Aim Mail Center: Hiring, Background Check & Employment Verification FAQs

AIM Mail Centers was founded in 1985 in Mission Viejo (with some sources citing nearby Irvine), California, building a franchise concept around complete business service centers offering shipping through carriers such as USPS, FedEx, and UPS, along with fax services, mailbox rentals, photocopying, notary services, and office supplies. The company began franchising in 1989, growing to more than 40 to 60 retail and shipping service centers across more than ten states, typically located in high-foot-traffic areas such as shopping centers to maximize visibility and customer convenience.

In August 2011, AIM Mail Centers was acquired by Annex Brands, Inc. (formerly known as Postal Annex, Inc.), a San Diego-based franchise company founded by Jack and Martha (Marty) Lentz in 1985. Annex Brands, which had previously changed its name from Postal Annex after acquiring the Handle With Care Packaging Store brand in 2007, added AIM Mail Centers to a growing multi-brand portfolio in the packing, crating, and shipping industry; AIM Mail Center franchisees were not required to rebrand following the acquisition. Annex Brands has continued its acquisition-driven growth strategy in subsequent years, adding brands including Pak Mail and others, growing its combined franchise network to more than 820 locations across 43 states, Canada, and Mexico under its various brand names, including PostalAnnex+, AIM Mail Center, Navis Pack & Ship, Handle With Care Packaging Store, Parcel Plus, Sunshine Pack & Ship, and Annex Copy Center.

AIM Mail Center's workforce includes counter staff and customer service associates who assist with shipping, packaging, and mailbox services, along with franchise owners and location managers overseeing day-to-day store operations. Each AIM Mail Center location is an individually owned and operated franchise, so staffing needs and hiring practices are generally determined by the local franchise owner rather than a centralized corporate structure.

Company culture and employee programs: AIM Mail Center emphasizes serving as a one-stop support center for packaging, shipping, and office supply needs for both businesses and individual consumers. As part of the Annex Brands franchise family, AIM Mail Center locations benefit from shared resources, training, and support systems across the broader network of sister brands. Benefits, scheduling, and advancement opportunities can vary considerably by individual franchise location, so candidates should confirm specifics with a hiring manager during the interview process.

Yes. Employers in the shipping and business services industry, including AIM Mail Center franchise locations, are legally permitted to conduct pre-employment background checks on job candidates, provided they comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws. In the United States, employment screening is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which requires employers to obtain written consent, provide disclosures, and follow adverse action procedures.

AIM Mail Center locations are generally reported to conduct background checks as part of their hiring process, which is standard for shipping and retail service employers, particularly for roles involving cash handling and access to customers' packages and mail.

The hiring process for counter and customer service positions at AIM Mail Center typically includes an application, an interview with the franchise owner or store manager, and a background check prior to a final offer.

Background check timelines can vary based on the type of screening requested and how quickly records can be verified. Learn more about typical background check turnaround times to understand what factors can affect the process.

A typical pre-employment background check for a shipping and business services role may include:

Under the FCRA, criminal history reporting is generally limited to seven years for most background checks, though state laws may extend or restrict this timeframe depending on the type of record and jurisdiction.

Hiring decisions involving candidates with criminal records are generally made on a case-by-case basis by each franchise owner, taking into account the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and its relevance to the role, particularly for positions involving handling of customers' mail and packages. Some states have adopted "ban-the-box" laws that restrict when employers can ask about criminal history during the hiring process.

Candidates can generally expect to provide personal information such as full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number, along with signed consent authorizing the background check, in compliance with FCRA requirements.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that regulates how employers can use background check information in hiring decisions. It requires employers to notify candidates before running a check, obtain written consent, and follow specific adverse action procedures if a decision is made based on background check results.

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what AIM Mail Center may see during the hiring process, helping you address any concerns before you apply. A personal background check can include:

Learn more about Checkr Personal Background Checks and explore your Checkr Profile to see what information may appear in your own background check.

If you're a candidate with a background check in progress through Checkr as part of your application to AIM Mail Center or another employer, you can check your status through the Candidate Portal. For additional support, visit the Checkr Help Center.

The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. All information is for general informational purposes only. Checkr does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of this information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. This article may contain links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader. Checkr does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites and disclaims any affiliation with the companies mentioned in this article unless otherwise stated.