Local courier for shops and offices

Small local businesses without their own drivers, such as florists, boutiques, law offices and medical clinics, plus some individuals sending items across town.

A set price per delivery or per zone, hourly rates for scheduled runs, and monthly contracts with regular business clients.

• Reliable and punctual
• Good knowledge of local roads
• Friendly, clear communication with customers

• Personal car insurance often does not cover paid deliveries, check with your insurer about commercial cover
• Check whether your municipality requires a business licence
• Fuel, wear and tear and winter driving conditions can cut into earnings
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, check with the Canada Revenue Agency
• Check whether you need to carry cargo insurance for valuable items

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $3,000, depending on the condition of your vehicle, insurance and any equipment you add. Treat this as an estimate, and remember fuel and wear and tear are ongoing costs.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many local businesses you work with and how many hours you drive. These are estimates, and fuel, wear and tear and winter conditions can reduce what you keep.

Check with your insurer about commercial cover, since personal car insurance often does not cover paid deliveries. Check whether you need cargo insurance for valuable items, whether your municipality requires a business licence, and GST/HST registration with the Canada Revenue Agency.