Run a Post Office: A Post Office Application Guide

Guarantee your post office application success by leveraging POtalent’s experience.

Call us now on 01394 802 880 or:

How to apply to run a post office

2 ways to become a Post Office Business

Having been through the process ourselves, we know how daunting the Postmaster application process can be. We want to simplify that for you, below you will find an outline of the basic steps to get your Post Office running. However, keep in mind that depending on if you are buying a Post Office or if you are adding a Post Office to your existing premises the application process can vary.

Buying an existing Post Office

Add a Post Office to your retail

A step-by-step guide to your Post Office application

If you already have found a Post Office to buy, follow our step-by-step guide to increase your chance of successful first-time Post Office application.

  1. Are you ready?
    Take our quiz to see how ready you are to buy your Post Office.
  2. The Seller (current Postmaster) hands in their resignation to the Post Office
    This signifies their intention to sell and identifies you as a potential new operator.
  3. Invitation to complete your Post Office application
    The application is made up of two parts:

    Submission of Plan: You will need to put together and submit an online a Post Office business plan containing a lot of information and supporting documents.

    Interview: If your business plan is approved by the financial team, you will be invited to an interview where you must demonstrate your understanding of the business and the network you are entering.
  4. Appointment and Exchange
    If your application is successful you will be appointed to the network and now can complete the exchange of your new business.
  5. Open for business
    If you are buying an existing Post Office you will have a transfer day and then you are ready to begin trading!
We have a 99% success rate

We know what it takes

After years of experience helping people get appointed and being appointed ourselves, we have created a game-changing service.

We know what it takes to run a post office and our aim is to share our know-how to help others be successful in their own venture.


Many people go it alone and fail. We prepare you with everything you need to have a successful postmaster application first time.

The POtalent App

Your one stop portal to all our tools, educational materials and gateway to the Post Office community.

Get immediate access to

What our clients say

Frequently asked questions

On average, it normally takes about 2 months from when you receive your application link to when you get appointed but this can be dependent on any legal work that may need to be completed.. If you are buying an existing Post Office, it can then take between 4-8 weeks until your transfer day. If you are adding a Post Office to your retail shop, it depends on the installation of your Post Office counter.

You (and any party to the application) will need to apply for a criminal record certificate, which can not be dated older than 6 months. 

As part of your application you will be required to provide a wide range of documents. Anything that goes into your business plan needs to be proved.  By working with us, we will help you to create a customised list of the documents you need.

Once you and your seller have agreed your deal and you have completed your own checks, the current owner should contact the Post Office to notify them that they wish to resign from their contract.

Owning a Post Office can be very profitable and a consistent source of income if managed correctly. We have all the tools and the experience to guide you to make your business a success.

To get a Post Office franchise you have two options, you can either buy an existing Post Office or add one to your existing retail shop. In both cases you will need to make an application to become a Post Master. Whether you are buying a Post Office or adding one, we have the experience and services to support you every step of the way.

You can find listings of available franchises on the Post Office’s official website runapostoffice.co.uk

We recommend contacting us for a free consultation before you register your interest so we can best guide you through the process and guarantee a successful first time application.

Privacy Policy. Cookies Policy. Copyright 2022 © All rights Reserved.​