Local courier delivery service

Independent shops, florists, furniture sellers, offices and some individuals who need a one-off delivery.

A fixed price per delivery or per route, or an agreed monthly rate with regular business clients, with extra charged for distance, size or urgent jobs.

• Reliable and punctual
• Safe, confident driving
• Route planning
• Friendly customer manner

• Standard car or van insurance usually does not cover carrying goods for payment, check you have hire and reward cover
• Goods in transit insurance in case items are lost or damaged
• Vehicle running costs, fuel and wear can eat into margins on low-priced drops
• Check whether any of your goods (for example food or alcohol) need extra rules or licences
• Register as self-employed with HMRC and keep records of mileage and expenses

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on your vehicle and the insurance you need. Running costs such as fuel and wear can eat into margins on low-priced drops, so factor them in.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many drops you do and how far you travel. That is before costs, and fuel, vehicle wear and low-priced drops can reduce what you keep.

Check that your insurance covers carrying goods for payment, as standard car or van insurance usually does not, so look at hire and reward cover. Also check goods in transit insurance, any rules for food or alcohol, and register as self-employed with HMRC.