A local delivery service is a small business almost anyone can start. Such a service can be offered to those needing personal errands run or to businesses who need supplies or documents delivered, or even lunch. Although the start-up costs for a delivery service are small, treat it like any other business by first developing a comprehensive plan and researching what type of deliveries you want to start off making.
A home business is something that many people seek in the pursuit of better hours and a shorter commute. A delivery business is a useful business to the community and can be run from home as easily as it can from a central office. You just need to know how to get started with your home delivery business.
Instructions:
Step 1
Get a vehicle that will be appropriate for the job. It should be a low-mileage vehicle in good condition that's big enough to haul the items you will be delivering. A vehicle break down and late deliveries will destroy the reputation of the business and be costly both in lost revenue and repair work, so it's best to choose wisely.
Step 2
Apply for a business license. Call the local courthouse for information about where to get the license information and what will be required. There will be a license fee up front and a renewal fee each year.
Step 3
Call insurance companies for the best business rates. Your personal car insurance policy will not cover the business use of your car. Make sure to get damage coverage, as well as liability. Your delivery vehicle is vital to the business, and you have to be able to replace or repair it in the case of an accident.
Step 4
Advertise the business. Where you advertise will largely depend on what you will be delivering. Advertising in the newspaper, on a local website and perhaps even a local commercial will get the word out. If you will be delivering food, be sure to advertise at the local college and send fliers to businesses that might order out food for lunch meetings.
Step 5
Have someone at home taking orders. You won't be able to effectively take orders from the road. Someone will need to man the phones at home to keep orders coming in. You will also need to have a reliable way for that person to contact you on the road and relay the new orders.
Step 6
Call your county clerk's office and find out if there are any licenses or permits you need to apply for before starting out. Although the majority of your business will be done outside your home, because you will likely be using a home office, you might find you need to clear this with your county or city first.
In Harris County, visit the website of the county clerk's office and download the form for the registration of a business name. The options depend on the number of employees and whether you are an incorporated business--most likely not, at this stage.
Step 7
Call your car insurance company if you will be using your car (some use bicycles). You want to make sure you are covered for any issue that may come up as you will now be using your car for business purposes.
Step 8
Make a list of the businesses in the area whom you believe could benefit from your services. These could be pharmacies, grocery stores, banks, restaurants, flower shops, hospitals, offices or gift shops. You can also list senior centers and make picking up items for seniors who can't drive part of your service. List businesses you think might like to have lunch delivered to them each day.
Step 9
Create flyers, business cards and a website for your business. Once you've decided what services to offer, create an interesting flyer or brochure that you can post on public bulletin boards and bring to businesses you believe can benefit from your services. Your website should include your contact information and also an online form where customers can place their delivery requests.
Step 10
Purchase a magnet with your new business name and contact information to place on your vehicle. Alternatively, you can get the information painted on or use vinyl lettering. Because your vehicle will likely be your place of business, it is essential to promote what you're doing.
Step 11
Price your services appropriately. Even though you are just starting out, don't be tempted to make your prices lower. Price yourself according to what the market will bear and keep in mind you will have to deal with fluctuating gas prices and varying mileage. Staying within your city limits might be essential at first, at least until you become known and are more experienced at the business. Call other delivery services--even services in other cities--and find out what they charge. This will help you determine your baseline prices.
Step 12
Have the sender and recipient sign for their deliveries. You never want to be accused of not having delivered an item. Create a form that is simple but requires both parties to state the item and when they received it.
Things Needed:
- Delivery vehicle
- Computer
- Internet access
- Cell phone
- Promotional materials
- Business license
- Business insurance
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