Alternate Access Channel
A customer access point to postal products and services other than through a traditional postal facility such as a Post Office staffed by employees. Alternate access channels include Automated Postal Center kiosks; contract postal units; online services such as Click-N-Ship service at usps.com; Stamps on Consignment sold through commercial outlets such as drug stores and grocery stores; Stamps by Mail service; and USPS Approved Shipper. Also called alternative retail service.