When you are eager to start your local courier service, you can count on two outcomes – either it will be easy as one-two-three, or, it can get frustrating and extremely difficult. We want you to do this the right way, which inspired us to write down a couple of helpful ideas on how to make the Courier Business startup process easy. First, let’s consider:
1. What is Your Business’s Legal Structure?
Will your courier business operate as a private company, L.L.C, sole proprietor or in partnership. Try to inform yourself about these options, especially in terms of taxes in UK. Because all of which will require different licensing and other business requirements. To learn more visit Business and self-employed section of the UK government website.
2. Research & Identify a Viable Niche
A crucial step with every business startup is to identify an area that is lacking a better service delivery. In case you live in a big city like London where there is great new opportunities for startups, as well as fierce competition. That means, you really need to think outside the box so to speak. Get online and research, amongst the noise, listen to what the market is saying (read through online discussions about customer service experience of UK consumers), something missing? As always, you can begin your research by utilising the experience of Delivery Master. Simply call 0333 30 55 250 so that together our team can expand your ideas.
3. Control Your Expenses
We understand that you are eager to begin your courier business, and you would rather invest the £££ £’s you have been working so hard to save as an initial outlay, but hold your horses, and consider finding cost-effective solutions, at least at the beginning. For example: using technology to your advantage you could start working from your home office instead of renting a business premise. If you already have a reliable vehicle, resist the urge to purchase a new one just because you think it would look better. At the end of the day, your customers really want these 4 deliverables from you:
- Easy process (from order to delivery confirmation)
- Cost-effective deliveries
- Timely deliveries
- Friendly, genuine customer service with a smile 🙂
Also, keep track of how much you spend monthly, learn to budget business expenses as they differ from a personal, or family budget. Till you grow your courier business to become profitable, you can even do your own bookkeeping with the help of a computer program. Basically, remember, when starting out any type of business ‘Cash Flow is Critical‘ same is true for your courier business success as well.
4. Finding Your First Customer
Now that you defined the structure and identified the right niche to service, you will need customers. This is easier said than done when starting out for the first time. Having said that, it is also the most exciting times that you will always remember when you land your first customer for your courier business “just like your first kiss”.
There are thousands of different ways to find customers. Think like a hunter, study about your ideal customers patterns, wants, and needs, write things down. Start whether it is through good old fashion chit-chat with family and friends, or whether you begin working your way through your local community businesses to cater for their courier requirements.
Simply dress yourself with the right attitude and approachable smile and get talking about the benefits, and the difference your courier business offers. Also, consider investing in an online presence (we recommend RankYa web development and online marketing solutions) as more and more people are using their smartphones to search and find new courier service providers in UK.
5. Ask & You Shall Find Referrals
Research shows that in business, first few clients tend to become long-term customers. After you establish a good connection by providing exceptional service, it would be a great idea to ask your customers for referrals. They would understand your need to expand your business. Especially if you find enticing ways to show your appreciation for their referrals (perhaps a discount or offer of free delivery for their next order?).
We’re Here to Help
When you are new on the market, it can be a great option to seek advice from professionals with years of experience within the courier business field. Talk to us, you can ask us anything related to UK Courier Businesses as we’ll provide you with answers backed by over 25 years of experience in the courier and logistics industry. Simply call us on 0333 30 55 250 or use our contact page.