Pak Mail Approaches Two Decades Serving the Ordinary and Eclectic Needs of Customers
At Pak Mail, every package tells a story. Owner Michelle Eastman appreciates when customers share the background of the items they want safely delivered to their destinations. Listening plays a critical role in her trade, and it’s one of the key reasons Pak Mail has maintained a loyal following over its 19 years in business.
“When people bring in items, they often share where they came from, who created them, or even if a family member acquired them while living abroad while serving our military,” Michelle said.
Located in Dijon Plaza East at 7700 Broadway, Pak Mail has built a reputation for packing and shipping items that big-brand shippers can’t handle or don’t have the skills to manage. Michelle’s concierge approach to customer service also sets her apart from the competition.
“We handle with care and offer packing solutions that help keep the contents safe while in transit,” she said.
This approach has earned Pak Mail the trust to ship unique objects around the globe.
One area of expertise is working with family estates to send beloved items to other family members. Furniture and décor make up many of the items, including clocks of all shapes and sizes, cherished family rocking chairs, and even a few large China Hutches. One memorable piece was a life-sized armored knight statue.
“Give us your big, oversized, heavy, or awkwardly shaped items, and we’ll create custom packing for those pieces. This is what we do best.” Michelle added.
Pak Mail also handles a lot of taxidermy, which presents distinct challenges in packing. These items are fragile and often require uniquely shaped boxes.
“Items such as taxidermy require lots of extra care when packing,” emphasized Michelle. “I can’t just quote a set price. I have to sit with the piece, measure it, and figure out how big the box needs to be. The horns aren’t straight—they curve out and make a very big box.”
As someone who appreciates fine art, Michelle particularly enjoys handling these pieces. The story behind each artwork helps her connect with her clients, and the packing and shipping process is meticulous.
“We have a turnkey artwork system,” Michelle explained. “The steps are laid out, and everything is cataloged. Some clients bring us one piece, while others may bring ten pieces of art at a time.”
While Pak Mail has a niche in shipping large and unique packages, Michelle emphasizes that the store accommodates parcels of all sizes, small and large.
“All packages are welcome,” she said. “We can take care of most shipping needs, returning items, small care packages, and shipping left behinds for families to their college students.”
Carol Oliver became a loyal customer soon after Pak Mail opened. Michelle helped Carol, who was a pharmaceutical representative, organize receipts and documents to mail to corporate headquarters. Although Carol is now retired, Michelle continues to help her ship smaller packages to family members or items she sells online.
“Michelle bends over backward to help me and gets it done correctly,” Carol said. “It doesn’t have to be profitable; you just have to be helpful, and that’s why I only come here.”
A favorite fixture at Pak Mail is canine Emmie, Michelle’s loyal companion for 12 years. Emmie, a Cavapoo (a crossbreed of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle), is the perfect shop dog.
Emmie greets all customers, is very people-friendly, and welcomes all the love and attention she receives daily. Michelle says Emmie hasn’t met a customer she doesn’t become friends with, though she certainly has her favorites.
“Emmie sits by the front door and recognizes certain customer vehicles,” Michelle said. “Then she starts to do her song and dance, getting excited when certain people walk through the door.”
In addition to a friendly pooch and exceptional customer service, Pak Mail offers other useful amenities. The store shreds paper up to 1,000 pounds, sells packaging materials, and rents post office boxes.
“We like to solve problems,” Michelle shared. “Whatever you have, there are no limits. We’ll figure it out.”
