If you are searching for a good home-based business that requires just a slight amount of money to get going, then you should think of a courier service business.
A courier service business entails offering services that involves delivery of all forms of mails which includes:
- letters,
- parcels,
- bank deposits,
- small packages,
- messages, and
- flowers among other things.
A courier service business is one of a small number of legal business prospects that you can start with a token amount of capital, and yet it is a business that proffers a beneficial return on the time you invested in it.
With the further overcrowding in foremost urban metropolis around the globe and the constant necessity for the movement of correspondence, a courier service business will most likely thrive a great deal in the near future.
One benefit of starting a courier service business is that it presents to you flexible hours and the chance to explore your neighbourhood and areas surrounding it.
It also permits you to establish your income rather than depending on a boss to decide the worth of your time.
You can make decent money from a courier service business and it is a relatively profitable venture if you can provide good and reliable.
However the important pre-requisites skills needed for a courier services business includes punctuality, professionalism and driving.
DETERMINE THE TYPE OF COURIER SERVICE BUSINESS YOU WOULD LIKE TO RUN
Create your exclusive “niche” to assure success. If you reside in an urban area where plenty courier services already exists, this is a vital step.
Even in a little town you should do the same as it will grant you a “quick start” to aiming your new customers.
It is imperative that you establish your niche when starting a courier service business, consider the various types listed below
International Courier Service Business
The International Courier service business involves delivery of packages from one country to another with no regards to the requirements for transportation by air or sea.
An International Courier service also involves two main different types which includes International Express which is next day delivery and Standard (5-7 days).
This is however courier service on a large scale.
Domestic Courier Service Business
This form of courier service business involves delivery of parcels within one country.
At this stage it is a medium scale level of courier service as it will require a reasonable amount of income and cannot be done by you alone.
But the domestic aspect you can start with is delivery of packages within a particular metropolis as this requires minimal investment and you can expand as your business grows.
You would need to consider what kind of courier business services you will be offering:
Same Day Express Courier Service Business
This involves getting a client’s parcel to the stated destination on the same day.
Overnight Courier Service Business
This involves deliver of packages overnight to be received the next morning before a designated time.
Standard Courier Service Business
This service involves following the normal delivery of packages within 2-3 days, and this should be considered as a beginner so as to make things easier for you.
Decide what kind of items you will like to be delivering and the ones you would not be delivering.
However ensure you choose the service which you are most efficient in and you must be reliable.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE BEFORE YOU START A COURIER SERVICE BUSINESS
Before establishing if a courier service business is the correct business for you to go into, you will need to take into account all that you will need to commence and determine if you have enough time to dedicate in order to make it a success.
You would need to carry out a research of all it takes to start a courier service business legitimately and legally in your geographical area.
Investigate other courier service businesses in the area and check if there is need for an additional courier service business or not.
Do not forget to include searching for any necessary license you will need to start up your business.
After conducting a thorough research and you have finally decided to go ahead, you will need to get a business name and decide if your courier service business will be a partnership, LLC, corporation or as a sole proprietorship.
At this stage you can move to preparing a formal business plan which should give a proper outline of the focus and goal of your courier service business, how you intend to run and manage your business and what strategies you propose to introduce to make your business a success.
A business plan will help you focus and increase your rate of success.
The next step is to register your courier service business legally and legitimately. Find about all the necessary licences you will need for your business to be up and running.
WHAT YOU NEED TO START UP YOUR COURIER SERVICE BUSINESS
First and foremost you will need a reliable means of transport; it can be a:
- vehicle,
- bicycle,
- motorcycle or
- van that is in good condition
You might also need to apply for and obtain a commercial driver’s license but this depends largely on the province that you live in as in some states all driver’s licences are the same; there is no difference between a private and a commercial driver’s license.
You will also need to get a commercial license plate on your delivery vehicle if there is need to.
Get insurance, it is essential that you get the appropriate insurance for your vehicle as you will be using it for commercial purpose.
Certain states need a particular kind of insurance if you are using your vehicle for commercial purposes, so there will be need for you to find out that which applies to you.
You should take a look at business liability insurance. As you will need to protect yourself, in case of a claim or lawsuit.
You will need to also insure your courier service business as it involves dealing with important documents and packages.
Conclude on all of your operational guidelines and policies, such as bills for both mileage and flat rates as the case may be, and ensure you incorporate parking and other ostensible fees in your cost.
It is also advisable for you to open a separate business account for your courier service business to keep your personal funds distinct from business funds.
Promoting Your Courier Service Business
When you are done with all the formalities it’s time for you to advertise your new business and let people know what your courier service business is all about.
There might be a need for you to offer considerable discounts to introduce yourself to the business so that clients can see that you are steadfast and reasonably priced, or you can even some free services so as to establish a good customer base.
Advertise your courier service business by making fliers, business cards and you can also create a website so that people can know exactly what type of courier services you offer.
A custom, interactive website that allows clients to schedule a pick-up online and pay you online is a great advantage to your courier business;
People love convenience, and your website can make it more convenient for them to patronize you.
In courier service business, if your customers get great service; you will soon have more than enough customers to handle.
Delivering packages before deadline also improves customer reliance, for instance, if you assured a client of a two hour service, try for 90 minutes.
Your customers will love it and commend you to other potential customers.
Courier Service Business Resources
Best Selling Courier Service Business Books
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