Keizer shipping store aims to be ‘community hub’

A few years ago, Jen Baye attempted to return three packages through local shipping stores.

What was meant to be a simple errand took an entire day because of traffic and long lines across three different stores.

She and her husband Edward hope to save people from a similar experience through their new shipping business.

The couple opened Sign Sealed Delivered at 4472 River Road N. in February, and recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The store provides residents and businesses with a one-stop-shop for shipping services.

They aim to help customers, whether that’s providing a mail address for a business or understanding forms required for shipping.

“We’ve been trying to think about ‘what is something that is a service that the community actually needs, what is something we can actually provide’” Jen said.

Edward said they’re “trying to help people out when there’s other things they’d rather spend their day on.”

His previous role at a medical manufacturing company gave him experience working with shipping carriers like FedEx, and an understanding of what forms people need to complete for shipping items, he said.

The Keizer business provides shipping across major carriers, including the U.S. Postal Service and FedEx, along with notary services and mailbox rentals.

The couple hopes one day to offer services for 3D printing and laser engraving. They plan to offer Oregon-themed gifts such as postcards as well.

The couple said they had been considering opening the business in recent years, and decided to do so after Edward lost his job in September. The medical manufacturing company employing him closed roughly 20 locations nationwide last summer.

With help from Edward’s severance package, the couple moved forward with the business. While they live in Turner, they picked Keizer for their business because of its population density and foot traffic.

Outside of the shipping store, Jen runs a real estate photography business. She started the business after leaving an elementary teaching job in 2019.

Jen said they hope the store becomes a place where residents can both deliver mail and learn of local events. A community bulletin board hangs on the wall of the store, along with local business cards.

“I want the community to know that we’re wanting this to eventually become a community-hub type place,” Jen said.

Jen Baye, who owns the Sign Sealed Delivered with her husband, Edward, shows mailboxes available for rent. Jen said she hopes the store becomes a “community hub.” (KRISTA KROISS/Keizertimes)

Jen Baye, who owns the Sign Sealed Delivered with her husband, Edward, discusses mail boxes available for rent in their shipping business. The store offers a range of services for customers, from shipping to notary service. (KRISTA KROISS/Keizertimes)

Edward Baye, who owns Sign Sealed Delivered with his wife, Jen, looks at shipping supplies available at the store. The couple recently held a ribbon cutting for their new shipping business (KRISTA KROISS/Keizertimes)

NEWS TIP? Contact reporter Krista Kroiss at [email protected].

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