The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected our everyday lives, from business to technology and health. Although the pandemic’s effect has been crippling, it hasn’t been all doom and gloom for entrepreneurs, especially Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, who just added a record $13 billion to his net worth in just a single day. Interestingly, courier services have seen tremendous growth due to increased online shopping caused by the pandemic. Are you thinking about setting up a parcel delivery business? This checklist should help you get off to a successful start.

• Create a business plan

Your parcel delivery business will require a plan to define your company’s target audience, sales and marketing strategy, and financial background. It should also contain information on how much you need to invest to achieve your projected profit. Developing a comprehensive business strategy will serve as an essential guide in the early months of your operations. It can also be a document to help your business secure external funding, especially if you need to acquire a loan to set up your business. With the already existing competition, a strategic plan will offer you insight into approaching the market.  

• Get reliable vehicles

Vehicles are the essential tools required by a delivery service. Before you start your parcel delivery business, you have to figure out the type of vehicles you will require. Are you going to transport large items? The odds are you will need vans. If you are looking to convey small or modest things like mails and pizza, a motorbike will be a more cost-effective alternative.  For larger products and parcels, vehicles are the most reliable, although they will require provisions for fuel cost. However, companies like Watchcard provide a fuel card with no hidden fees to give you and your drivers flexibility and reliability when filling up the fuel tank.

• Consider the type of delivery service you will offer

Are you going to offer standard delivery, an hour or next-day delivery? You will have to figure out what kind of delivery choices you will provide your client. Keep in mind that every delivery type will require varying tasks or operations. Although one-day delivery is the most preferred parcel delivery offer, it requires setting up the right resources and processes. According to statistics, 56% of online consumers expect to have their deliveries the same day, while 61% are open to paying more to have their deliveries. 

• Plan your storage space 

The majority of parcel delivery services need space to store parcels and packages that are awaiting delivery. Before commencing business, you need to make provision in acquiring adequate storage spaces. For a delivery company, storage is an essential commodity. This can be a real headache for you; however, there are several economic warehousing facilities you can choose from depending on your storage needs and specific requirements. 

• Get an insurance plan

Signing up for an insurance cover is one of the most critical requirements for the parcel delivery business. There is so much that could go wrong; however, it is crucial to ensure your company is adequately insured. Covering your business under insurance would save you so much cost when your services are threatened by various mishaps or unfortunate events like theft. When an employee is involved in an accident, your insurance cover will come in handy. Some insurance covers may offer additional protection from lawsuits due to employee negligence or insufficiency. 

• Create a brand 

Creating a good parcel delivery brand entails choosing the right name and logo for your business. These components influence your business significantly. Try to be the most creative you have ever been to create a business name. The name should be unique, and more importantly, it must be easy to remember. Find a way to link your business name to the services you provide without sounding too vague. Along with your business name should be your logo, which should distinguish you from the competition. Brand your fleet of vehicles in striking colors to create a trustworthy impression on potential clients. 

• Business structure and registration

Before you commence operations, you will need to determine the legal structure of your new business. It will require you to decide if you will operate as a sole proprietor, a limited liability company, or as a body corporate. Once this is done, you will then proceed to register your company and officially begin the business. Launching a parcel delivery business is one of the few start-ups that generally require fewer fees to begin. With the right knowledge and tools to get your business off the ground, you will see your business growing in no time. As you start and your customers begin, you will in no time need to employ drivers and other staff to help with operations.