A letter carrier’s chat with a customer on her route recently led to a sale that has brought in nearly $91,000 in revenue for the Postal Service.
Austin, TX, Letter Carrier Kendra Lawson submitted a lead through the Customer Connect program after a local business owner, David Blake, told her he’d like to talk with someone about shipping options.
Jeremy Grieser, a Rio Grande field sales representative, followed up with Blake, who makes one-of-a-kind glass memorials and jewelry that is infused with cremation ash.
The customer was looking to lower his shipping costs and wanted package tracking and insurance, as well. Grieser recommended Priority Mail, a product that would meet Blake’s needs and also provide him with predictive pricing and consistent delivery times.
The resulting deal is expected to bring in $90,750 in revenue, which has been added to the Postal Service’s Race for a $Billion campaign total.
The initiative — which is at $695 million, according to a May 21 ranking of all district contributions — aims to raise $1 billion through employee-provided sales leads before the fiscal year ends Sept. 30.
“Kendra Lawson’s service to her customer got him the information he needed to better serve his own customers and his bottom line,” said Mary Anderson, small-business engagement director at USPS headquarters in Washington, DC. “The Postal Service is in partnership with our Main Street USA customers to help them grow their businesses — and that partnership starts with carriers like Kendra.”
In addition to Customer Connect, employees can submit leads through the Business Connect, Clerks Care, Mail Handlers, Rural Reach and Submit a Lead programs.
The Sales Blue page has more information about the lead-sharing programs, including instructions on participating.