5 Advantages of Running a Courier Franchise

Interested in starting a courier franchise and want to find out more about the advantages of running a delivery business? We’ve picked out five of the biggest perks to becoming part of the courier and delivery sector. Read on to discover some of the advantages of joining this industry as a franchisee.

According to Statista, more than 15 billion packages were sent all over the world in 2019. And in just two years, the courier and delivery sector has managed to grow even more. Factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic and an en masse shift to online shopping mean that quality courier franchises are more in demand than ever before. It seems like there’s never been a better time to venture into the world of deliveries. 

Fancy joining this exciting sector? Here are some of the biggest advantages to starting your very own courier franchise business. 

1. You won’t need previous qualifications

Unlike other industries, which may require you to have technical knowledge or costly, time-consuming qualifications, the courier and delivery sector is open to all. No matter what your background is, you’ll be free to invest in a proven franchise concept and get your courier business up and running. That’s why it’s a great way to explore a new industry, as you’ll receive all the training you need to succeed. 

While it’s certainly helpful to understand the unique demands of the industry, there’s nothing you can’t learn from your franchisor. They were once in your position and they understand exactly what you need to do to build a brand from the ground up. Whether you’re struggling with tech or need a hand managing your team, your franchisor will always be ready to help. 

2. The courier sector is only set to grow

The delivery and courier world is already huge, but it’s on track to continue expanding almost exponentially. As more customers turn to online shopping and handy delivery platforms, which can bring everything from medicines to flowers to groceries right to your door, more couriers will be needed to keep up with demand. 

Mintel’s forecast for the sector is exciting, as the analytical giant believes it is on course to expand by a staggering 92% between 2019 and 2024. Given the circumstances of the past 18 months, it’s hardly surprising.  40% of people in the UK reported doing more online shopping since the start of the pandemic. Now, many have realised just how convenient it is, meaning they may choose delivery services more often. 

3. You’ll enjoy instant brand recognition

Understandably, people want to use brands they know and trust to transport goods that are potentially fragile, expensive or sentimentally valuable across counties and continents. Starting out on your own can be tricky, as you’ll have no evidence to back up your claims of being trustworthy. But with a franchise, you’ll have the recognition factor on your side from day one. 

If potential customers are unsure about choosing your services, you can direct them to the franchise’s main website. Once they see your brand’s stellar reputation and the satisfied customers of other franchisees, their doubts will soon disappear. And as you build up a network of clients and get your branded delivery vehicles out on the road, your local profile will be raised in no time. 

4. It’s highly affordable

Some business formats are inherently more expensive, like restaurant franchises, as you’ll need to purchase essential pieces of specialist equipment to get started. But with a courier franchise, you can cut out many of the expensive start-up costs, as you’ll often only need additional software and a warehouse space to get started. 

Here at Point Franchise, you can invest in a courier franchise for as little as £6,000. Don’t have the cash in the bank? No problem. As the franchise business model is statistically far less likely to fail than an independent business, most UK banks are willing to lend you up to 70% of your start-up costs. 

5. You’ll be helping fellow business owners

For the small business owners in your local area, finding a courier that they can trust and afford is crucial. And as a delivery franchisee, you’ll be able to offer your community exactly that. You can strike up relationships that are mutually beneficial, ensuring you get repeat custom from business owners around you and allowing them to access the best rates. 

The current state of the courier sector

Globally, the courier sector generates a whopping 427 billion euro (£363 billion) annual turnover. In the UK, ibisworld estimates that the courier and delivery sector is currently worth an incredible £13 billion. The country’s biggest courier, Royal Mail, delivers around 1.7 billion parcels per year to households all across the country. 

Statista found that, in 2020, there were more than 27,800 companies offering postal, courier and delivery services in the UK. Just 25 of these companies employed more than 250 people, with the vast majority operating with a small team of fewer than 10 employees. These figures show that it’s eminently possible to thrive after setting up your own courier business, as thousands of other individuals have already done so. 

Start a courier franchise today

Clearly, the courier and delivery sector is an exciting one to become part of. A franchise will give you the opportunity to start your business using a proven concept. And with a franchisor behind you, supporting you every step of the way, you’ll be able to side-step some of the trickiest parts of setting up a business. Whether you need support with marketing, finding new clients, retaining existing customers, or balancing the books, you’ll never be on your own with a franchise. 

If you’re keen to learn more about this sector, check out the top four courier and delivery service trends of 2021, or discover more about these five courier franchises. Alternatively, if this sort of business isn’t what you’re looking for, check out our UK franchise directory, where you’ll find hundreds of other exciting opportunities across a vast range of sectors.