Parcel Plus

This place is a rip off and only concerned about being convenient if there is a profit to be gained. Tonight I attempted to drop off a package that had a prepaid return label. They refused to take it claiming first that the US Postal Service only picks up from them every couple of days. That sounded odd to me since they are in the business of shipping packages at higher rates in exchange for more convenient operating hours. When challenged they said the owner told them not to take prepaid packages anymore. So let me get this straight, this company is in the business of shipping but they refuse to take packages with prepaid shipping. That makes them inconvenient. They won’t get any of my future business. I’ll wait for the Post Office or work directly with UPS.

This place is AWESOME! They are very helpful, they know their business, and always charge fair prices. By far the best parcel store around, tell your friends.

I wanted to write this review because I read some of the negative reviews and disagree with them. First, for me, I have found the staff attentive — as in as soon as I walk up to the counter eye contact is made and they recognize me — and if there is a customer ahead of me, a head nod to know that I am next. Doesn’t sound like a lot, but if you’ve lived in Northern Virginia for awhile, its pretty darn good. (Versus someone on their smart phone playing bejeweled and getting a «and what do you want» attitude).
I would agree that they have a laid back attitude, but maybe since I’m from Oregon I’m used to it. Its not being impolite, its just being relaxed versus wound tight like a lot of people in this area.
As far a prices, yes, its VERY expensive to mail out a package from the UPS store. That being said its the cost for convenience. If you want less expensive, then find your own box, tape your own box, and drive to Eisenhower Avenue and wait in line for who knows how long and mail your box at the shipping center. You’re paying for convenience. That being said, if you want to go less expensive package your own box and print your own shipping label from home and you can drop off the box at the UPS store. Do note that you cannot drop off USPS (US Postal Service Mail) at the store — but the post office is just a few stores down in the same mall. It would be nice if you could drop off packages because the USPS store has limited hours.
Bottom line is that I have always had quick and pleasant service at the store. I could see how someone could take the laid back attitude differently, but its just that, a laid back attitude — I don’t think they mean ill will. I’ve always had good service and they are good in a pinch when you can’t find the right size box or just need the convenience of a store being open until 7:00 p.m. and dropping off stuff.

I only mail things out of here if the package is already pre-​paid on the label or if I absolutely have to mail something out and the post office is already closed. They charge so much more than the post office, as other reviewers have said. Additionally, I mailed a pashmina in a padded envelope mid-​June and my friend did not receive it in Charlotte, NC until SEPTEMBER?! Not ok. I feel that someone delivering mail on the bleepin’ Pony Express would have gotten it there faster.
I’ve used them for the notary public for some legal documentation and to have it mailed out because it was urgent, and that was a very quick and painless process. The notary is a nice, professional guy.
The other workers, however, are not very welcoming at all. Whenever I walk up to the counter, I feel like singing some Kendrick Lamar: «Trick, don’t kill my vibe… I can feel your energy from two planets away.» And, I’m never left with a good feeling that my package is going to get where it’s going in one piece and on time. I’d rather go down to the post office and have the really sweet old man who looks like Santa take care of me.

I would rarely think of reviewing a shipping business but I am. I had a stressful few days where I had to print and prep a lot of materials. I initially went to a competitor for this but I was somewhat dissatisfied with the service (not dissatisfied enough to name them on Unilocal but enough to look around). I went to Parcel Plus and it was like night and day.
They are so friendly and helpful. They have such a good attitude. I have come there for years to ship things but I was surprised to learn that they have internet and printing options now. They are really customer-​focused compared to their rivals and they really work to minimize your stress.
They do function as an alternative to the post office allowing you to mail things more conveniently and more flexibly. I have used them that way for years. Now they are good for printing and document prep in a pinch.
My one complaint about them is that I wish they sold better office supplies. I wish they upgraded the quality of what they carry.
They are good people though and I want to see a business like this being patronized. I’m giving them a 4 but it should really be a 4.5.

This place is a rip-​off.
I sent a package UPS Ground for $ 26 only to come home and discover their «fee» was $ 16 on top of the UPS cost.
I was about to ship a small package via USPS as well but they wanted $ 29. I walked down to the post office and it only cost $ 3.50 to ship.
I highly recommend going directly to the post office, UPS, or Fedex to avoid their «fee».
And on top of that the staff is rather surly. The least they could do is include a little courtesy and a smile in that fee.

I had to have something notarized, and this was fast and painless. As another commenter said, there was easy parking, and the whole process took less than five minutes.

Parcel Plus has easy parking and nice large work counters for preparing your packages to be mailed. The staff is very friendly and helpful. I would have given them four stars except when I tried to mail a package with them they told me the cheapest rate was $ 30. This was for four bread and butter plates– I walked down the sidewalk in the same strip mall to the post office and mailed them for $ 10 and they made it to the other side of the US in two days. I will continue to use Parcel Plus for their other services which are really good.

It’s nice to have a small copy, print, fedex, notary, etc. place in the area. I’m pretty sure Parcel Plus is a franchise. The staff is always nice & helpful & I’ve never experienced a line when I’ve been in there.
If you’re in the area, keep it in mind.