Printing.com
A Fusion of Services
Printing.com. Mailboxes. Based on Wilmslow Road, these two complementary businesses, under one roof, have been a part of the Didsbury landscape since 2000. But what exactly do they offer to the people of Didsbury?
From One Small Business Man to Another
A franchise of an American company of the same name, Mailboxes provides small businesses with a secure mailbox and a professional address, as well as photocopying, packaging and courier service. In Didsbury, it is based alongside Printing.com, which offers a graphic design and printing service.
Having worked in Mailboxes in the village since its opening, Alec Prentice took over the business in December 2001. With a background in small business himself – he had previously owned a music studio in Glasgow and a flooring company in Edinburgh – Alec already had a good idea about what the small business needed in terms of service. This, combined with his creative skills and post-graduate degree in Marketing and Business Studies, allowed Alec to develop the business into what it is today.
Everything Under One Roof
In 2005, Printing.com opened which allowed for a more creative aspect to the business. The fusion of Mailboxes and Printing.com made Alec’s business unique. With everything for the small business under one roof there was no other enterprise in the area quite like it.
Alec believes that the success of Mailboxes and Printing.com is down to the high level of service given to the customers. He says:
“It is important to give an individual, friendly service as we want people to come back to us again.”
The atmosphere is welcoming and warm with a friendly and bustling feel to the shop, where customers can come and discuss their business needs at the large table in the centre, check their mailbox or use of the many printers or photocopiers. There is a real sense of community here, which could be almost likened to that of the old fashioned post office.
A Creative Force
Excellent staff is another reason for the success of the business. Alongside Alec are Danielle, Leanne and Lucy who, between them, have backgrounds in either graphic design or archaeology. Creativity is an important aspect of the job and be it design related or solution finding, the staff at Mailboxes have it in abundance. Coupled with this is the youthful element of the business with all the staff being young in age and outlook. Together, this creates an energy reflected in the efficiency and attention to detail that is given to customers.
“No two days or two jobs are the same,” says Alec.
This is certainly true at Mailboxes and Printing.com, especially when it comes to the courier service. This service is not only highly beneficial to customers, but also has given the staff some interesting stories to tell over the years. From £500 Louis Vuitton bags bought through Ebay to vases and paintings worth thousands of pounds, there have been many unusual items that have passed through the hands of staff here! One such item was a broomstick, used in one of the recent Harry Potter films, which was to be couriered to the USA.
The Future
With a growing customer base, as well as the ever-changing “offer of the month” from Printing.com’s Alec, future hopes are that the business continues to grow at a rate of 20-25% each year. With a high quality service, attention to detail and convenience because of the dual location, Mailboxes and Printing.com are the future for the small businesses of Didsbury whatever the need or desire.
To meet your business needs, call in on Alec and the team at 792 Wilmslow Road, Didsbury.
Words by Colette Brooks
