Since the pandemic began, more and more people have been ordering their necessities online, giving delivery businesses an advantage in a struggling economy. With home deliveries on the rise, it’s no surprise that many entrepreneurs find themselves wanting to invest in a delivery business. Not only is there an increased demand for this type of business, but it’s also a good business that requires minimal capital.
If you’re looking to get your business project off the ground, here are a few things you need to know to start your own delivery service successfully.
What You Need to Start Your Delivery Business
Equipment
Before you go out and purchase all the equipment you need to get your delivery business running, consider what kind of delivery service you want to offer. If you plan on only delivering food or small parcels, you can use your own car, whether it’s an SUV or sedan, to make your deliveries. If you’re looking to deliver bigger and high-volume packages, on the other hand, you may want to consider using a cargo van or a pick-up truck that’s big enough to store everything.
One important thing to remember is to have your vehicle checked regularly. Whether it’s changing your oil or having your wheels balanced, ensuring your vehicle is maintained ensures your and your cargo’s safety.
You’ll also need at least one dolly or hand truck. This type of equipment can help you easily and efficiently transport your items from one place to another. Having one around while you do your deliveries can also help you avoid injuries, as carrying heavy items throughout the day can take a toll on your back.
As you make your way to your delivery points, chances are your cargo may move around your car or truck. To avoid any accidents or damages to your cargo, have a few ratchet straps on hand to secure your cargo and equipment while you’re on the road.
Lastly, you’ll need a way for people to contact you. It’s better to have a separate phone dedicated to business-related communication. Having a separate phone helps you separate work from your personal life, and it also provides an extra layer of security and privacy for you and your business.
Legal Protection
The next step to starting your business is making it legal. Protect yourself from lawsuits or other legal problems by forming an LLC or a limited liability company. Any lawsuits you encounter won’t be brought against you. Instead, they will be brought against the company. This way, if you find yourself in a bind, you won’t have to worry about your personal assets being used to pay off any business debts you may owe.
You will also have to get a business license and, in some cases, a commercial driver’s license, to be allowed to operate. To do this, you’ll have to contact your local license bureau and DMV.
Business Model
Once you’re licensed, it’s time to create your business model. Having a business model will help you figure out your target market, the exact services you want to offer, how and where to market your business, your costs and revenue, and other important business aspects in helping a business thrive. However, the main question you need to ask yourself before anything else is how far you want your delivery area to reach.
If you’re starting your business from home, the best way to go is a local delivery service within your neighborhood. Eventually, you’ll be able to hire more people, and you can expand your service area to neighboring areas. It’s also important to consider your operating hours. Once you decide on your target market, you can make a list of what businesses might be interested in your services.
Rates
There are different ways to determine your rates: by weight, by distance, or with a flat rate. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, so consider making a list of rates using each option and weigh the pros and cons. Choose which one makes you most comfortable, and be sure about your rates so that once your business starts up and you get an order, you’ll be ready.
Building Your Reputation
Start Small
Don’t allot a chunk of your budget on big advertisements. Instead, contact the businesses you listed down that fit your target market. Local groceries, dry cleaners, restaurants, and other similar businesses are a great source of delivery orders. If you have friends who own businesses, you can also offer your services to get the word out. Networking matters, so use the connections you have to your advantage.
Market Your Business
These days, the best way to market your business is by building an online presence. There are many ways to do this, from creating an interactive website, having social media accounts that tell people more about your business. Since many companies and small businesses these days already have an online presence, try to be as creative as you can when coming up with content to put on your website and social media accounts. Don’t forget to engage with your audience. If you receive a good review, take the time to thank them and ensure quality and consistent service.
Starting any business is hard. But if you plan well, do your research, and offer quality and efficient service, you can profit from the high demand for home delivery services.
