Starting Your Courier Service Business
Considered amongst one of the most sustainable businesses in the current economic climate, a courier service can be a good choice for someone who is planning to start his own business. The demand for courier services never dies and a promising set-up that delivers on schedule can make quite a lot of profit in a short span of time.
One must note that a well managed courier service is the key to profitable business and if you take the basics and the ethics of the delivery department to the heart, you just might land an amazing gold mine. Moreover, depending on one’s budget and skills one can choose the area and scope of the startup venture which may range from running a freelance last mile courier delivery to a full fledged international courier service. In case the idea of opening a courier service interests you, then it would be prudent for you to go through the steps mentioned below
Market Research: Draw up a market research plan that explores the area in which you plan to start up your courier service. Based on the research make a careful plan which covers the initial investments, management attributes, locations covered along with a detailed chart of the targeted clientele and the prices they can easily afford.
Terms and conditions: Next you need to consider viable delivery charges which are reasonably priced and cover all the costs incurred during the service with a small margin of profit. Take some time off and study other enterprises and their rates which will help get you an estimate. Also chart out the list of the goods you are willing to transport considering the feasibility. Once you have achieved this, define the area of your logistics and service support, study the maps carefully and circle the areas you can cover with the routes you can take. After that, take up an orderly planned marketing strategy and you are almost good to go.
Equipment: Search and purchase a good vehicle. Analyze and understand its handling and maintenance requirements carefully. If you are considering a pre-owned van, make sure it is well maintained and is in a good condition with proper registration and insurance. Also consider means of communication; you can choose to opt for phones or exercise the cheaper option of CB-Radios.
Management: Next you need to hire your staff and you will need a few good drivers who have the required license and experience to handle the task allotted to them. Apart from that you will need a few other staff members to help you run the enterprise and coordinate the routes with the drivers.
Marketing: Give thought to advertising. This can be largely done by placing commercials and billboard spots in your area of business. In addition, if you have the means you can go ahead and advertise in local newspapers. Besides advertising one also need to focus on developing a good rapport with their initial customers by ensuring fast and proper deliveries. Remember that a satisfied customer will always be more than happy to spread the word of your expertise.
Once you are through with setting up the enterprise, all you need to do is make sure it runs smoothly. Maintain good communications between the ground staff and the drivers and ensure that the packages are delivered on time and within schedule. As soon as you get a good grip, watch and enjoy the profits flowing in. Eventually you might consider reinvesting the profits and buying more vehicles to broaden the area of coverage.