adjusted gross sales' are sales (without sales tax) plus commissions, and include the UPS shipping charges customers pay, before royalties and all expenses. Not profit. From unaudited franchisee reports. Traditional (storefront) centers only; leaves out 183 centers not open or not reporting all of 2025 and 267 non-traditional centers. Your results may differ. 298 of these 506 centers (59%) exceeded this average.
PostNet
The 2026 FDD reports 2025 gross sales (not profit) for 183 U.S. franchised centers open 12 months or more, with averages and medians by sales band.
- Average 2025 gross sales, 183 franchised centers open 12+ months$360,178 a yearPending verificationSourcePostNet 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table 19-1. Gross sales before royalties and all expenses, not profit, as reported by franchisees. Leaves out 21 of 204 U.S. centers (opened during 2025, closed, PostNet Express, legacy, or missing reports). Twelve centers closed during 2025. Your results may differ. 77 centers (42%) met or exceeded this average.
- Median 2025 gross sales, same 183 centers$342,385 a yearPending verificationSourcePostNet 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table 19-1. Gross sales before royalties and all expenses, not profit, as reported by franchisees. Leaves out 21 of 204 U.S. centers (opened during 2025, closed, PostNet Express, legacy, or missing reports). Twelve centers closed during 2025. Your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross sales, upper 25% (45 centers)$662,577 a yearPending verificationSourcePostNet 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table 19-1. Gross sales before royalties and all expenses, not profit, as reported by franchisees. Leaves out 21 of 204 U.S. centers (opened during 2025, closed, PostNet Express, legacy, or missing reports). Twelve centers closed during 2025. Your results may differ. 16 of these 45 centers (36%) met or exceeded this average.
- Average 2025 gross sales, lower 25% (46 centers)$137,279 a yearPending verificationSourcePostNet 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table 19-1. Gross sales before royalties and all expenses, not profit, as reported by franchisees. Leaves out 21 of 204 U.S. centers (opened during 2025, closed, PostNet Express, legacy, or missing reports). Twelve centers closed during 2025. Your results may differ. 24 of these 46 centers (52%) met or exceeded this average.
PostalAnnex (Annex Brands; also Pak Mail and AIM Mail Centers)
The 2026 FDD reports gross sales (not profit) for the year ended September 30, 2025, for 527 franchised standard and flex centers open 12 months or more, across all Annex Brands names.
- Average gross sales, year ended Sept. 30, 2025, 527 franchised centers open 12+ months$368,000 a yearPending verificationSourceAnnex Brands Retail Centers (PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued February 4, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Chart 2, fiscal year ended September 30, 2025. Gross sales include low-margin postage stamps and metered postage, and are before royalties and all expenses; not profit. Unaudited franchisee reports. Leaves out 22 centers open less than 12 months and all express centers. 24 centers closed during the year. Your results may differ. 219 centers (42%) met or exceeded this average.
- Median gross sales, same 527 centers$331,000 a yearPending verificationSourceAnnex Brands Retail Centers (PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued February 4, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Chart 2, fiscal year ended September 30, 2025. Gross sales include low-margin postage stamps and metered postage, and are before royalties and all expenses; not profit. Unaudited franchisee reports. Leaves out 22 centers open less than 12 months and all express centers. 24 centers closed during the year. Your results may differ.
- Average gross sales, upper 50% (264 centers)$523,000 a yearPending verificationSourceAnnex Brands Retail Centers (PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued February 4, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Chart 2, fiscal year ended September 30, 2025. Gross sales include low-margin postage stamps and metered postage, and are before royalties and all expenses; not profit. Unaudited franchisee reports. Leaves out 22 centers open less than 12 months and all express centers. 24 centers closed during the year. Your results may differ. 101 of these 264 centers (38%) met or exceeded this average.
- Average gross sales, lower 50% (263 centers)$213,000 a yearPending verificationSourceAnnex Brands Retail Centers (PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued February 4, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Chart 2, fiscal year ended September 30, 2025. Gross sales include low-margin postage stamps and metered postage, and are before royalties and all expenses; not profit. Unaudited franchisee reports. Leaves out 22 centers open less than 12 months and all express centers. 24 centers closed during the year. Your results may differ. 140 of these 263 centers (53%) met or exceeded this average.
What a franchise does give you
Franchises cost more, but the fees buy real things. Weigh them honestly.
- The best-known name in the category: 5,503 centers, 5,487 of them franchised, at the end of 2025 (FDD Item 20)
- Shipping rates and the UPS relationship are arranged by the franchisor
- Corporate programs (such as consolidated returns) that send customers to every center
- Initial training, site survey and a franchisor-managed build-out
- National advertising paid for by the brand fund
- Strong focus on printing and business services alongside shipping
- A turnkey center development package of equipment, fixtures and signage
- A conversion path with a reduced fee for owners of existing independent stores
- Initial training and a franchisor-supplied point-of-sale system
- A network of 204 U.S. centers (end of 2025) to learn from
- Several regional brand names under one franchisor: 549 standard and flex centers as of September 30, 2025
- Carrier shipping accounts and group transit insurance arranged by the franchisor
- A designated contractor and architect for the build-out
- PostalMate point-of-sale software built for pack-and-ship stores
- A 50% fee discount to convert an existing independent store
Going independent means
- You keep 100% of what you earn after costs — no royalties.
- You build your own brand, systems, and customer base.
- You need more self-reliance, especially in the first year.
Brand by brand
Enter the yearly revenue you expect, low and high, to see five-year totals for each brand. We don't have a sourced forecast for this business to start from.
Back to the Mailbox and Shipping Store guide · Sources for these figures