J.G. Ivy
By Amanda Bortman
Zip ‘N Sort says “mail knows no boundaries.” The largest mail service business in the Berkshires, Zip ‘N Sort not only helps customers save time and money with it’s mailing needs, but breaks the boundaries between employees with and without disabilities. However, for the first time in 22 years, a boundary was created by COVID-19.
During COVID-19, the employees still work hard and the machines still churn loudly. However, a few tables, chairs, and work stations lie abandoned. What’s missing is the 16 individuals with disabilities from Berkshire County Arc, with the program on hold for the moment.
“Before the virus came in March,” said J.G. Ivy, “the team was working on distributing 9,700 books for Storey Publishing.”
“We miss them,” said Beth Hahn, customer service manager. “They bring a lot of life to this building.”
While work is constant—people move through the warehouse at a frenetic pace any time of the day—COVID-19 has slowed down some business.
Beth Hahn
“Schools are one of Zip ‘N Sort’s customers and it is uncertain what business with them will be like in the future,” said Beth. But Zip ‘N Sort is still serving some 50 customers through the week. For one customer, cosmetic manufacturer Jane Iredale, they are assembling and packing sample bags—literally zipping them shut—with beauty products that include facial tint and lipstick.
Zip ‘N Sort opened in November 1998 and serves nearly 400 local, national, and international companies through the year with the only presort machine in Western Massachusetts. Customers include Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Health Systems, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Williams College, and more.
Services beyond managing the mail include catalog mail and mail design, daily pick-up and delivery, assembling, packing, and managing the data.
Zip ‘N Sort helps businesses save approximately 10% on daily mailing costs by having a machine bring stamp prices down to around 38 cents, with cost savings from 45 cents to $1.45.
“We’re getting by fine right now,” said J.G. “But it will be nice when the team returns and we’re back to full speed ahead.”
Having the only pre-sort machine in Western, Massachusetts helps customers save 45 cents to $1.45 an item.
