SAN DIEGO, Nov. 18, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- While the holidays are commonly known as "the most wonderful time of the year," they can also be the most stressful thanks to holiday to-do lists and errands. For those needing to ship gifts to family and friends afar, the four short weeks - or 22 shipping days - between Thanksgiving and Christmas can be a time of constant worry. With more than 4,400 locations across the United States, it's likely there is a The UPS Store® location nearby. Each location offers experts who can help pack and ship all types of holiday gifts, with a Pack and Ship Guarantee* that gives customers peace of mind.
The UPS Store is offering its shipping customers the opportunity to send something new and special this holiday season.
For the first time, The UPS Store is rolling out a mobile app that allows customers to "Deliver Holiday Happiness" to loved ones across the country with a customizable video message.** Using the recently launched mobile app, senders can create a 15-second custom video to accompany their gift package, choosing one of three illustrated holiday scenes. The recipient can then view the special video upon receiving their package. To learn more about Delivering Holiday Happiness, visit The UPS Store YouTube channel.
"At The UPS Store, we're always striving to think of innovative ways to better serve our customers," said Michelle Van Slyke, vice president of marketing and sales at The UPS Store. "Our new app, Delivering Holiday Happiness, is an entertaining way for our customers to add a personal touch to every gift they ship."
The UPS Store also carries all necessary packing materials, including cardboard boxes, tape and packing peanuts, inserts, or protective air cushions. For customers who prefer to pack gifts on their own, The UPS Store has provided the below tips to help ease the process of packing and shipping during the holidays:
- Take batteries out of items before shipping.
- Use a sturdy new box to provide additional protection for your items. Do not use old boxes or gift boxes to ship gifts, or any string or wrapping paper on the outside of the package.
- Use at least two inches of packaging peanuts on each side of your item.
- Make sure the sender's and recipient's addresses are visible both inside and outside of the package.
- Use packing tape on all package seams - do not use masking, cellophane or duct tape.
- December 15-20 is expected to be the busiest shipping week, and Mondays are typically the busiest shipping days.
- For the last minute shoppers out there, December 23 is the last day to ship via UPS for Christmas Eve delivery.
For more holiday packing and shipping tips, visit The UPS Store YouTube channel for a series of helpful videos that discuss the do's & don't of holiday packing, how to pack and ship fragile items, and even tips on how to handle oddly shaped or unique gifts during the holiday season.
*If your package, packed by The UPS Store® center associates using new materials purchased by you and shipped via UPS® on that center's account, is damaged or lost in transit, you'll be reimbursed for your packing and shipping costs (excluding declared value charges) and your item's value (the lesser of actual value, repair or replacement cost in accordance with the UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service). At participating locations. Restrictions and limitations apply. For more information, visit theupsstore.com/pack-ship.
**Terms and conditions apply. Consent required to participate.
About The UPS Store
With more than 4,400 locations, The UPS Store network comprises the nation's largest franchise system of retail shipping, postal, print and business service centers. The UPS Store locations in the U.S. are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of The UPS Store, Inc., a subsidiary of UPS (NYSE: UPS). Services, pricing and hours of operation may vary by location. For additional information on The UPS Store, visit theupsstore.com. For information on franchise opportunities for opening a The UPS Store location, visit theupsstorefranchise.com.
Follow The UPS Store on Twitter at @TheUPSStore and like The UPS Store on Facebook at facebook.com/theupsstore.
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