The packing and shipping industry is expanding quickly within the United States, which makes it a promising business opportunity for entrepreneurs interested in becoming franchise owners. While a relatively direct process, there are some specifics you’re going to need to know before you start your path to becoming your community’s top packing and shipping business.
Create a business plan
Creating a business model and plan of action is the most important step in starting any new business before making the total investment of time and money required to build it. You can use the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help you create a business plan as a franchise partner or an independent entrepreneur. Before creating your business plan, make sure to do market research and to create a market research report. This report should include the initial costs of investment, competitors, and store prices. Once you have successfully created your business plan you may now move on to the next step in creating your pack-and-ship business.
Secure proper licenses and forms
If you want to start a local business, then you are going to need to secure a business license and a retail sales license from your city. Your specific city or county may require you to secure additional permits so make sure to check with your local city government to make sure that your new business venture is legit.
Additionally, you will need to get Employee Identification Numbers (EINs) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) if you hire any employees. If you decide to buy into a franchise, then you will need to fill out a franchise disclosure document as well. Make sure to follow all USPS shipping restrictions for any and all items you ship.
It’s all about location, location, location
Location is also a crucial component to a successful ship-and-pack business. Make sure to keep your physical location as close to other businesses as possible. Shopping centers are ideal. You might also want to check with local community colleges and universities to see if there is a need for a packaging solution on campus. If there is, then that could be a lucrative opportunity for you, saving you the hard work of finding clients.
Purchase the proper equipment
High-quality protective packaging and proper shipping equipment are absolute must-haves if you want your business to succeed. The minimum protective packaging materials you will need include shrink wrapping, overlapping, and vacuum packing. On top of boxes, envelopes, and packing equipment, you will also need a bar code printer and scanner, labels, a label printer, computers, and a credit card reader. Remember: If something is damaged during shipment, the liability and cost of those damaged goods could fall on you. So make sure you find the right protective packaging solution.
Choose your strategy
When opening your new business, you have three main options. You can start a new business from scratch, you can buy an existing shipping business, or you can buy into a franchise business. If you choose to join the franchise system, you will have additional costs in franchise fees, but you get a lot for your money, including support and equipment from your franchise company.
As an industry leader with a reputation for high-quality customer service, The UPS Store is offering a very attractive franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs interested in becoming franchise partners. With years of experience behind their belt, The UPS Store offers one of the best franchise opportunities you can find.
The strength of the brand image and the easily identifiable brown shield will draw in more customers for you who already trust UPS to fulfill all of their shipping needs. The franchise relationship offered by UPS gives businesses access to the hardware and technology they need to offer the best service possible.
