Netflix Saves the US Postal Service

Netflix, which last week surprised analysts by reporting a 45-percent boost in profit, is likely to keep some of its distribution centers operating on weekends in order to keep up with subscriber demands for movie rentals.

Problem, the U.S. Postal Service is considering a stop mail delivery on Saturday in an effort control losses that amounted to $2.8 billion last year and could rise to as much as $6 billion this year.
(read more . . .)

Netflix has created a system that surpasses the speed and quality of the USPS.   Netflix is not delivery packages, but it is transparent that Netflix found a way to streamline the USPS for their profit.  Good business management usually does find a way to make a profit. Something the USPS is lacking.

FedEx and UPS are strong competitors for packaging delivery and USPS never reorganized to adapt the loss of delivery income.  It is the lack of real leadership of the USPS that is loosing money.

It it wasn’t for Netflix I would have no need for USPS daily service.  Bills area accessible online and the occasional letter isn’t delivered by the USPS in a timely manner anyway. If I really need to get a gift, letter or package I go to the USPS directly or pickup by alternative ‘better solutions’ (FedEx, UPS).

Reality

If the USPS wants to stop delivering or make money here are some ideas:

• Deliver just Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
  • Most businesses are not opened on Saturday.
  • Tuesday and Thursday are slow days.
  • Business will have to adapt.
  • The post office can be open on Saturday morning, but there is no delivery.
• Subcontract out to Netflix for packaging in lieu of using the mail service for profit.
  • USPS will not have to worry about pension plans, health care and/or management of personnel.  It is done in every branch of the US government, why not the USPS?
  • If not Netflix the put out an call for submission for estimation. I bet there are allot of companies that would love the challenge of streamlining the USPS.
• Do we need a Inspector General?
  • If we do, he isn’t doing a great job.
  • We still get junk mail.
  • Unless the Inspector General is going to protect us against spam via e-mail, it is a wasted position costing the US tax payer millions a years.
• If a business using the USPS for billing purposes then they will have to pay for the return envelope.
• No more bulk discounts.
  • It is a tax deduction anyway.
  • Budget for the full cost of an envelope and keep track of those receipts.
• Smaller post offices.
  • The USPS stop all those small intimate post offices in the name of consolidation.  But it cost more to heat those mammoth buildings.
  • I personally like a smaller post office.
  • The USPS front desk is always under staffed at the larger ones anyway.
• Privatize the USPS.
  • Everyone else does it better, so pass the responsibility to those who are ready for the challenge.

Tags: DVD, e business, e commerce, Hotmail, investment opportunity, Mail, Netflix, offshore, post office, recession, USPS