subject: Starting a Delivery Business [print this page] Coming up with a new business idea can be difficult, but rewarding. If you consider yourself an entrepreneur, one business opportunity that could be very successful is a delivery or courier service. This industry provides lots of room for growth, especially in metropolitan areas with lots of business. The following business tips can help you get your new delivery service off the ground.
Before you open for business, you will be forced to make a lot of decisions. Some of them will be huge decisions, and some of them will be small. For instance, how will your employees be identified? Will they wear logos? Will they have nametags on their uniforms? Or will they wear lanyards with photo IDs on them? Will you offer workers a choice of a wrist of neck lanyard? Will you offer services on foot, bike, van or truck?
During the planning stages, you will have to weigh your options carefully. As the owner you will need to decide whether or not you want to start doing subcontracting for other established business or whether you want to go it alone. Either way, you will ultimately be responsible for finding new clients and getting your cargo delivered safely and on time.
Subcontracting can be a safe way to break into the business, particularly if you don't know a whole lot about how the industry is operated. In addition, it can be less expensive to operate a startup if you subcontract. There are a couple of negatives to subcontracting, however. It can limit your ability to grow your business and achiever higher earnings.
Beginning from scratch can be difficult in the beginning, but your potential to expand is almost limitless as long as you operate the business efficiently.
Make a Plan
Asking yourself a few questions can help you visualize the future of your business. What cargo do you plan to deliver? If you deliver small envelopes and packages, you can get by with a bicycle or van delivery service. Larger items, on the other hand will require trucks and possibly overnight storage facilities.
Delivering time-sensitive and confidential documents is another route your business can take. Before you get started, find out whether you are required to obtain special permits. Materials like medicine, hazardous chemicals, and cleaning supplies may require a special permit to transport. Some items might also require refrigerated transport.
Determine your service area. You will not be able to cover extensive areas in the beginning. Working within a city might be your best option, as you can reach out to a larger number of clients in a smaller service area. Doing short runs to downtown clients, for example, can help you earn money quickly. Once you have established an income base, you can use your profits to reach out to areas beyond the city limits or the downtown area.
Finally, make sure you carefully plan your pricing and fees. Undercutting the competition isn't always a guarantee you will make money. Take into account all of your expenses and the base cost of your services before you get started.
Starting a Delivery Business
By: Adam Anderson
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