Last Updated on February 16, 2023
Running errands isn’t something most people love. In fact, many people pay services to do it for them. If you’re looking for a quick way to make money, consider learning how to start a courier business.
A courier service is easy, inexpensive to start up, and can make you a decent amount of money. If that’s not enough, how about the fact that anyone can do it? All you need is a car, equipment (for lifting if applicable), insurance, and a plan.
Are you ready to start a courier delivery service?
Here’s how to start.
Finding Your First Customers When You Start a Courier Business
Marketing yourself as a ‘courier’ isn’t enough. You need a niche. What pain points do consumers or businesses in your area have?
For example, consumers may need someone to run general errands or do grocery shopping. They may need someone to deliver important documents to a lawyer or tax advisor.
Businesses, on the other hand, often outsource the things they can’t do. Flower shops often need extra delivery drivers, lawyers need couriers who can operate on call, and construction companies need a service to deliver materials ASAP.
Think about the need you’ll fill and market to the right audience.
The Most Profitable Courier Services to Offer
Any courier service business can be profitable when you market it to the right audience, but couriers in certain industries always make a good profit.
Consider learning how to start a courier business in the following industries:
- Medical supply delivery
- Legal document courier
- Laundry and dry cleaning service
- Food delivery
- Construction material delivery
For a more comprehensive list of courier related business ideas, please check 33 Best Courier Business ideas & Opportunities for 2020
No matter the chosen niche, always offer ‘extras.’ Rush fees, extra wait time fees (more than 5 minutes), heavy item fees, and ‘stat’ fees (delivery in under an hour) warrant extra charges on top of your normal prices.
ProTip – A great business idea isn’t categorical or universal. Anything can be a great idea if you put it in front of the right audience!
How Much Can You Make with a Courier Service?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average courier makes $15.50 per hour, but that’s working for someone else. When you start a courier service, you charge what you think the service is worth.
Decide how much you think your time is worth per hour. If $15.50 works for you, then price your services based on the amount of time it will take. If you think your services are worth more, price them accordingly.
The average small courier business makes $32 an hour. If you work a standard work week of 40 hours, that’s $1,280 a week.
Start a Courier Service Today
Now that you know how to start a courier business, are you ready to jump in headfirst? Do your research. Find out what needs aren’t filled in your area. This should be your niche – the area you focus, and the area you may make the most money.
Pay attention to the competition’s pricing, figure out what you think you’re worth, and start your courier service on the right foot. It may take a little while, but once you provide stellar service to a few customers and word gets out, you’ll be well on your way to owning a successful business.
