An express courier company provides on-call pick up and delivery services with a same-or-next-day delivery plan. For certain businesses, such service is crucial to business needs. Companies that typically use such services include; attorney offices; doctor offices, court systems; and other companies who require fast service. In this article, we will discuss how to efficiently and successfully start an express courier company.
Determine the Target Market
The potential customers of an express courier company will be ones that need fast, reliable service for urgent matters. These include attorneys, doctors, judges or juries, and law enforcement officials. In addition, escrow companies, pharmacies and other entities requiring rush service will call for an express courier service.
Assess the Competition
When considering the target market for the express courier service, consideration should be given to your competition’s unique or valuable offers. Does your competition have the same type of services as your company? Are any discounts offered?
What is the pricing of the company? Any information that can be acquired will assist in giving your company an edge in competition. Compile as much information as possible from any competitors.
Define Your Branding Strategy
Because an express courier service is highly visible to the general public and constantly on the move with mobile vans, it is important to develop a clear and consistent brand for your business. The more cohesive and defined your branding is, the easier it will be for your customers to remember your business and the experience you provide.
To maintain consistency, establish your brand image, color scheme, and other elements that affect the visual experience you provide with your business. A defined brand will set your express courier business apart from your competitors and leave a strong impression on your customers.
Build Your Business Plan
Creating a well-defined business plan is critical for the success of your express courier company. A business plan includes an overview of your services, marketing and sales strategies, operational plans, financial projections, and other information to help you make better-informed decisions.
This document should be reviewed periodically to ensure the plan is still relevant and effective as your express courier business continues to grow. Additionally, a business plan can be a tool for obtaining financing from potential investors or lenders. Use the business plans templates offered here as a comprehensive guide for your company.
Choose the Location for Your Company
The location for your express courier company is vital to your response times. Use a commercial or industrial area where the noise of the express courier vans will not be bothersome and secure a garage area where mechanical repairs can be easily made. If possible, have a gasoline service pump on site, along with a van-washing system.
Depending on the number of vans your business will have in motion at any time, calculate how many vans needed. Place the necessary amount of insurance on the vehicles and on the buildings on site.
Purchase office equipment, furnishings, computers and software programs, as needed. Review the business plan frequently and update as needed.
Engage Market Strategies
Although the vans for your express courier company may be memorable, the potential customers of your service should receive marketing messages in the most advantageous ways. Use social media to update potential and current customers and engage with customers when needed.
Create a clearly-defined website, include a Q & A section to assist customers, and write a blog about some of your company’s services. Email current customers with updates, discounts and any holiday schedule changes. These and other marketing strategies will keep your customers informed and up-to-date as needed.
Construct an Operations Plan
The intricate details of operating an express courier service will require hiring experienced personnel. When that has occurred, drivers and administrative staff can be hired and trained. Use safety protocols in all areas of the buildings and contain any flammables as directed by the fire department.
Clearly communicate the scope of each employee’s role and ensure everyone communicates on an interpersonal basis. Use social media or online methods of encouraging employees, particularly drivers who are out at all hours.
After completing the elements of starting your express courier company, you will be positioned for long-term growth and success. Review your business plan occasionally to update the information and congratulate yourself on the growth rate of your business. Congratulations!
