Local courier and same-day delivery

Small shops, florists, pharmacies, law and accounting offices, medical clinics and online sellers who need reliable local delivery.

Per-delivery or per-kilometre rates, plus regular contracts with a few businesses. Rush and after-hours jobs can be priced higher.

• Reliable and punctual
• Route planning
• Friendly, professional customer service

• Personal car insurance often excludes delivery for a fee, so check you have the right commercial cover
• Check whether your municipality requires a business licence
• Winter driving, vehicle wear and fuel costs can eat into profits, so price them in
• Check when you need to register for GST/HST and keep records for self-employed income tax
• Contractor or employee status if you work through delivery apps, check the terms

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $600 to $3,000, depending on the vehicle you already have, commercial insurance and any equipment or marketing. The estimates assume at least about 10 hours a week.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the hours you work, the businesses you serve and your rates. These are revenue estimates, so price in fuel, vehicle wear and winter driving.

Check that you have the right commercial insurance, since personal car cover often excludes paid delivery, and whether your municipality requires a business licence. Also check when to register for GST/HST, and contractor or employee status if you work through delivery apps.