What you Should Know About Running an Australia Post

by Vanessa Lovie 18th of February, 2024

What you Should Know About Running an Australia Post

In recent years, Australia Post has experienced a shift in its services. With the rise in technology, fewer letters are being delivered, but there has been a marked increase in parcel deliveries. The introduction of money exchange and insurance offerings has transformed Australia Post outlets into a one-stop shop for various services.

With over 100 post offices for sale in Australia, they present themselves as lucrative businesses in capital cities and regional towns, making them a popular option for couples and families to acquire.

What Type of Australia Post Outlet Can You Buy?

There are several types of Australia Post outlets that you can buy, each offering different services and catering to various community needs.

Typically you will find LPO's, CPA and Franchises Post Offices for sale.

When you are looking at post offices to buy its important you understand the differences and what restrictions may be in place.

Licensed Post Offices (LPOs): Are independent operators under a license agreement with Australia Post. LPOs offer a range of postal services, including mail and parcel handling, retail sales of postal products, and other services like bill payments and banking. The most common way to become a licensee is to purchase an existing LPO.
Community Postal Agencies (CPAs): Typically found in rural or remote areas, these outlets provide essential postal services to smaller communities. Basic postal services, such as mail and parcel handling, with limited retail offerings compared to larger post offices. CPAs make up a significant portion of the 2500 Post Offices in rural and remote areas.
Post Office Agencies: Often combined with another business, such as a general store or pharmacy, these agencies offer postal services as an additional feature. They provide mail and parcel services, with some additional retail and financial services.
Corporate Post Offices: Owned and operated directly by Australia Post, these are typically larger outlets found in major cities and towns. They provide comprehensive postal and financial services, including parcel delivery, PO boxes, money exchange, and insurance services.
Franchise Post Offices: Operated by franchisees under the Australia Post brand, providing a wide range of services similar to corporate post offices. They provide a full range of postal, financial, and retail services.

Get More Freedom with an LPO

Around two-thirds of Australia's postal network is run from LPOs, which are usually combined with another type of business, often a convenience store or something similar.

As an LPO owner, you get the best of both worlds. Your operation will benefit from all the support of Australia Post's corporate network and branding, but you will have greater opportunity to tailor your business to your own personality and requirements.

There are some basic requirements, such as keeping to standard trading hours, but as long as your location and equipment is suitable to meet the postage needs of the public, you can customise your post shop however you wish. The local post office is an iconic part of Australian life, so don't be afraid to bring a little character into your new business.

When it comes to looking for an LPO for sale, there are usually a few on offer. If the idea of running an Australia Post outlet excites you, just keep an eye out for a location that suits you.

What Does an Australia Post Owner Do?

An owner of an Australia Post outlet, particularly a Licensed Post Office (LPO), has a variety of responsibilities that ensure the smooth operation and profitability of the post office.

Depending on the size of the LPO, the owner may be responsible for:

Assisting customers with postal services, retail purchases and financial transactions.
Maintaining inventory and stock.
Staff management including hiring, training, rosetering.
Financial duties such as managing the budget, keeping accurate records, and ensuring proper cash flow.
Communicating with Australia Post Corporate

Should You Buy an Established Post Office?

Australia Post is a hub of many communities and a vital part of many businesses operation. As such, it is common to buy an established LPO as opposed to 'starting from scratch'. Most locations have been well established. Its important to conduct due dilligence and ensure that you will remain as the main mail hub, and there are no plans for new locations to open which may happen in smaller country towns.

Tags: post office buying a business