Local courier and delivery van

Local shops, florists, medical and trade suppliers, online sellers, couriers who subcontract overflow work, and individuals with one-off jobs.

Per-job or per-kilometre rates, plus regular contracts or weekly runs for businesses. Work through courier platforms or subcontract rounds can fill gaps while you build direct clients.

• Reliable, safe driving
• Route planning and time management
• Friendly, clear communication
• Basic record keeping for invoices and tax

• Standard car insurance often excludes carrying goods for payment, so check you have the right cover
• Goods in transit insurance in case items are lost or damaged
• Platform and subcontract rates can be low once fuel, tolls and wear are counted, so work out your cost per kilometre
• Check whether your van's weight or the goods you carry trigger any extra rules in your state
• Set aside money for GST (once you reach the threshold), tax and vehicle servicing

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the vehicle you use, insurance and any equipment you add. Set aside money for GST (once you reach the threshold), tax and vehicle servicing.

Standard car insurance often excludes carrying goods for payment, so check you have the right cover, including goods in transit insurance. Also check whether your van's weight or the goods you carry trigger extra rules in your state.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on your hours, jobs and customers. Platform and subcontract rates can be low once fuel, tolls and wear are counted, so work out your cost per kilometre. Plan on at least around 15 hours a week.