If you want to start a courier business or expand your current courier service business, you need a business plan.
The following business plan template gives you the key elements to include in a winning Courier business plan.
[Company Name] was formed two years ago to meet the pressing need for solutions in reliable, on-time courier deliveries. Courier services have been traditionally represented as the perfect solution for deliveries that are time-sensitive or valuable; however, [Founder Name] noted as a courier within the industry that deliveries had a dismal yearly on-time record of only 69% throughout the industry. Moreover, not surprisingly, customer satisfaction reviews were low across the industry board. [Founder Name] decided it was time to offer a better level of courier service with improved delivery records and higher customer satisfaction levels.
When [Founder Name] first began to consider starting his own courier delivery business, he knew how the courier delivery companies operated; however, he had two major challenges to face: First, he did not know which, if any, of his theoretical solutions would become successful for potential clients and, second, he did not know how to start a courier delivery company. To meet these challenges, [Company Owner] first took the advice of his attorney and friend [Founder Name], who became a shareholder within [Company Name].
The first challenge, that of testing theoretical solutions that could improve delivery services, was met by forming four informal focus groups. Each group had members who represented three to four courier companies. Two of these groups were formed in the northern part of the state and two groups were formed in the southern part of the state. In this way, the four focus groups covered the courier delivery territory under consideration. The groups were given sets of questions regarding delivery failures (why/why not), customer satisfaction, and proposed solutions. Findings were then tabulated, compared and a plan was formed by [Founder Name] and [Founder Name].
The second challenge, that of forming a company, was met by [Founder Name], who, as an attorney, took on the incorporation forms and tasks to create [Company Name]. When initially created, [Company Name] projected the first two years would not be profitable; however, [Company Name] has already reached profitability and is positioned to grow further with an infusion of funding to widen our delivery boundaries, increase staffing levels and add real-time delivery software throughout our onboard courier laptops.
At [Company Name], our services include statewide direct courier services with on-time deliveries. The process of successful on-time deliveries begins with the invitation by [Company Name] to try the services offered, utilizing various promotions and social media call-outs. Potential customers are invited to work with Customer Specialists who finalize times for pick-up and deliveries and complete the process within the guaranteed results time frame.
Services are customized according to the customer needs, including live pet deliveries, luxury jewelry, cash, stock certificates, or other specialized needs. Potentially lethal items, such as firearms, are not included in courier delivery options.
While services are the main offering of [Company Name], we also offer various products that may be purchased to accompany courier deliveries. These may include floral arrangements, gourmet food items, holiday-themed decor, etc. Packaging items are also sold by [Company Name], including fabric-lined gift boxes, ribboned boxes, oversized envelopes, and respectfully-distinctive boxes for cremated remains.
At [Company Name], our customer focus is represented in our logo, “Your delivery on-time, all the time.” The customers of [Company Name] view an on-time delivery as a higher priority than the cost of that delivery. For this reason, our courier services are positioned at a higher cost/greater value customer proposition and the results have validated this structure.
Potential customers can contact [Company Name] by phone, email or text; however, our preference is that the customer speaks directly with a Customer Specialist to ensure all details of the courier delivery services are confirmed. Data on each customer is retained for future use. Our customers are the main point and focus of [Company Name] and, as a result, special courier deliveries are offered from time-to-time. For example, when a Customer Specialist becomes aware of a terminally-ill patient who urgently needs medication, courier services are provided at no charge.
The demographics of current and potential customers within the statewide territory:
[Founder Name] and [Founder Name] started [Company Name] two years ago. [Founder Name] worked as a courier for a major courier delivery corporation for fifteen years before forming the concept for [Company Name]. During that time, he noted the areas where typical courier services did not meet customer expectations and his goal became the creation of a company that would solve the problems to meet every customer expectation with each delivery. [Founder Name] joined [Company Name] as a minority shareholder when the company was formed. His background is in business law as an attorney at a large stock brokerage for ten years.
[Founder Name] is the president and CEO of [Company Name], while [Founder Name] is the Vice President and COO of [Company Name]. The company was formed as a C corporation with a Subchapter S designation. Members of both founders serve as shareholders and sit on the Board of Directors.
Additional staff include the executive directors for administration, human resources, marketing and sales, operations, and facilities and maintenance. [Company Name] currently has 103 couriers with a plan to add an additional 125 couriers within the next eighteen months.
Within the first twelve months of business operations, the customer base grew 512% from the start-up base of 52 customers. This was achieved by a targeted promotion to customers within the state who typically use or are contracted with courier services.
The growth rate of customers brought opportunities to improve services faster than anticipated. After fifteen months of operations, [Company Name] invested in twenty-two additional delivery vans and laptops for each van in operation at that time (43 total)
Couriers, when encouraged and incentivized with increased pay and position opportunities, performed beyond expectations to successfully deliver over 25,400 items within the first two years of business.
The financial success of [Company Name] is a direct result of our couriers, who each made it their personal responsibility to deliver items on time, all the time. Given proper support from [Company Name], excellent vans for use, proper tools, and bonuses upon performance, the couriers of [Company Name] are the true stars of this courier delivery business.
At start-up, [Company Name] had a 6-month reserve and limited access to additional funding for future months to come. After 24 months, [Company Name] has generated over 4.8M in revenue, with profit margins of 38% or more.
While [Company Name] is in a solid position to continue with the status quo, the executive team recognizes that the company is in growth mode and needs to take advantage of the opportunity to increase the staff, add to the software capabilities, further train staff members and increase options for delivery vehicles.
Based on the above, [Company Name] is seeking funding of $725,000 for the purpose of:
Top line projections over the next five years are as follows:
| Financial Summary | FY 1 | FY 2 | FY 3 | FY 4 | FY 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $560,401 | $782,152 | $1,069,331 | $1,379,434 | $1,699,644 |
| Total Expenses | $328,233 | $391,429 | $552,149 | $696,577 | $776,687 |
| EBITDA | $232,168 | $390,722 | $517,182 | $682,858 | $922,956 |
| Depreciation | $7,000 | $7,000 | $7,000 | $7,000 | $7,000 |
| EBIT | $225,168 | $383,722 | $510,182 | $675,858 | $915,956 |
| Interest | $6,016 | $5,264 | $4,512 | $3,760 | $3,008 |
| Pre Tax Income | $219,152 | $378,458 | $505,670 | $672,098 | $912,948 |
| Income Tax Expense | $76,703 | $132,460 | $176,985 | $235,234 | $319,532 |
| Net Income | $142,449 | $245,998 | $328,686 | $436,864 | $593,416 |
| Net Profit Margin | 25% | 31% | 31% | 32% | 35% |
[Company Name] was formed two years ago to provide solutions for an unmet need, that of guaranteed, on-time courier delivery services. The courier delivery industry, while promising to meet certain delivery timelines, has not historically provided a successful model to match results with industry claims.
As such, [Founder Name], who was a courier at that time, began to visualize solutions that could be applied to the unsatisfactory model used by his employer and other large courier delivery services.
During the process of considering forming [Company Name], [Founder Name] met [Founder Name], a business law attorney, who became a minority shareholder in the company. Together they formed [Company Name] as a C corporation with a Subchapter S classification. Family members of both founders form the Board of Directors and are minority shareholders, as well.
The initial concept to fulfill customer needs with guaranteed, on-time courier deliveries was one that needed support with solid, grounded software to indicate real-time tracking and environmental issues that could possibly impact couriers in the course of their deliveries. [Founder Name], took his fifteen years of experience as a courier, and worked with a software programming company to create the software package needed for couriers and each delivery van was provided with a laptop, installed with the proprietary software package.
In addition to giving couriers the best equipment to reach the desired goals of guaranteed, on-time deliveries, [Company Name] added products to delivery services to increase revenue and drive additional interest from customers and potential customers.
Various products, such as gifts, packaging and specialized services were offered to increase the high price/great value proposition package for potential customers. This effort added to the bottom line profitability of [Company Name] and demonstrated that this company was on the right track.
The growth of [Company Name] now calls for added resources to be included to, not only maintain growth, but to build upon this growth with additional services and products offered to the customers of [Company Name]. Plans for upgraded software programs, additional staff, increased van inventory, and leadership training position [Company Name] for long-term, sustained growth.
The history of [Company Name] began long before the company was formalized. As a courier for fifteen years, [Founder Name] could clearly see the results of courier services that weren’t delivered on time. Dissatisfied customers placed negative reviews on social media, implying that the courier delivery services “didn’t care about their customers and didn’t keep their promises.”
This industry reputation grew as courier delivery companies failed to deliver on-time packages. [Founder Name] realized there was room for change and innovation in this problem; he merely needed to find a solution and fix the status quo to start a company that would succeed.
Two years ago, after meeting [Founder Name], the two formed [Company Name] with the belief that a negative impression could be changed to a positive one if they applied the solutions needed to guarantee on-time courier deliveries. And, in two years, after a remarkable start-up and subsequent exponential growth period, [Company Name] is ready to grow again.
Services are customized according to the customer needs, including live pet deliveries, luxury jewelry, cash, stock certificates, or other specialized items. Potentially lethal items, such as firearms, are not included in courier delivery options; however, most other items are included per our clients’ requests.
While services are the main offering of [Company Name], we also offer various products that may be purchased to accompany courier deliveries. These may include floral arrangements, gourmet food items, holiday-themed decor, etc. Packaging items are also sold by [Company Name], including fabric-lined gift boxes, ribboned boxes, oversized envelopes, and respectfully-distinctive boxes for cremated remains.
Product sales are not the primary courier service; however, revenues indicate that the added-value sales of such items do increase the profit of each courier delivery, allowing [Company Name] to continue seeking the right mix of services and products to afford our clients the best courier services available.
The combined courier services and products offered by [Company Name] include:
Courier delivery services have been in existence since the Pony Express, first established in 1860 to carry parcels and letters from the east to the west in America. Services have certainly evolved and the courier delivery industry has grown as fast as the companies that require them. Current industry reports indicate:
While the statistics are promising for courier delivery companies, all companies must plan for the future, especially while experiencing comfortable profitability levels. For this reason, [Company Name], is looking ahead to changes to be made and growth to continue with the added funding requested and required to facilitate that growth.
[Company Name] serves a statewide target market of over 64,000 businesses and a population of over 9M people. Of this large market, [Company Name] has positioned the following customer segments as our target market:
Future target markets may include individuals or corporations who want to use courier delivery services to set up/take down conference or trade show booths, and deliveries for oversized or unique items.
Additional target audiences may include secondary product or service items that support courier deliveries: food deliveries, alcoholic product deliveries, gift items, etc.
Clients of [Company Name] include primary and secondary targets:
Primary Client base:
Secondary Client base:
ExpressU – direct competitors
As a direct competitor, ExpressU, shares some areas of commonality with [Company Name]. ExpressU offers on-time courier delivery services throughout the state and ExpressU considers its target market to be individuals with moderate to high income levels and corporations with a need for courier services. ExpressU is a competitor that is larger than [Company Name], however, revenue and profits are lower than [Company Name], according to external reports. Additionally, ExpressU does not have an on-time history of performance, nor is delivery guaranteed to be on-time. ExpressU offers a discounted service for individuals who order more than 6 courier services per year and offers a discounted service rate for companies who contract yearly with the company. By comparison, [Company Name] does not typically offer discounts to any target market, due to the cost of guaranteed service with on-time delivery included.
Carlson Courier Services – Direct competitor
Carlson Courier Services (CCS) operates within the geographical regions around six major cities within the state; however, courier services are not available outside those regions. Overall, CCS can be considered a direct competitor by the core of their business, which is on-time deliveries to individuals and companies. However, an additional difference between CCS and [Company Name] is that CCS does not offer additional products, nor does the company deliver specialized items or live pets. Customer service is not the point of importance for CCS, as it is for [Company Name], as CCS does not contact customers outside of one email, informing customers a delivery is coming within 2-3 days.
BigSky Deliveries – Indirect competitor
BigSky Deliveries offers service for large, bulky items, such as furniture, computer equipment and other heavy items. Delivery is via freight; services are not via courier and they are not guaranteed. However, the company is in a stable growth position due to excellent customer service and should be viewed as a model for future growth potential or as a possible future threat.
[Company Name] holds several advantages over direct and indirect competitors, as follows:
The motto of [Company Brand] exemplifies our strength and our primary goal: “Your delivery on time, all the time.” We care about reaching that 100% goal of courier services that are always on time, guaranteed. If, for any reason, a courier service is delayed, the delivery is refunded to the customer. This platform is supported by an excellent staff who believe the motto and infuse every effort into reaching the goal of our motto.
Our brand message supports the motto, so social media commercials emphasize that, first, we care about our customers and how they feel about their courier services, and, second, that we ensure our customers remain satisfied with whatever service they’ve ordered and/or received. We carefully watch customer reviews and publicly share them with potential customers. If any customer has a negative comment, one of our Customer Specialist staff members will reach out, resolve the issue and encourage the customer to revise the review.
Brand Strategy Campaigns include the following:
Personal Corporate Meetings
In order to reach our customer target market, [Company Name] conducts personal visits to every large corporation (5M+ revenue) within the state to offer courier services and determine specific needs of the company. Personalized visits have a success rate of 43% in securing yearly contracts and will continue due to the volume of courier services purchased by large-contracted customers.
Social Media Advertising
Social media advertising reaches our target market where they most live, including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Courier delivery services for [Company Name] are advertised in ways that best meet the audience of each social media platform.
Email Marketing
As potential clients and customers are identified, profile data is entered into the software systems of [Company Name]. Brand messaging is emailed on a regular basis, including special offers or incentives to use our courier delivery services.
Public Relations
[Company Name] includes various forms of public relations to identify and bring our brand to the target market. This includes donations to corporations, supporting their charitable efforts and engaging in other forms of public relations that tighten the relationships between our corporate customers and [Company Name].
Website
The website of [Company Name] is for education of our customers in that we offer secondary products via our website, along with the primary courier delivery services that are our mainstay. Customers can sign up to receive regular emails and/or contact us via social media. All website goals are directed to engaging with customers and educating potential customers with our offerings and services.
Trade Shows and Conference
[Company Name] advertises with a double booth during selected trade shows and conferences, demonstrating the set-up and take-down capabilities of our courier services. Also included in sales efforts are detailed instructions for customers who need to receive guaranteed courier deliveries while attending or working at a trade show or conference.
Direct Mail
From time to time, [Company Name] will advertise courier delivery services to residents and companies in the general regional area of our corporate location and various transportation hubs. This is done during peak courier delivery seasons, such as during holidays or weather-related seasons.
State Corporate Fair
[Company Name] attends this week-long event each year to both introduce our courier services and demonstrate our capability in courier deliveries. Discounts or special service packages may be offered, depending on the event or venue. Potential customers can offer contact information to be notified of any special discounts via website or email.
Corporate Alliances
The corporate alliances of [Company Name] benefit both entities involved. For example, during a special sale at Luxor Jewels, an alliance may be created between the jeweler and [Company Name], offering special courier services to customers who buy during the sale. Luxor Jewels contracts with [Company Name] at a reduced price based upon volume sales.
Billboards
[Company Name] invests in billboard advertising within certain regional areas of the state. These locations may be in moderate to high-value neighborhoods or in corporate parks where customers may need courier delivery services.
[Company Name] rarely offers discounted courier services to any target market due to the cost of guaranteed, on-time delivery. The higher cost/great value equation allows the company to stand on the pricing strategy that promises guaranteed delivery service. Customers are proven to care more about an on-time delivery than they do the cost of such a delivery.
[Company Name] has a management team of five executive directors and a staff of 29 administrative members. The courier team has 22 members, with another 125 to be added per funding plans. The maintenance team has 15 members to care for the vans and the IT team has 4 members to oversee the capabilities of the administrative and courier laptops and software programs therein.
The following are a series of steps that lead to our vision of long-term success. [Company Name] expects to achieve the following milestones in the following [xyz] months:
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| [Date 1] | Finalize lease agreement |
| [Date 2] | Design and build out [Company Name] |
| [Date 3] | Hire and train initial staff |
| [Date 4] | Kickoff of promotional campaign |
| [Date 5] | Launch [Company Name] |
| [Date 6] | Reach break-even |
[Company Name] is registered as a C corporation with a subchapter S. The company shareholders consist of [Founder Name], as the majority shareholder with 70% of the shares and [Founder Name], as the minority shareholder with 20% of the shares. Family members of both founders are also minority shareholders with 10% of the shares held.
[Founder Name] brings over fifteen years of courier experience into [Company Name], having studied and thoroughly researched courier delivery services during those years. His insight and business acumen led him to establish [Company Name]. He holds a bachelor’s degree from University of Montana and is the state president of the Courier Delivery Services Association.
[Founder Name] is an attorney who practiced business law for over twenty years. He brings a wide depth of knowledge regarding business practices and leadership qualities to the administrative staff members. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Cambridge University and a law degree from Cornell University.
The Executive Director of Administration has an extensive background in administrative leadership and brings ten years of business practice into [Company Name]
The Executive Director of Operations is certified as an operations and logistics expert and has ten years of experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Sierra Pacific College.
The Executive Director of Sales and Marketing brings six years of marketing management into the company, with an additional ten years of sales experience within the courier delivery services industry.
The Executive Director of Human Resources holds a degree from University of Anchorage and has a fifteen year record of leadership within human resources, particularly within the courier industry.
The Executive Director of Facilities and Maintenance has a fifteen-year record of supervising within the field and has an extensive background in the management of facilities.
[Company Name] has identified the need to increase the administrative staff by adding Customer Specialists. In addition, we will add 125 couriers within 18 months to facilitate the growing need for deliveries in all geographic areas.
There will be an increased need for maintenance staff members to keep the vans in good repair and additional staff to support our logistics staff members.
Revenue for [Company Name] is projected to exceed expenses for the forthcoming 24-36 months. Additional staff, equipment and services must be put into place to maximize the growth potential of the company.
Major sources of revenue include:
Major cost drivers include:
[Company Name] is seeking $725,000 to fulfill the necessary components for the exponential growth mode projected to continue for a minimum of 24-36 months.
This includes the need for additional administrative staff, computer software and courier vans. This also includes additional courier staff, maintenance staff and training for couriers.
The following table reflects the key revenue and cost assumptions made in the financial model:
| Number of client contracts | Annually |
|---|---|
| FY 1 | 40 |
| FY 2 | 45 |
| FY 3 | 55 |
| FY 4 | 65 |
| FY 5 | 70 |
| Average Commission | 70% |
| Annual Lease ( per location) | $50,000 |
5 Year Annual Income Statement
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | |||||
| Product/Service A | $151,200 | $333,396 | $367,569 | $405,245 | $446,783 |
| Product/Service B | $100,800 | $222,264 | $245,046 | $270,163 | $297,855 |
| Total Revenues | $252,000 | $555,660 | $612,615 | $675,408 | $744,638 |
| Expenses & Costs | |||||
| Cost of goods sold | $57,960 | $122,245 | $122,523 | $128,328 | $134,035 |
| Lease | $60,000 | $61,500 | $63,038 | $64,613 | $66,229 |
| Marketing | $20,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Salaries | $133,890 | $204,030 | $224,943 | $236,190 | $248,000 |
| Other Expenses | $3,500 | $4,000 | $4,500 | $5,000 | $5,500 |
| Total Expenses & Costs | $271,850 | $412,775 | $435,504 | $454,131 | $473,263 |
| EBITDA | ($19,850) | $142,885 | $177,112 | $221,277 | $271,374 |
| Depreciation | $36,960 | $36,960 | $36,960 | $36,960 | $36,960 |
| EBIT | ($56,810) | $105,925 | $140,152 | $184,317 | $234,414 |
| Interest | $23,621 | $20,668 | $17,716 | $14,763 | $11,810 |
| PRETAX INCOME | ($80,431) | $85,257 | $122,436 | $169,554 | $222,604 |
| Net Operating Loss | ($80,431) | ($80,431) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Income Tax Expense | $0 | $1,689 | $42,853 | $59,344 | $77,911 |
| NET INCOME | ($80,431) | $83,568 | $79,583 | $110,210 | $144,693 |
| Net Profit Margin (%) | - | 15.00% | 13.00% | 16.30% | 19.40% |
5 Year Annual Balance Sheet
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | |||||
| Cash | $16,710 | $90,188 | $158,957 | $258,570 | $392,389 |
| Accounts receivable | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Inventory | $21,000 | $23,153 | $25,526 | $28,142 | $31,027 |
| Total Current Assets | $37,710 | $113,340 | $184,482 | $286,712 | $423,416 |
| Fixed assets | $246,450 | $246,450 | $246,450 | $246,450 | $246,450 |
| Depreciation | $36,960 | $73,920 | $110,880 | $147,840 | $184,800 |
| Net fixed assets | $209,490 | $172,530 | $135,570 | $98,610 | $61,650 |
| TOTAL ASSETS | $247,200 | $285,870 | $320,052 | $385,322 | $485,066 |
| LIABILITIES & EQUITY | |||||
| Debt | $317,971 | $272,546 | $227,122 | $181,698 | $136,273 |
| Accounts payable | $9,660 | $10,187 | $10,210 | $10,694 | $11,170 |
| Total Liabilities | $327,631 | $282,733 | $237,332 | $192,391 | $147,443 |
| Share Capital | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Retained earnings | ($80,431) | $3,137 | $82,720 | $192,930 | $337,623 |
| Total Equity | ($80,431) | $3,137 | $82,720 | $192,930 | $337,623 |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY | $247,200 | $285,870 | $320,052 | $385,322 | $485,066 |
5 Year Annual Cash Flow Statement
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS | |||||
| Net Income (Loss) | ($80,431) | $83,568 | $79,583 | $110,210 | $144,693 |
| Change in working capital | ($11,340) | ($1,625) | ($2,350) | ($2,133) | ($2,409) |
| Depreciation | $36,960 | $36,960 | $36,960 | $36,960 | $36,960 |
| Net Cash Flow from Operations | ($54,811) | $118,902 | $114,193 | $145,037 | $179,244 |
| CASH FLOW FROM INVESTMENTS | |||||
| Investment | ($246,450) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Net Cash Flow from Investments | ($246,450) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING | |||||
| Cash from equity | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Cash from debt | $317,971 | ($45,424) | ($45,424) | ($45,424) | ($45,424) |
| Net Cash Flow from Financing | $317,971 | ($45,424) | ($45,424) | ($45,424) | ($45,424) |
| SUMMARY | |||||
| Net Cash Flow | $16,710 | $73,478 | $68,769 | $99,613 | $133,819 |
| Cash at Beginning of Period | $0 | $16,710 | $90,188 | $158,957 | $258,570 |
| Cash at End of Period | $16,710 | $90,188 | $158,957 | $258,570 | $392,389 |