Trying to be a UPS Access Point

[SpencerBeck]

Hello everyone,

My name is Spencer Beck, and I run Alpenglow Supply Co. here in Winthrop. Some of you may have seen me at local markets and art fairs. While my primary business is in cards, stickers, and similar items, I also carry shipping supplies and some basic office essentials. Given my location on Castle Ave behind Jack’s and my stock of materials, I wanted to offer my business as a UPS Access Point. This would allow people to drop off prepackaged, prelabeled UPS shipments and receive packages that have been held or rerouted.

Unfortunately, despite my best efforts, UPS has denied my application. Their decision is based on an internal analysis that determined the area already has "adequate retail coverage." I explained the lack of shipping options (e.g. the Post Office only), the difficulty of flagging down a truck, and the long drive to Brewster or Omak for a UPS provider, but they did not reconsider. Their response was that they will continue to monitor the area and may reevaluate if they see an increased need.

Ironically, I believe their reasoning is based on volume of UPS package, but I believe the low volume exists precisely because we don’t have a UPS option in the valley.

If anyone is interested in advocating for a UPS Access Point in the valley, you’re welcome to contact UPS and express that interest. I am already in their system as a candidate, so if they do decide to add a location, I will be ready to help. I was provided with the following contact information for anyone who needs assistance with UPS Access Points:

Email: retailsupport@ups.com
Phone: 1-855-404-0585 (option 4)

I’m really trying to do something that will help the community since this is clearly an ongoing issue I see here on the bulletin board and in the Facebook group. I’ll continue to check in with UPS and will look into alternatives, such as a weekly pickup, even if I’m not officially branded as an Access Point. I appreciate the support from this community and will keep you updated on any progress.

Cheers,
Spencer Beck
Alpenglow

[lschrager]

Nice efforts!

I go to Omak at least every three weeks on Wednesdays and can drop off packages with labels.
My number is 509-341-4121. Next day is Wednesday, March 19th.

[methowvisitor]

I sent them an email explaining the difficulties in our area and included the name of your shop as a possibility. Here is their response:

"Thank you for contacting us.

Upon further check, the application is still on hold because, based on the location mapping for the area, there is no need for an additional location.

Once the situation changes and another location is needed, the respective team will reach out to you."

So-Thanks for offering, hopefully they figure it out and approve your application.
-Kat

[susansnover]

I have contacted UPS and received several responses. At least a real person responded--

"Good afternoon.

Thank you for letting us know. I see that the customer already applied to become an Access Point however, their application got denied. The other option that I can see is if the customer is willing to be an ASO / Authorized Shipping Outlet.

Since we have a different department that handles and making a decision for Access Point applications. ASO is a pack and ship service if the customer would like to be part and become an ASO, you may advise Spencer to send us an email directly as we have some information needed from him to fill out."

[RandySea]

Catch 22.

UPS has plenty of Amazon shipments into the valley, though most end up with final delivery by USPS. Seems they are not counting those deliveries.

But then all Amazon returns (and I bet there are lots!) have to go by UPS, which doesn't exist here any more. When I told Amazon I'd pay the $8 for a pickup, they did schedule it. UPS never came on the scheduled day. But the driver reported that there was no one to give them the package. It was a day when my wife and I were both home all day.

[RandySea]

I just sent this to UPS using retailsupport@ups.com
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Greetings. I live in Twisp, WA 98856. I and thousands of other in this town and nearby towns (98862, 98814, 98833, 98834, etc.) get tons of packages shipped by Amazon via UPS with final delivery by USPS. That works, albeit more slowly than if UPS itself delivered. The problem is that Amazon returns have to go via UPS. This is true of other mail order senders, too. Luckily, at least some have switched to Fedex, which does have an access point.

Since you removed our long time access point at Hank's supermarket a year or so ago, we have no way to ship via UPS back to Amazon unless we drive 1 1/2 hours (minimum round trip) to the nearest access point in Omak, WA.

We really need for UPS to restore its access point, whether at Hanks in Twisp or nearby.

Thank you,

[Lupinelover]

That’s ridiculous…..during the winter, they were dropping stuff off at the OCEC, pre-Covid for people that live up the Rendezvous. Then they were just dumping it off just off Rendezvous road on the driveway in the packed snow. The packages at the OCEC did not get any kind of a notice text. You had to just go there and see if it was there. Now if I order from the evil empire, I get it at the Winthrop postoffice but I got a lecture one day about that. I’ve gotten two packages in 2 years so not a big spender. It would be nice to have a pickup point and a drop off point for pre-packaged pre-printed labeled items. I don’t think the postoffice is a good option.

[RandySea]

I got a reply to my email to UPS (shown in earlier post). They wrote:
"Please be advised that we can only set up an Access Point on your area if there would be an Access Point application that was submitted and willing to be an Access Point."

I immediately wrote back saying the person was misinformed because there was a pending application for an Access Point from (and gave them Spenser's info). I'm waiting for a reply to that.

[RandySea]

I got another reply from UPS today. It sounds hopeful:

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We have already received multiple emails from your location regarding on this issue. We're now working on to escalate and have Spencer's application be approved. They'll communicate with Spencer if there would be any changes on his application.

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[SpencerBeck]

Thank you everyone for your support and for contacting UPS to express your interest! It really does seem like the squeaky wheel gets the grease. I will keep you all updated if/when we're able to move toward the next step.

-Spencer