7 Ways To Make Your Courier Business Stand Out

There is an awful lot of business out there that is available for couriers, but many people don’t really know whether they should go head and set up a courier business or not. There are already so many options on the market, that it can feel like you are saturating it a little if you start out. The thing is, as long as you can make it so that your courier business can offer a different service than others, you’re going to find success.

Parcel delivery services are always in high demand, because customers are still demanding the ability to send parcels around the world. People look for reliable delivery couriers to help them with their needs, because it’s the best way to get their things from one place to another. If you can step up and make a difference with your own courier service, you’re going to be tapping into a market that can never be too oversaturated. As long as your intended area is open to the idea of a good courier business, you can have a solid start up plan. So, we’re going to look at how you start a strong courier business, and then seven ways you can make that business stand out.

How To Start Up Your Courier Business

• Making a business plan of your expenses, pricing and profit and have a clear idea of how you will make money. What kind of courier work are you looking for? Where are you planning to locate yourself, nearby or globally these are questions that matter for your business so make sure you ask yourself these questions when you get started.
• Getting a vehicle is important. Do you want a motorcycle with limited room on it for packages, or do you want a larger vehicle with a truck roll up door that can help you out with easy access to multiple packages? You must also choose whether you are planning to rent or buy your vehicle outright, because this affects business insurance and how much you have to pay out every month.
• If you are planning to create a home office, you may need to get permission from your zoning office before you go for it. If not, you need to think about leasing a space so that you can get your business up and running properly.
• Get your materials sorted. This includes two-way radios, office supplies, GPS units, computer software for orders and invoicing software, too. You have to budget for all of these in your main business budget, and once you do, you will be able to get your business up and running.
• Start your marketing process by getting on social media and getting your name out there. Contact local businesses and get some interest. Local law offices, banks, corporate offices and hospitals always need services to help with delivery of important documents and in some cases, sensitive documents. Advertise yourself online and get your name in local newspapers and magazines. Create some business cards and fliers and start a network with potential clients at trade shows. There are always ways to generate business.
• Start your hiring process by bringing in more than one employee at a time to help you with deliveries and pick ups. You should also bring on either a virtual office or an in-house employee to man the phones so orders and complaints alike.
• Delivery options are crucial in a courier business. Are you planning to offer one-hour quick delivery? Overnight services? Same day options? These are all considerations that you need to think about if you’re purchasing insurance for your deliveries. You need to decide whether you are delivering outside of your country, too, because this can take extra insurance that you need to budget for.
• Your pricing structure should be realistic, but you should also ensure that you’re not charging the same for a letter that you are for a wardrobe being delivered. You need to ensure that you are offering a fair service that doesn’t price yourself short.

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Making Your Business Stand Out!

So, now you’re on the go, how can you make sure your new courier business stands out?

• Get seen on the road. Your rolling truck doors could be spray painted with your logo to show the world who you are and what your brand is. This can make you seen wherever you are on the road and by any member of the public.
• Offering excellence is important. You can offer a cheap service, but that doesn’t make it a good service. High rate services are better than the alternative, and those that offer high rate have the edge on their clients.
• If you want to be excellent, you need excellent customer service. You’re going to stand out from the crowd if you have great reviews and are respected by both clients and customers for your efficiency.
• Make your service fully traceable. If you give your customer the ability to track your service from the moment that you pick up, you’re going to have the edge. Make your tracking service a comprehensive one, too, with direct GPS to where you are.
• You need to gauge any of your competition and get to know what they are doing differently to you. You want to give people a fast service, and that means you should be able to offer a good turnaround. This requires you to be realistic about what you can do.
• Being trustworthy as a business is vital if you are couriering important documents or sensitive items. Offering flexibility in what you do, as well as a reliable service will make you stand out better than anything else.
• Get out there and network! Standing out can only happen if you are out there and standing in front of people and offering them something different.

You could be the next Fed-Ex with a little grit – go out there and stand out to be counted. The only way you’ll know if it’ll work is if you try.