What is a courier job and what does this entail? Well this is a great job if you want low start-up costs and flexibility with your working hours. This kind of business would require you to deliver packages etc to businesses for a courier company. You would be using your own vehicle or van and would work on a freelance basis. This means you would not have to carry on working for that particular company if you did not want to and would be able to arrange working hours to suit your lifestyle.

If you have really decided that this is the career you wish to follow then you need to write a business plan. This is an imperative part of any new business start up and if you don’t do this you will fail. Simply a business plan is a structure of your business from costs, profits to cashflow. You will also need to include your short term, medium term and long term goals. This will give you the focus you need and also help pre-empt any problems you may have. If you are unsure about how to do this there are many business centres that will be able to give you all the advice you need. Banks are also excellent at helping you write your plan.

To be successful doing courier work you are going to need a reliable van not some “cheap” dodgy one from your mate down the road that will break down every time you look at it. Unless you have savings set aside or some other method of purchasing your van you will probably have to borrow the money. There are various options open to you and you should carry out your research before you commit to anything. Always take into consideration that your van will depreciate over time and this needs to be added to any calculations/forecasts you may have.

Do you buy a new or second hand van? Well that depends on the finance available to you and how much you can realistically afford (this is why a business plan is so important). You must leave the family car running cost mindset behind. Running a courier business will mean a high annual mileage rate which in turn means more wear and tear. You will have to replace parts and have services more regularly than you would on your family vehicle. So the benefits of buying a new van are it should be covered by a warranty which should keep these expenses down during the first 12 months. Used vans can be purchased from van dealers who will offer warranties. You really do need to do your homework and shop around.

Insurance for anyone who uses their vehicle for work and not just going to and from your place of work is higher. As with the purchase of your van you need to really have a good look at all your options. Because this is your “bread and butter” reading the small print is absolutely essential. Imagine if you have borrowed money to buy your van and you are unable to drive it because of an accident etc and you cannot get a replacement. Your loan will still need paying.

Right we have gone through some of the basics – there are many more factors that you need to take into account before launching your new business. Do your homework and write your business plan. If it is not going to be profitable don’t do it. There is no point being a busy fool! Take your time to get the best deals available and don’t sign anything until you have read all the small print.

Posted on 26 September '09, under Business.