The recent financial announcement by Zumbox caught my attention, especially in light of the uncertain future of the USPS. While Zumbox isn’t the only digital postal game in town, it arguably has the largest consumer participation in the U.S., considering that Pitney Bowes’ Volly has yet to fully launch. However, since the firm will not confirm how many actual U.S. households are using its digital mailboxes, it is difficult to say for sure. I checked in with Andy Jolls, SVP of Consumer Marketing for Zumbox, to see what is new with the company and to gain their insight into this evolving part of the marketplace.

WTT:  Andy, why do you think this is the right time for digital postal mail?

AJ:  What’s very clear about this category and this opportunity is that no one disagrees that this is going to happen. We are going to see the day when a lot of what comes to you in physical form in the mail will transfer into digital form.  We are seeing the same thing happen with music, books and photos, and mail is the last piece of the pie.  The question is the timing.  I think there is a combination of factors, including what’s happening with the USPS and the move toward a more digital lifestyle with the growing adoption of smartphones and tablets. This creates an interesting pivot point. Consumers have to move from familiarization to trust development and experimentation, and finally to acceptance.  I think people are much more comfortable these days with digital and online and are moving into that acceptance phase.