What You Need When Starting Out
With just a few essentials, you can start your own courier and delivery business in no time.
When starting a courier service, concierge service, or other delivery service, there are certainly a few things that you will have to have in order to get off to a good and profitable start.
Some of these things are physical, but many are intangible. All are crucial. Without further ado, it is time to take a look at the things that you absolutely must have to get your business started.
When it comes to tangible goods, there are a few obvious things that you will need. A car is the key element of a delivery service, and is certainly a necessity.
If you will be delivering large parcels or items, a truck may be a good choice for you. When starting, though, you will easily be able to work with what you have by accepting jobs that fit these parameters.
Pay careful attention to your insurance, however, as you will need to ensure that your policy covers business use of your vehicle. You will also want to ensure that you have the money needed to cover gas for your first few weeks of work until your clients have paid their invoices.
With the vehicle covered, you will also need a few other basics, such as a cell phone, a clipboard, and a map or GPS system. A GPS system, even if you use the one integrated into many cell phones, is an invaluable tool that can offer directions even while you drive, which saves you both time and overall money.
You will also need access to a computer and printer so that you can create invoices, tax records, and other important documents. While owning your own computer is preferred, you can make do simply with access to a computer and printer when you are starting out.
In addition to these physical things, there are also some intangible items that are absolutely essential to any starting business. You have to have the free time needed to do the job and to do it properly. If you are planning to make great money without having enough time to do the job, it simply isn’t going to work.
You also need to have a positive and friendly attitude and approach. You aren’t going to become a millionaire overnight, but with friendly, quality service you can build a client list quickly. You will also need persistence and the ability to keep going until you reach the level of success you are seeking.
This is all that you need to start a great business. While you may run into more needs as your business grows, this is what you really need to start. Don’t go overboard with expenses until things are absolutely necessary and you have earned the cashflow to pay for them. If you keep expenses low, you can keep your business profitable.
IAM STARTING A COURIER BUISNESS PLEASE TEL ME THE IDEA OF NETWORK FOR COURIER COMPANY
My group is trying to get our courier service off the ground. We are having a problem with the insurance, The agents do not seem to fully understand what we need. Your site seems very knowledgeable. Any information that you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
I am not an expert on insurance but I am pretty sure that liability insurance is not the same as insurance to cover cargo. Any questions of this nature we automatically suggest talking to an Insurance professional. This is such a complex topic and there are so many different types of courier services out there that for insurance purposes you would really have to nail down exactly what it is that you would be transporting. If you are talking about a general business liability policy those are pretty straight forward and relatively inexpensive. I would recommend talking to an insurance broker that specializes in commercial policies. Brokers deal with many different insurance companies rather than just one. I would not go to a stand alone insurance company ie Allstate, State Farm etc. basically companies that deal with normal residential type coverage, house, car, health life are not who you want to go to for commercial insurance.
I use Willis formerly HRH/Charlton Manley.
Sincerely,
Bob Lavendusky
Sharon,
what state are you located in? I have a guy who sells insurance in a couple states not too sure which ones, however I would be more then happy to pass information along and see if I can get you help. If you would like, if you are still looking vai.guillory@yahoo.com.
Further more…
I know I shouldn’t but I just cannot help myself….
Sorry if it violates posting rules.. I do courier work now as I am working on starting a small design firm.
So, If you need signs, brochures, business cards, a website at really affordable rates then feel free to email me. vai.guillory@yahoo.com.
Where can I find work for the courrier comany I am plannig to start.
I’ve been thinking of developing a delivery services, primarily for certain restaurants that don’t offer delivery services. I actually got the idea from when I lived in Hawaii. There was a delivery service that did the same thing, and they were pretty successful. Since I would be the only service in my entire city that provided such a service(50,000+ population), I think that there’s a good chance that I could become just as successful with this delivery service. My question is, do I have to have some sort of partnership with a certain company to delivery their products. I don’t see why I would need to, but I’m not experienced in this field, so I have no clue. And, if so, how would I go about doing that. Any tips anyone can give me would be very helpful. grayboss@hotmail.com
How do I know if I need to be bonded? How do I become bonded?
Sorry to anyone who has asked me a question via email directly.
My insurance guy doesn’t do insurance anymore so I cannot help in that area.
However,
Marshall: I think you should Check with your state and local government to see about bonding. Also, I am under the impression that larger insurance companies could potentially assist with bonding as well.
I have been in the courier industry for some time now for 9years and counting working with likes of UPS,TNT,DHL and many other courier service in Nigeria to be precise,where i have paid my duse however the terrain here is not quite the same else where.Am not saying the industry but the starting and Clientel but i would want to use this medium to show my interest in any courier Organisation who would want to go into patnership in the moving of international shipment..
Should any small or big company willing to have a promising future with our organisation (CEPSCO)CHRIS EXPRESS PARCEL SERVICE COMPANY.should contact through the e-mail.
re: Barry Feb 24, 2011-Where can I find work for the courrier company I am planning to start.
I too am researching the feasibility to start up a courier company, focusing on Law / notary offices. specialising in legal document delivery.
I have the marketing to build my clientel list all down pat and don’t mind to share with you as long as you are not in my city. It is a very simple procedure. Feel free to email me, make sure you tell me what city you are in as well. rivoone@gmail.com
I do have a question to you all, are any of you familiar with the data base software that will keep track of invoices, Who made the delivery, etc…..
I saw this at a cartage company that receives express air freight and then clears customs and then drives it right to the business or residence of the consignee.
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!
I am in the first stages of starting my own courier business. I have all the start up necessities and also just opened a business bank account. I also got a business certificate and business cards. My next steps are to talk to an accountant and do register with my local and state governments. My questions to you are:
“What specific questions should I ask my accountant during our first meeting?”
Also, “How do I register with the state and local governments? And, about how much does it cost?”
I have read through the IRS website and I am not exactly sure what I have to do, who to register with, and how to go about doing so.
INSURANCE-I will be leaving the insurance industry to start a courier business to assist my wife’s business, but I thought I would pass these suggestions along: 1) Don’t rely on your personal car insurance policy to provide coverage, most don’t. Even if you have business use, delivery is rarely included. If your agent says it is, get it in writing. 2) I recommend going to a local independent insurance agent who represents a few companies, particulary ones that specialize in the transportation industry. They should also be able to help you with cargo insurance and bonding if needed. 3) Make sure they understand what you are doing specifically. Rates may differ if you have some type of time guarantee in your deliveries. Good luck!
Good day, I want to open a new courier company in UAE. There is no much there. As you know the international courier companies such as DHL is expensive. In addition, the local companies are very poor. They usually broken the goods and loose them. I want to open a new courier company which provide a good service by using technology. I want to built a website and software to make my company the leader between local companies. Please if anyone can suggest to me the cost for the website and the software. Also, is anyone want to be a partnership in this business I’m happy to that. Thanks
My email abuazzam21@gmail.com
Hello.
I am also considering a small courier service for the locals in my area. I need to know about contracts, type of insurance, creating a website and fees. I will probably drive up to 100 miles one way.
h my name is zaman can abnybody give my question,s sanswer if i increase my delvery service 1 city to other city and 1 country to other country what i need to do and how to start this expensive delvery service wher i need to contact thanks
I am looking to start a courier company using independent contractors, I would like to know how to start this company and also how to get clients that perhaps are using a different company
I am looking to start a courier service in the Portland Maine area. I will be competing against General Courier in some ways but not in others. We will only be delivering in the local area for now and will work with all types of businesses including restaurants but first we will start with documents. Anyone with any ideas on how to market to the local area cheap? What were your experiences starting out? Any advise would be nice!
I am a college student trying to start my own courier business. I kinda need help on the paper work and everything. So if anyone who currently runs their own courier company email me with the basics of what I need to do? Thank you very much appreciate the help. email: okyemj704@strose.edu
ajibola christopher, ow’re you doing. i intend to operate a courier business in Nigeria and ineed your expert advise since u have the experience in same terrain. kindly send me your contact details on apiceventa@yahoo.com. i’l sincerely appreciate your response from a busy schedule. thanks
I AM LOOKNG TO START MY COURIER COMPANY, I HAVE COMPUTER WITH INTERNET, 1.3 TON BAKKIE WITH A COURIER CANOPY AND CELL PHONE AS THEY ARE THE NESECCITY FOR START UP, BUT I HAVE BEEN STRAGGLING TO GET CLIENT. I AM EVEN THINK OF BUYING A COURIER FRANCHAISE. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE ON THAT?
how we can start our own courier service. i want to gat courier agency. plz tell me about it. thanks. where i should try for courier agency.
I would like to know how to start a courrier business. I have a regular F-150 truck and want to get started then later get bigger trucks. Please contact me as to what I am able to do!
Thank you!
I am considering starting as a subcontractor with any big courier company like DHL. What do I need to know about this and how do I go about it.
am plannin to start a courier company in riyadh, Saudi arabia. can some one pls tell me what are the other requirements especially the paper work and how do i build up a local market.my email : shake19619@gmail.com
Pls, I need ur advise on howv to partner with an existing courier service provider to help in their delivery.how can I make the approach,and what are the term of agreement?
Hi, my husband was a courier for 3 years with one of those “big” companies. He and I a both teachers and need to make a little extra money. Since we work during the day, we are thinking about having an “evening” and “weekends” courier service. Do you think that there is a market for that?
I think I have the minimum basic requirement to start delivery services but I have not identify what kind delivery services because I do not have a single contact with those who need my services. How do I get lists of those business/individual who are potential contract givers?
Thanks
This site is lovely, i just want you to help me,just in case there is something i missed, i want to start a courier service company and i got the necessary information from this site,please if there is anything i would need to know you can mail it to me spanner800@yahoo.com please. as regarding what the cost would be and any other.thanks and God bless.
Am presently working for a courier service in Austria called Ups and iwant to set up my in my home conutry Nigeria or be a subcontract to Ups over there in Nigeria,i think i got the equipments for the bussiness, eg truks,please can someone give me more advice on how to go about it. thanks and your subjection will be highly apreciated.
Gosh there are great questions being asked. Hcw come there are no answers on the site?
Dear :
i’m looking for the stranded operation procedure for mid level Courier company, also i need how to reduce the cost and improve he service
using
G. courier 25
Owen fleet 10 Van
Motorized 15
handle 20 – 30K parcel per Month
your feedback is highly appreciated
Hi,
I would like to know what do I need in order to start a messenger service in NYC. What type of license? What time of insurance? Does anyone have a contact? Does anyone know how much these costs are? Also, is there a website that provides all of this information?
Thank you.
Ky
Hi,
I am from Paro Bhutan, 52 kms away from capital city of Bhutan.
I have been doing counterpart business with Aramex here in Paro, as i could not get good support and cooperation from my counterpart i could not run well the Aramex here in Bhutan. Again, Aramex sounds new to Bhutanese customers. DHL is dominant courier service in Bhutan.
Please advice which International Courier service shall i go with about because Paro is the main Airport terminal town and also have location of many Hospitality Industries, i see very huge flow of tourist entry in this locality. If i can get good international service provider Courier Service i have full hope that we can do better courier business.
Looking forward towards the positive suggestions and advice.
Thanks!