Tips for Starting Up Your Own Delivery Business
by Startacus Admin
Starting up any new business can be incredibly challenging and hard work. However, knowing what to expect can put you in good stead and ensure your passion turns into a successful reality. Here are a few tips on starting up your own delivery business.
Get a Van or a Truck
There is a huge market for both new and used vans and trucks. However, finding the right vehicle can be difficult, especially if you have no guidance. Luckily, there are various resources available that can help you review the top choices for trucks and cargo vans. There are several types of vehicles you can use for your delivery business. Make sure that the vehicles are fuel efficient, as you will be racking up a ton of miles on delivery routes.
Purchase Equipment
Once you have a van or a truck, you are halfway there when it comes to starting up your own delivery business. The next step of the process is to decide on what type of 
equipment you need.
Depending on the type of job you do, you may need a variety of tools to help you move large items. One of the main tools that delivery drivers need is a dolly or a hand truck. There are several types of dollys such as an appliance dolly or a moving dolly. The more equipment you have, the more jobs you will be able to accept. As a business, you will want to accept as many orders as you can, so it’s essential that you have the right tools in place. One piece of equipment that is a must for every delivery is a ratchet strap.
Name Your Brand
The name of your business is incredibly important.
How you present yourself to customers can make all the difference in how successful your company is. Think of a name that is unique and stands out from the crowd, putting you ahead of competitors in your field.
Once you have come up with a name for your business you need to set your company up from a legal standpoint. This feels like a massive step for first-time entrepreneurs, but the process of incorporating a new company is surprising easy and cost-effective in the UK.
You can deal with Companies House yourself when incorporating your company, or you can use one of the UK’s many online company formation services.
Market Your Business
Once you have your vehicles and equipment, the next stage is to market your business to customers. It’s important to get your name out there to the masses, helping attract new interest to your company. There are all sorts of ways that you can market your delivery business, including word of mouth, advertising, content marketing or social media.
Platforms such as Twitter and Facebook attract millions of users each day, giving you a great resource to get your name out there. Make sure that you create a business page that outlines what your company is all about as well as the products and services that you offer. Customers can also leave reviews of your business, which can attract new clients to your company.
Build Your Reputation
Once you have your first job ready, it’s time to execute. Your performance will directly influence your company’s burgeoning reputation, which can in turn lead to repeat customers and a growing number of referrals.
It’s critical that you are committed to delivering truly excellent customer service, but the way you communicate and dress can also make all the difference so maintain a professional and friendly demeanor at all times.
Expanding Your Delivery Fleet
When you’re first starting out you’ll only need to insure one van or truck, but if you do everything right and your company grows you could soon find yourself expanding the business to two, three or even more delivery vehicles. At that point it’s worth comparing fleet insurance policies, because you should be able to save quite a bit on your insurance when you insure all your vehicles under a single insurance policy.
There are various factors that you need to consider before starting a business. You should have your objectives and goals clearly laid out before you begin the process, helping you get a better idea of what to expect and what you need to do to ensure your business is a success.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
At one-day event Ideation NI Thon, students will get the chance to solve global and local sustainability, environmental, city and health problems.
The lowdown on how an Australian startup generated global sales for their innovative product, "weighted blankets"...
At 82% the UK takes 4th place in the list of countries being most ready for automation and robotics, whilst 30% of UK population’s jobs are at risk of automation.
Recent research by Starling bank shows that in 2019, women earned up to £12,319 less per year than their male colleagues of the same age and within the same industry
Brandtech group, You & Mr Jones, has invested in ethical video startup Good-Loop who have closed a US $1.6m seed funding round.
2019 saw celebrities contribute to start-up investments in record numbers, surpassing a previous spike in 2015.
If you’re feeling under pressure from creditors, here is a brief breakdown of what, in the UK, is considered aggression and harassment from creditors.
The Digital DNA Awards, held in partnership with MCS Group, celebrate the best tech talent, from companies of all sizes, excelling in the world of Digital and Tech and not just in NI...
According to analysis by the Centre for Entrepreneurs, business formations reached new record in 2019 with more than five new tech startups launching every hour...
InsurTech businesses take note! Lloyd’s Lab is back and they are seeking solutions that have the potential to create real commercial value for the Lloyd’s market.
Published on: 22nd February 2019
.png)
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Ideation NI Thon at NI Science Festival sets out to solve global issues 17th Jan 2020 At one-day event Ideation NI Thon, students will get the chance to solve global and local sustainability, environmental, city and health problems.
- 2019 stats show that the gender pay gap continues 14th Jan 2020 Recent research by Starling bank shows that in 2019, women earned up to £12,319 less per year than their male colleagues of the same age and within the same industry
- Digital DNA Awards 2020 nominations now open 13th Jan 2020 The Digital DNA Awards, held in partnership with MCS Group, celebrate the best tech talent, from companies of all sizes, excelling in the world of Digital and Tech and not just in NI...
- Five new tech startups launched every hour in 2019 13th Jan 2020 According to analysis by the Centre for Entrepreneurs, business formations reached new record in 2019 with more than five new tech startups launching every hour...
