Hot Tips for Handling Self Employed Courier Jobs

Whether you’re new at handling self employed courier jobs or an old hand in the business looking for a few advantages over the competition, these tips can help boost business and keep the jobs flowing in at a steady rate.

Sell Your Availability – One of the foremost reasons self employed couriers are hired is for their flexibility. Making yourself available to handle jobs no matter the time of the day will give you a significant advantage over other couriers who only work weekdays and at specific hours of the day.

Build Good Working Relationships – It can be tempting to just pass off packages and have recipients sign the dotted line, but building a good working relationship can bring more business your way. People tend to do business with people they perceive as trustworthy, so be both polite and professional as you work with everyone you encounter.

Make Yourself Memorable – You’re basically selling your own brand when you take on self employed courier jobs. This means you need to advertise yourself by (for instance) phoning clients to touch base, and presenting yourself in a way that people will remember you in a positive light.

Set Aside a Home Office Space – Being self employed means trying to keep costs as low as possible, which is why setting up a home office is essential. Keep a section of your home clutter and distraction-free, so you can focus on getting work done.

Note All Overhead Costs – Speaking of keeping costs down, proper accounting will help ensure that you know what is draining money from your earnings. Note down everything you spend money on including petrol, maintenance, servicing costs, phone charges, internet charges, even groceries – this will help you better identify just what overheads you’re dealing with.

Join an Online Exchange Network – Even if you're already taking on a steady stream of self employed courier jobs, it is still well worth your while to join an online exchange networks. The obvious benefits of finding jobs is already there, but simply being aware of an uptick in demand in certain sectors of your local area can give you a heads-up on market forces.

Stay on Top of Road Conditions – Timeliness has always been a major factor for couriers, but it is worth repeating just the same: always get things done on time. It is for this reason that you need to keep a sharp eye out for local news on road conditions, where accidents or closures could force you to find alternate routes.

Try Before Buying – You might want to consider renting a delivery vehicle before investing in one. You will eventually want to consider getting a specialised commercial vehicle when self employed courier jobs become your primary source of income, but you should only commit to a vehicle you’re comfortable with.