Courier Service

Start-up cost: $300–$500 ($15,000–$25,000 more if you purchase a dedicated delivery vehicle)

Potential earnings: $25,000–$65,000 (more in a major metropolitan area)

Typical fees: Depends on mileage, but you can set fl at rates for specific types of courier service (such as international adoption paperwork for which couriers typically charge $150–$350 for taking papers to consulates for certification and redelivery to parents or adoption agencies)

Advertising: Web site, business publications, adoption agencies,

Qualifications: Administrative skills, attention to detail

Equipment needed: Computer, dependable transportation to government offices and delivery services, cell phone with hands-free accessories (if mandated by your state), e-mail accessibility

Staff required: No

Hidden costs: Transportation fees should be built into your services— they may seem negligible but do quickly add up; you will also need good insurance (including liability)

What You Do

When important papers absolutely must be delivered to waiting hands, the answer isn’t always overnight delivery. Often, a courier is needed to take contracts, storyboards, or other important business documents to another city or state—and a courier service can be ready to deliver at the drop of a hat. That is even faster than overnight, right? If you have a good working knowledge of the lay of the land, you can maximize the profits of your courier service by choosing the fastest, most economical routes to the delivery site, and even group a few deliveries together whenever possible. You will be entrusted with original documents, so take extra care not to lose or misplace them or you will be liable for their replacement. Deliver what your clients entrust to your service, and then go the extra mile to be sure they are notified of safe, efficient delivery. Communication is what it’s all about.

What You Need

Dependable transportation is a must, so be sure you either have a vehicle in good working order or have constant access to fast, reliable public transportation. You will be able to respond much more quickly if you have your own car or van and a cell phone with hands-free accessories (if mandated by your state) or paging system. Being accessible and able to respond quickly is what will win you the big bucks.

Keys to Success

You are always dependent upon referrals and repeat business, so friendly and dependable service is a must. The customer is always right, and you should go out of your way to keep your customers happy, since they are the well of eternal hope for your business. Offer nice little extras that set you apart from the competition; for instance, you might offer coupons or gift certificates from businesses with which you align yourself (such as hair salons, copying services, or even local restaurants). Also, being a notary can make your courier business value-added service, since you could also offer traveling notary services to office workers that are in need of a notary but don’t have time to leave the office during regular hours to find one. Think strategically and creatively and consider what you might want from your own local courier service. You’ll soon see how far the little things will take you.