Re-inventing Maltapost

Postage companies around the world are struggling to re-invent themselves and Maltapost is no exception.

It has lost focus of its core business and is trying to be everything by offering a host of services including settlement of bills, international cash payments, gift vouchers, stationery, and postage handling. The result is endless queues.

Maltapost should firstly cut down on its running costs and instead of trying to bring stationery into its outlets, it should take its products out to the stationers. These shops practically dot our island but because they earn a ridiculously low cut they have absolutely no interest in selling stamps.

Wouldn't it be wiser to sell stamps to stationers at wholesale prices? After all, it is a product that sells itself.

This simple move should free up human resources for better use elsewhere and greatly reduce overheads. It would also improve Maltapost's reach to the customer and increase sales.

The company should install more post boxes at key locations and try to address the demand for cheaper international postage for packages.

Postage firms can never beat the convenience of electronic mail which has eaten away at their market share.

They can, and should, try to complement the needs of the web which still suffers a big missing link - affordable, fast package delivery.