How to Start a Business

Starting a Delivery & Errand Service

When it comes to starting a delivery service, awareness of competitive offerings is essential. This is your must-have guide to getting your business off the ground.

Wondering how to start a delivery service? We take you step-by-step from start to success.

Business Plan Basics for Delivery & Errand Services

Startup entrepreneurs slave over the creation of their business plans, investing countless hours in the details of their startup strategy. But your business plan won't be finished until you've included material about your industry.

The absence of a thorough industry analysis may incline lenders and/or other external stakeholders to take a negative view of your company. Industry analyses are critical for contextualizing your startup within an industry setting.

Although it sounds complicated, most entrepreneurs can create an effective industry analysis section by simply steering clear of common industry analysis mistakes.

Take a Look at Competitors

Well in advance of opening a delivery service within your community, it's a good idea to see how strong the competition is. Use the link below to get a list of local competitors in your area. Just enter your city, state and zip code to get a list of delivery services in your community.

Is the local market large enough to support another delivery service? If not, you had better be sure that you are doing things much better than the competition.

Talk to People Who Are Already in the Business

If you want to open a delivery service the next step is to learn from folks who are already in business. Local competitors are not going to give you the time of day, mind you. What's in it for them?

However, a fellow entrepreneur who has started a delivery service outside of your community will be much more likely to talk with you, once they realize that you are not going to directly compete with them in their community. In that case, the business owner may be more than happy to discuss the industry with you. Our estimate is that you may have to contact many business owners to find one who is willing to share his wisdom with you.

How do you go about finding a delivery service entrepreneur in another city who you can speak with?

Easy. Find them using our link below and start calling until you are successful.

Gaining Access to Delivery & Errand Service Ownership

Common sense will tell you that to enter the world of delivery service, you'll either need to start a new business or acquire a promising company on the business-for-sale marketplace. But despite the attraction startups have for many entrepreneurs, you should also consider the benefits of buying a delivery service.

If you're on the fence consider this: There has never been a better time to acquire a delivery service. The down economy has resulted in a glut of available businesses, many of which can be acquired for bargain prices.

Franchising May Be a Better Way to Go

If you want to minimize your chances of failing, you should consider the pros and cons of franchising.

Prior to starting a delivery service, you should investigate whether buying a franchise could help you on your entrepreneurial journey.

The link below gives you access to our franchise directory so you can see if there's a franchise opportunity for you. You might even find something that points you in a completely different direction.

Other Useful Articles for Startup Entrepreneurs

These additional resources regarding getting started as an entrepreneur may be of interest to you.

Questions to Ask Before Starting a Business

How to Find Angel Investors

How to Get a DUNS Number

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Additional Resources for Entrepreneurs

Lists of Venture Capital and Private Equity Firms

Franchise Opportunities

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