How to Become a Courier Service
Courier services are in demand and can create a lucrative business opportunity. Businesses use couriers to deliver packages, paperwork and other items to other businesses, clients or customers. To start a courier service, you'll need to research and obtain necessary licenses as well as learn to promote your business. With the proper steps, you can build your courier business to be what you desire it to be.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Research local courier services. Determine the average costs, operating hours, surcharges, delivery limits and other services offered. Use these as your starting point for establishing your business criteria. Set your delivery area and hours of operation based on what you can handle. If you are going to operate this business with only yourself, don't spread yourself too thin.
-
2
Create a website for your courier service. A website helps build authority. List your charges, operating hours, delivery area and all other details. Show you're insured and bonded. Make sure the site has a professional appearance. Consider having the customer see a calender and book and pay. Customers like to have options in scheduling appointments.
-
-
3
Visit your local secretary of state office to obtain the necessary business licenses. Any license needed will be determined by your state. Register your business name with your state as well.
-
4
Obtain and Employer Identification Number (EIN) by visiting IRS.gov. Enter in all of your business information, and you'll be issued an EIN immediately. Use this number to obtain business credit and to file your taxes.
-
5
Contact an insurance agent to get insurance in place. You will need both business automobile insurance as well as liability insurance.
-
6
Have signs for your car made. Every time you drive your vehicle, you'll be advertising.
-
7
Promote your business. Tell friends and family, and pass out business cards to everyone you know. Leave business cards in locations with bulletin boards. Post on local business blog posts. Leave your website address on blog posts. Each time your website address is picked up by search engines, it'll help boost your ranking to a higher number.
-
8
Offer a discount below all of your competition to get people to use your service. Treat them very well to earn repeat business or have your name spread around by good word-of-mouth.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Make sure you're clear on items you'll not transport. List any limitations on your website.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hand in a white glove with a package, isolated image by wolandmaster from Fotolia.com
