Swiss Post: could partnerships be the answer?
The closure of many post offices is a significant challenge for communities, especially in rural and outlying areas. However, an interesting solution could lie in partnerships between Swiss Post and local businesses, with the aim of keeping essential postal services running.
Partnership model: post offices integrated into local shops
One of the most promising solutions could be to set up small postal “corners” or counters inside grocery shops, pharmacies, cafés or supermarkets. This model has already worked in several countries, where local businesses have taken on postal services, allowing the community to keep carrying out basic tasks such as sending and receiving parcels and letters, paying payment slips and more.
For example, in a small town, a grocery shop could set aside a corner of its premises for postal services, thanks to a partnership with Swiss Post. The shop would benefit from more customers coming through the door, many of whom might buy something while visiting for the postal service, while the community could use essential postal services without having to travel far.
Partnerships with petrol stations
Petrol stations, which are often open at times not covered by ordinary post offices, could become strategic points for providing Swiss Post's basic services. This collaboration could involve a section of the station dedicated to accepting and collecting parcels, making life easier for people, who could handle their shipments at more flexible times. This model is especially useful in rural areas, where petrol stations are often a focal point for the community.
Collaboration with libraries or community spaces
Another possibility is a partnership with libraries or other community spaces. Here, Swiss Post could install automated counters or kiosks for collecting and dropping off parcels, offering a service without the need for dedicated staff. Libraries, for example, are places people visit regularly and would be an ideal way to keep an accessible postal point in less densely populated areas.
Pick-up and drop-off points in cafés and other meeting places
In towns and cities, cafés and local shops could become collection points for mail and parcels. Customers could order a coffee or lunch while collecting their parcels, creating synergies between the postal service and the local business. This solution strengthens the bond between the community and local firms and helps businesses build customer loyalty.
Advantages of a partnership between Swiss Post and local businesses
- Continuity of service: people would still have access to essential postal services without having to travel too far, especially in less well-served areas.
- Lower costs: by closing stand-alone offices, Swiss Post could reduce operating costs while keeping basic services in strategic places that people already visit.
- More customers for local businesses: partner companies and shops would see more footfall, thanks to the new range of services on offer.
- Greater flexibility in opening hours: placing postal services in businesses with longer opening hours gives people access to these services over a wider part of the day.
Advantages for businesses that partner with Swiss Post
1. More customer footfall
Having a postal corner or counter inside your shop or business will bring in a flow of people who, besides using the postal services, could also become your customers. For example, someone coming to collect a parcel might also buy something or use the business's services. This synergy is particularly useful for retailers, grocery shops, cafés and pharmacies.
2. Added value and differentiation
Offering postal services to your customers can increase the perceived value of the business, making it a point of reference for the community. In an area where postal services are limited or even non-existent, the shop partnering with Swiss Post becomes more attractive than competitors that do not offer this added value.
3. Potential new income
Swiss Post could pay a fee for running the postal services (such as accepting and handing over parcels). This could be an additional source of income for the partner business, especially if it manages to run the service without a sharp rise in operating costs.
4. Customer loyalty
Having a postal point helps build customer loyalty, as it offers a convenient service that people will appreciate. For example, regular postal customers will be more inclined to come back for the business's other services too. This closer relationship with the community helps create a loyal customer base over the long term.
5. Local marketing opportunities
A partnership with Swiss Post can also bring extra visibility. Swiss Post itself could promote the new service points to the public, raising the profile of the partner shop or business. The company can also use this local marketing opportunity to attract new customers and make itself known to people who do not yet visit the shop regularly.
6. Better use of space
Many businesses have space that could be used better, especially at quieter times of day. A postal corner makes the most of that space, making the business more productive without requiring major structural investment.
Potential disadvantages
Of course, there are also a few things to consider:
- Logistical commitment: running a postal corner requires attention and staff trained to provide these services.
- Crowding: a high number of customers coming for postal services could crowd the shop, making things less smooth for regular customers.
- Extra costs: if the postal service requires complex management or extra staff, costs could rise.
Conclusion
Overall, working with Swiss Post to offer services to the community can be a worthwhile opportunity, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. This type of partnership has the potential to increase footfall, improve customer loyalty and strengthen ties with the local area.
