KOT Pack and Ship to Open in Laurens with Full-Service Shipping and Business Solutions

March 26, 2025

A new business is set to open its doors in Laurens with the goal of solving a common problem many local residents face—returning packages. KOT Pack and Ship, located at 328 Hillcrest Drive, Suite 1, will open Monday, March 31, offering full-service shipping and business solutions designed to meet the needs of both individuals and small businesses across Laurens County.

Michanna and Tony Tate

Tony Tate, Owner of KOT Pack and Ship, said the idea for the business came from a shared frustration he and his wife, Michanna, experienced firsthand.

“When we had prepaid return labels for UPS or FedEx, we realized there were very few drop-off options in Laurens,” he said. “We tried using Ace Hardware, but they charge a fee, and most of the time we’d end up waiting until we made a trip to Greenville or Simpsonville.”

With the opening of KOT Pack and Ship, that inconvenience will be a thing of the past. The business will offer shipping through UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS, along with key business services such as notary, print, scan, fax, and copy services.

“We’re excited to bring these services to Laurens because there isn’t one-stop shop for them in the county,” said Michanna Tate, who serves as the store’s manager.

In addition to shipping and office services, KOT Pack and Ship will offer specialty services, including both physical and virtual mailboxes. The virtual mailbox system will allow customers to view mail through an app, request contents to be shipped, shredded, or picked up in person—features not available with standard PO Boxes.

Michanna Tate said customer experience will be a priority from day one. “Our goal is for everyone to be greeted with a smile,” she said. “We want to offer a service that hasn’t been available in Laurens County for several years.”

The Tates moved to Laurens in December 2023 after purchasing a home in the area. Michanna brings over a decade of experience as a business owner in Greenville and currently provides legal services through her law office, while Tony leads this new venture as owner of KOT Pack and Ship.

The couple sees their investment as part of the broader effort to help Laurens grow and thrive. “With more people shopping online and needing to return items, we’re helping meet a real demand,” said Tony. “It’s also important that Laurens can offer the same services you’d expect in other cities—we believe KOT Pack and Ship helps make that possible.”

Located in front of the Laurens County Courthouse at the light on Hillcrest Drive, the shop is easy to find. While the tentative opening is set for Monday, March 31, some services may be phased in over time.

No appointments are necessary—walk-ins are welcome.

For updates on hours, services, and new offerings, residents can follow KOT Pack and Ship on Facebook or visit the business website. The Tates are also active in several local Facebook groups and will use those platforms to keep the community informed.