Mailboxes Etc. was bought by ups so they would have a series of convenient consumer outlets. UPS stores have no affiliation with UPS, except as individual franchises. They are obligated to accept UPS drop-offs and most have a mail drop for small packages and envelopes as a courtesy. The franchise owners hire teenagers to unload (FedEx) trucks; stuff mail into the wall of PO boxes they rent (their real bread and butter); and pack your $5000 bass.
They charge extra for shipping. Plenty. Their rates when generated in the store are higher than you would get if you used your own account. They overcharge for packing, packaging materials and boxes, meaning you can buy them yourself for far less and do the work yourself. They always use the next size up when choosing a box, which increases packaging costs. They even repackage first class stamps.
UPS will not stand behind a ups store any sooner than Colonel Sanders will guarantee your next piece of chicken. Hopefully the ups store knows the ups guidelines--4 packaging (now) on all sides and new or very good shape box (at least not used to the point of exhaustion).
I would never trust someone else to package a guitar I sold. That makes me uncomfortable.
