One of the many business ideas that people use to start their own small business is a courier company. The notion of making money delivering packages and running errands for people all over town seems easy enough, but there are things you need to do before you can start carrying packages around.

Business Paperwork

You will need to register your business with the local government certification office. Officially establishing your business will allow you to open bank accounts and take on other paperwork in your company's name. You will also need insurance. Your car insurance may not allow you to carry other people's packages, and you may need a different kind of insurance. Liability insurance may also be important to protect you and your company if something you are delivering should break.

Geography

Startupbizhub.com suggests setting a definite area where your company will work, and then let all prospective customers know what that area is to set the proper expectations with them. If you decide to work only the downtown area, then make that clear in your company literature. Consider working an area outside of the city limits to try to appeal to customers that may need things done in the suburbs or other areas outside of the city. You will want to avoid making your work area so big that you cannot safely cover it in one working day. Base your rates on the size and number of packages, and what distance the customer is asking you to travel.

Scope

Determine what kind of courier service you will be running. Will you carry large packages or small, errand-type parcels? That decision will probably be based on the kind of transportation you have available. Once you have determined what your business will be, you must then take steps to make your company idea a reality.

Customers

Once you have the specifics of your business in place and all of your certificates and insurance taken care of, you need to then gather clients. Let your friends and family know about your courier business, and then start distributing fliers with your rates and coverage area on them to local businesses. On top of transportation, insurance, business certificates, and a defined area, you need customers to start your courier business. Have business cards on you at all times and always find ways of discussing your business with other company owners to try and gain more clients.

Source:

Internet Based Moms: Start a Courier Service

StartUpBizHub.com: How to Start a Courier Business

Home Business Center Inc: Make Money Running Simple Errands

Resource:

"Messager Courier World" Magazine: How I Got My Start in the Courier Business