How To Become a FedEx Authorized ShipCenter

Becoming a FedEx Authorized ShipCenter (FASC) can be a great way to grow your business and provide a high-quality experience for your customers. By aligning your business with FedEx, one of the world’s leading express transportation companies, you can offer a full range of shipping services, gain new sources of revenue, and benefit from the marketing, advertising, and information support provided by FedEx. But how do you become a FedEx Authorized ShipCenter? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

What is a FedEx Authorized ShipCenter?

A FedEx Authorized ShipCenter is a pack-and-ship retail store that forms a business-building alliance with FedEx. These centers act as convenient access points for FedEx customers, offering a range of shipping services, from creating shipping labels and dropping off packages to providing packing services and shipping supplies.

What are the Benefits of Becoming a FedEx Authorized ShipCenter?

Becoming a FASC brings numerous benefits:

1. Access to FedEx Shipping Services: You’ll have access to both FedEx Express and FedEx Ground services, allowing you to serve a wide range of customer shipping needs.
2. New Sources of Revenue: You can earn revenue from every FedEx shipment you process and receive incentive payments for shipments dropped off at your location.
3. Free FedEx Tools and Supplies: FedEx provides free supplies, including packaging, labels, and more.
4. Marketing and Advertising Support: FedEx offers marketing and advertising support to help you attract more customers to your store.

What are the Requirements to Become a FedEx Authorized ShipCenter?

To become a FASC, you must meet several requirements:

1. Business Requirements: Your primary business should be pack-and-ship operations with a retail storefront and a designated customer counter for receiving packages. Your store should operate regular business hours, Monday through Friday, with Saturday hours being optional.
2. Shipping Requirements: You need to offer both FedEx Express and FedEx Ground services, sell and ship a minimum average of one FedEx Express and one FedEx Ground package a day, and accept packages dropped off by FedEx account holders at no charge.
3. Technical Requirements: Your store should have internet access, a calibrated scale that can accept at least 100 lbs, and a FedEx approved electronic shipping solution to create shipping labels. You also need to maintain an account in good financial standing with FedEx.

How to Apply to Become a FedEx Authorized ShipCenter?

Once you’ve ensured that you meet these requirements, you can apply to become a FASC by following these steps:

1. Visit the FedEx Authorized ShipCenter Program application page.
2. Fill in the required information.
3. Review your information and submit the application.
4. Wait for FedEx to review your application. If approved, they will provide you with the necessary resources, support, and information to operate as a FASC.

What Services are Expected to be Provided by a FedEx Authorized ShipCenter?

As a FASC, you are expected to provide various shipping services to customers, including:

1. Shipping labels: Customers should be able to obtain shipping labels for their packages.
2. Express drop off: Packages can be dropped off for FedEx Express shipping.
3. Ground drop off: Packages can be dropped off for FedEx Ground shipping.
4. Packing services: Assistance with packing items for shipment should be available.
5. Packaging supplies: Customers should be able to purchase packaging materials such as boxes, envelopes, and other supplies.
6. Return shipping services: Assistance with return shipping should be provided.

Key Tips and Advice for Becoming a FedEx Authorized ShipCenter

If you’re interested in becoming a FASC, here are some key tips and advice:

1. Understand the Requirements: Make sure you understand all the requirements before you apply. This includes both the business requirements and the technical requirements.
2. Prepare Your Store: Ensure your store has all the necessary equipment and supplies, such as a calibrated scale and a FedEx approved electronic shipping solution.
3. Provide Excellent Customer Service: Providing excellent customer service is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. Make sure your staff is well-trained in how to use the FedEx systems and in providing customer service.

In conclusion, becoming a FedEx Authorized ShipCenter can be a great way to expand your business and offer more services to your customers. With the right preparation and understanding of the requirements, you can apply and become a part of this global network. For more information or to start your application, visit the FedEx Authorized ShipCenter Program application page.