For several years now, our family has patronized a UPS store just a few blocks from our house. With two kids in college, we’ve spent hundreds of dollars annually using the services of this store. The franchise recently was taken over by a new owner, and almost immediately, we began to notice subtle changes. Less of a friendly feel among employees (including the owner), but also more “tack-on” charges for every little request. A few weeks ago, I was charged a $2 “handling fee” in order for them to tape the label on my package. That was the last straw. We now visit another UPS store an additional two miles away. More cost in terms of inconvenience, but also more value.

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