by B. B. James

Created on: May 21, 2009

One of the easiest businesses to start - but hardest to turn into profitability - is a delivery and pickup service. As its name implies, the business involves picking up and delivering items from one place to another. We're all familiar with the mammoth overnight delivery services, such as Federal Express and UPS. The postal service also is a delivery service, though not one that does pickups.

So, as an enterpreneur, you have to find a niche that's not dominated by the big players. Your opportunity is in immediate, local delivery. Fortunately, that's an ideal service to start as an individual. All you need is a transport vehicle and a way to receive orders - that is, a car and a cell phone.

To launch your business, think about the area that you want to service. Don't make it too large because you will be spending too much time on the road. Your goal is to have many short trips, rather than an occasional long trip. Also, if it's a trip outside of your immediate area, then you will be competing with Fedex and UPS, and you can't possibly beat their prices or convenience.

Next, think about what items you want to transport. If you can find items that the big players won't transport or can't transport efficiently, then you have a better chance of success. Examples: water, perishable or hot food, and people.

Then, think about your target audience and how you are going to reach them. If it's wealthy homeowners, then you need to create a flyer and distribute it door-to-door. If it's lunchtime workers, then you need to bring flyers to offices. If it's the elderly, then you need to contact nursing homes and senior citizen centers. Whatever your niche, make sure that your flyer presents you as an expert in providing that service. For example, if you are delivering hot food, explain how you can keep it hot. If you are bringing senior citizens to doctor's appointments, emphasize your safe driving record and spotless vehicle.

It's not likely that a mere flyer will bring you much business. You will also need to build your list of contacts by working with the people who are producing whatever is being purchased by the recipient of the delivery. In other words, find a doctor's office that will refer you to patients who need a ride. Or find a restaurant that will hire you to do deliveries. You will need to build trust with these parties, because your delivery reflects on the quality of the products and services that they are providing. If you deliver food that's not hot,

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