Millcreek's Pony Express owners ready to retire. They're looking for someone to take over

Since 2002, Dave and Terry Grab have owned and operated a retail pack and ship business unique in the Erie area, at 1903 W. Eighth St.

"We have a contract with the (U.S. Postal Service) that lets us ship at the same cost as you would at a post office," Dave Grab, 63, said. "We also have contracts with Fed Ex and UPS, so customers have choices and can compare costs."

He said he can also tell customers which service will give them the best price and service, and he doesn't have to charge extra to make a profit.

Pony Express offers to pack anything for shipping. "Anything, anywhere, we can get it there," is the shop's motto, according to Terry Grab, 66.

They specialize in custom shipping options for special items such as artwork.

"They offer great service," according to longtime customer Herman Weber, retired lawyer from Weber Murphy Fox. "I'm a painter (now) and I send my work to shows and galleries and as gifts. (Pony Express personnel) always know the best method. I trust them and like them. I'll be sad to see them go."

The couple has owned Pony Express for 22 years and are hoping to retire soon, so they are selling the business. Grab said the asking price depends on whether the buyer wants the business and the property, or any combination, including financing options. Both Terry and Dave said they hope the next owner continues the services they offer, which also include a gift shop, rubber stamps, postage stamps, package recycling, money orders, personal mail boxes, lottery tickets, bill paying through Western Union, faxing, boxes, process mailing, printing, laminating, shredding and stocking office supplies.

"It's a neighborhood convenience," Weber said.

Packing, shipping since 1986

Pony Express was the first such pack-and-ship operation in the area when it opened in 1986, Grab said. In ensuing years, others have popped up, including Mail Boxes Etc., which was purchased by UPS, and other similar operations, but the Pony Express keeps chugging along, frequently with long lines around the 2,000-square-foot operation.

"We've expanded it quite a bit," Dave Grab said. "Nobody else in Erie has contracts with Fed Ex, UPS and the (the postal service)."

They're also the only pack-and-ship place that offers visits with Harley, the Grabs' dog, who likes to sit on the far left portion of the counter and greet customers as they come in.

"He's probably more well-known in Erie than we are," Dave Grab said. "He's even on our website."

Dave Grab said he still enjoys working, and solving complex shipping problems, but the two have family including grandchildren they'd like to visit in Oregon, Ireland and Cranberry, Pennsylvania, and some traveling of their own to do before they get older.

"This is really a hands-on business," Terry Grab said. "And we just want a little more flexibility."

Contact Jennie Geisler at jgeisler@timesnews.com. Or at 814-870-1885.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Millcreek's Pony Express owners ready to sell pack-and-ship store