How to Be an Independent Courier

Picking up for multiple clients in one run increases profits.

Couriers pick up and deliver documents from every walk of life. Attorneys uses them to send settlement offers, realtors use them to speed important closing documents to interested parties, hospitals use them to get signed power of attorney paperwork to family members. Owning an independent courier service gives you the ability to choose what clients to service and build the business over time.

Things You'll Need

• Vehicle
• Bike
• Computer
• GPS

Instructions

1. Choose a geographic area to provide service too. The area should hold many businesses as potential clients. Examples of good areas include around courthouses and attorney offices, near medical facilities and in any metropolitan area such as New York, Los Angeles or Chicago.

2. Decide whether to use courier vehicles, bikes or a combination of both. In high traffic metropolitan areas, bikes can typically get around more quickly., however, the distance your service covers will be limited. Using a vehicle opens up the geographic area, however, fuel prices and wear and tear on the vehicle will have to be factored into the price of services. In addition, make sure your insurance coverage is for business vehicle use.

3. Obtain a business license and obtain all required permits from both the city and county government in the area your business will be located. Even if you will provide services outside the city or county, you will only need to comply with licensing requirements in the city and country where your business office is located.

4. Invest in a good GPS as well as a computer. The computer will be used to generate invoices, track customers and send correspondence. A cell phone is also essential to maintain contact with the client and the office while couriers are conducting pick ups and deliveries. Set your prices, decide how often to invoice customers and put a plan in place for bookkeeping needs.

5. Approach businesses to build client base. Have business cards and predesigned brochures in hand. Introduce yourself, tell potential customers you want their business. Offer to do the first delivery free of charge to show them how efficient you are.

Tips & Warnings

• Hire a good CPA who knows how to get all allowable deductions on vehicles, mileage, bikes and other business costs.

• Do not over commit. It is better to turn down a job or two, than accept more than you can handle and botch it, giving the customer a reason to badmouth you in the area.

References

• CourierPros.com: What You Need When Starting Out
• Entrepreneur: Business Idea Center - Courier Service