Commercial Mailboxes

Think about all the commercial mailboxes you've seen without even recognizing them as such. The variety is functional rather than stylistic. From the vertical mailboxes in the foyer of your own apartment building or condominium that open for the mail carrier as a single unit with separate compartments, to the cluster box unit mounted on pedestals outside, there are as many forms as there are functions.

The wide range of applications for commercial mailboxes almost defies easy definition, but common characteristics do not. Almost without exception, these are both designed for multiple users and secure. Office buildings, apartment and condominium complexes, and post offices are all typical instances.

Commercial Mailboxes FAQ

By and large, aesthetics are not as high a priority as they are with private, individual mailboxes. Nonetheless, it's still important, but you'll notice that most designs are simple, clean, and by definition versatile and functional enough that they're neither fashionable nor unfashionable. The one style you will see is sometimes called classic Americana. Envision a post office in 1950 with heavy brass tooling around the edges of the individual boxes, and a medallion as the base of the lock unit. That is classic Americana.

Maybe you're on your condominium board, or are a property manager for an apartment complex. Whatever the specifics, you've been tasked with researching commercial mailboxes. The basics you need to consider as you consider different vendors include USPS approval, the gauge (thickness) of the aluminum or steel construction, the lock mechanism, and the finish (most often powder-coated cast aluminum nowadays, though brass is a pricier decor alternative).