Debra Moore knows why business is popping for her company, Mama Moore’s Gourmet Popcorn.
“We have a great product and great customer service,” she said.
Based in the Dallas-Fort Worth suburb of Grand Prairie, TX, Mama Moore’s Gourmet Popcorn sells savory, sweet and premium popcorn treats to customers across the nation.
“As much as I want everybody to taste my popcorn, sometimes the cost of shipping is a deterrent,” she said.
That’s why Moore was excited when George Fernandez, a local rural carrier, told her about USPS Connect Local, a pilot program that allows small businesses to take advantage of same-day and next-day package delivery at affordable rates.
Fernandez later submitted a lead to Jenny Yoo, a business lead development specialist, and Ronald Williams, a senior field sales representative, who met with Moore and told her more about USPS Connect Local. She immediately signed up and is now one of the pilot program’s top shippers.
“This is ideal for me. I have a food product that has an expiration date. If I can get it out as quickly as possible, that’s going to benefit me because my customers are going to be happy and then they will come back,” Moore said.
Launched in July, the USPS Connect Local pilot is available in more than 800 locations in Texas. The program is a major component of the Postal Service’s 10-year Delivering for America plan.
Moore started her business in 2012 to supplement her family’s income, initially selling popcorn at fairs and festivals.
The company opened a store in Grand Prairie in 2018 and now has seven employees.
Even the coronavirus pandemic hasn’t slowed down the booming business.
“People are home and they were watching movies. You’ve got to have popcorn when you’re watching movies. I like to say we are the comfort food of COVID,” she said.
With USPS Connect Local, Mama Moore’s Gourmet Popcorn can keep its Dallas-Fort Worth customers snacking.
Said Moore: “It has been a benefit for us. As a small business, we must look at our costs and what we are spending money on. Saving on shipping locally, that’s a plus for me. USPS Connect Local allows me to compete.”
