1985
44
$50,000
$29,950
$247,850
No
AIM Mail Center is a trusted and well-established one-stop business services franchise that offers shipping, mailing, printing, and office solutions under one roof. As part of the respected Annex Brands family, AIM Mail Center caters to individuals, e-commerce sellers, and small businesses by providing multi-carrier shipping options (USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL), mailbox rentals, printing and copying, packaging, notary, passport photos, document shredding, and promotional products.
Founded in 1985 and franchising since 1989, AIM Mail Center has built a strong reputation for convenience, reliability, and professional service. Its locations are strategically placed in high-traffic retail areas, giving franchise owners a steady customer base and diversified revenue streams. With the growing demand for shipping and business support services in the USA, AIM Mail Center presents an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking a proven business model in a recession-resistant industry
Multi-carrier advantage – Customers can choose between major carriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL) in one location.
All-in-one service hub – Offers mailbox rentals, printing, packaging, notary, shredding, passport photos, and more.
Backed by Annex Brands – A powerful franchise network with decades of industry experience and multi-brand strength.
Diverse revenue streams – Multiple services mean multiple income opportunities year-round.
Recession-resistant – Shipping and essential business services remain in demand regardless of economic cycles.
E-commerce boom – Online sellers rely heavily on affordable and flexible shipping solutions.
Remote work growth – More professionals and small business owners require reliable document, printing, and mailing services.
Convenience preference – Consumers want multiple services in one location to save time.
Room for expansion – With only ~43–44 U.S. locations, AIM Mail Center has massive untapped market potential.
Proven franchise system – More than three decades of refining operations, training, and marketing.
Low staffing model – Can be run with a small, efficient team, reducing overhead costs.
Established Year: 1985
Franchise Launch: 1989
Founders: Jack and Martha Lentz
Parent Company: Annex Brands, Inc.
Current Franchise Units: Around 43–44 in the USA
Ownership: Privately owned by Annex Brands (also owns PostalAnnex+, Pak Mail, and others)
Market Presence: Locations spread across 12 U.S. states in high-traffic retail centers
Industry Category: Retail, postal, and business services franchise
Brand Journey:
AIM Mail Center began as a small local business in California, offering shipping and mailing solutions. With the success of its concept, it started franchising in 1989. Over time, the brand expanded to include additional services like mailbox rentals, printing, shredding, and document handling. After joining Annex Brands, AIM Mail Center gained access to advanced systems, national marketing power, and better carrier partnerships, strengthening its position as a leading neighborhood business services center.
Pre-Launch Support
Site selection assistance with demographic analysis
Lease negotiation support
Store layout and design planning
Vendor introductions and supply chain setup
Operational Training
Headquarters training: 10-day comprehensive program covering operations, customer service, service offerings, and business management
72 hours classroom + 32 hours on-the-job training
Operations manuals and standard procedures
Marketing Support
National advertising campaigns
Digital marketing assistance (SEO, social media, Google Ads)
Grand opening marketing toolkit
Customized local marketing strategies
Ongoing Support
Regular field visits and performance reviews
Franchise advisory council access
Annual conferences and training updates
Toll-free support hotline for operational and technical queries
Financial Assistance
SBA loan resources and approved lender network
Guidance on financing equipment and working capital
AIM Mail Center is looking for driven, customer-focused entrepreneurs who are passionate about providing essential business and shipping services in their community. While prior experience in retail, logistics, or printing is helpful, it’s not a requirement—franchisees receive full operational and marketing training.
Retail or Service Industry Experience – Applicants with backgrounds in retail management, customer service, office administration, or small business ownership often excel.
Sales & Marketing Skills – Comfort with promoting services locally, building partnerships with nearby businesses, and engaging in community networking.
Operational Mindset – Ability to manage day-to-day store operations efficiently, including supervising a small staff, handling inventory, and ensuring quality service.
Customer-Oriented – Committed to delivering a professional, friendly, and solution-focused experience.
Detail-Oriented – Precision in shipping, documentation, and compliance with carrier requirements.
Community-Minded – Willingness to build long-term relationships with local residents, small businesses, and organizations.
Problem Solver – Ability to adapt to customer needs and provide quick, efficient solutions.
Liquid Capital Requirement: Minimum of $50,000
Net Worth Requirement: Minimum of $200,000
Comfortable investing $167,800–$247,850 (including franchise fee, buildout, and working capital).
Enjoys working directly with customers daily.
Motivated to grow a local business and be actively involved in its success.
Values the stability of an essential service business with diversified revenue streams.
High-traffic shopping centers, ideally near anchor retailers like supermarkets, pharmacies, or big-box stores.
Areas with a strong mix of residential and commercial customers to ensure steady business demand.
| Item | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Initial Investment | $167,800 – $247,850 (some estimates up to $319,780) |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $50,000 |
| Net Worth Requirement | $200,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $29,950 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Advertising Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Infrastructure Costs | Included in initial investment (store buildout, fixtures, signage) |
| Marketing Budget | Included in grand opening package |
| Working Capital | Typically $10,000 – $20,000 for initial months |
| Expected ROI | Break-even in 2–3 years (varies by location and performance) |
| Revenue Streams | Shipping commissions, mailbox rentals, printing/copying, notary services, shredding, passport photos, packaging, retail products |
| Franchise Term | 20 years (renewable) |
| Veteran Discount | Up to 25% off franchise fee |
