Abdi
Abdi talked to us about why he chose the courier sector, the merits of franchising and the challenges of finding your way around Sydney streets as a newcomer.
BusinessesForSale.com: How long have you been running a courier business?
Abdi Waeis: Not long – only two weeks!
BFS: What did you do before? Any transferable skills?
AW: I was working in a retail warehouse where I was a systems manager.
Before that, I worked in a call centre. I was very focused on customer service, which is
BFS: Why did you choose a courier franchise?
AW: After I’d been working in customer service for a while, I wanted to challenge myself; I wanted to see what else was out there and what else I could achieve.
I’d noticed that the market for online shopping was growing and thought it would be the perfect time to see if I could make a success of my own courier business. I also knew that if it didn’t work out, it would be easy to sell because it’s part of a franchise.
BFS: What do you like about being a courier so far?
There’s plenty of work. Even though I’m new, some days I’m making about 50 deliveries a day, and some of my competitors in the area will make even more deliveries.
BFS: What type of delivery is the most popular?
Also, many of my customers are small-business owners working from home. I do a lot of deliveries and pickups for them.
BFS: What are the biggest challenges in this trade?
AW: A courier franchise is a challenging business. Everything is about time – that’s what I’m realising now.
In my previous work it wasn’t such a priority, but now everything is about delivering packages within the deadlines.
Also, roads are a challenge. I’m new to the area, so I don’t know the street names very well yet and houses in these suburbs are set back from the road.
It’s tough to see the street numbers in my van. Sometimes it can be confusing.
I’ll be okay once I get used to it – that’s my goal for the moment!
BFS: What kind of marketing are you planning?
AW: I’m going to get some business cards made up, and I’ll list my services online in the Yellow Pages.
I’m also planning on speaking to each of the customers personally, to let them know that I’m their local franchisee. I’ll leave my card with them.
I’m hoping to get a good reputation in the area – especially with people who work from home as they’ll be my regular customers.
BFS: What’s the top piece of advice you would give to someone thinking about buying a franchise?
AW: I would say just put yourself out there and give it go. You need to challenge yourself or you won’t learn anything.
I’m in the process of finding a business mentor – someone who can help me take it in the right direction and who knows how to build a sustainable business.
The other
BFS: What are your plans for the future?
AW: At the moment, I’m concentrating on trying to establish myself in the area and making connections with local companies and residents.
I still have a lot to learn about the business. Then, later on, I’ll try and expand.
Fastway is giving me a lot of training and support, which is very helpful.
If the courier trade sounds appealing, find out how to buy a courier business and browse our courier and dispatch businesses – independent and franchised – for sale. If you’re open to other kinds of franchises, browse our franchise resales.
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