Start Your Own Local Delivery Business: Idea #1 Local Deliveries for Businesses Only

This post is part 2 of 7 in the series How to Start Your Own Local Delivery Business

Tired of grinding away for app-based deliveries with low pay, unreliable tips, and zero control? It’s time to break free and start building something better for yourself!

Small local businesses—like retail shops, bakeries, and flower shops—are desperate for reliable delivery services, but the high fees from major apps keep them from taking that step. This is your chance to be their go-to solution, offering personalized service and filling a gap that big apps leave behind.

Imagine having regular delivery blocks, like Monday-Friday from 5-8 PM, where you’re delivering multiple orders at once, building relationships, and stacking up more income. Sounds good? Well, here’s a success story that might just get your adrenaline pumping:

Start Your Own Local Delivery Business: Idea #1 Local Deliveries for Businesses Only

Patrick’s Shift from UberEats to Business Deliveries

Tired of low-paying orders on UberEats, Patrick decided to approach a local bakery that had recently started using a popular delivery app. After finally biting the bullet on the app’s enormous fees, they quickly realized their customers didn’t like the experience. It turned out their target market wanted a more personal touch.

Through Patrick, they were able to offer someone directly associated with their brand as the delivery driver. Customers saw the same trusted face every time, which improved trust and customer satisfaction. It also built stronger community bonds, as neighbors got to know Patrick and felt more connected to the local business.

Patrick’s reliable service earned him a Weekend Treats delivery timeslot, where he now delivers all orders over $20 within an hour for just a $5 fee, between 12 noon and 5 PM. With multiple bakeries now relying on him, Patrick earns much more than he ever did delivering fast food.

Picture yourself delivering fresh-baked goods for local businesses, working regular blocks of time, earning trust in your community, and stacking up more income than you ever did with fast food deliveries.

What Companies to Approach

Now that you can see the potential, let’s talk about the types of local businesses that are eager for this kind of service. Here’s a list of companies that need reliable delivery solutions and how you can offer them exactly what they’re looking for.

This platform focuses on same-day deliveries for local businesses, which could match your idea of serving small, local shops.

  1. Florists: Many local flower shops don’t have dedicated delivery drivers and often rely on outside help for big orders, especially for holidays or events like weddings.
  2. Bakeries and Pastry Shops: Bakeries frequently need deliveries for custom cakes, pastries, and large orders for events such as birthdays and weddings.
  3. Boutique Retail Shops: Small, local retailers offering clothes, accessories, or gifts might need help with delivering purchases to customers who prefer local delivery over shipping.
  4. Caterers and Small Restaurants: Restaurants that offer catering services often need help delivering large orders to offices, parties, or events.
  5. Pharmacies: Local pharmacies might need assistance with prescription deliveries, particularly for elderly or homebound customers.
  6. Dry Cleaners: Some dry cleaners offer pickup and delivery services but might not have a dedicated driver. You can help them expand their service range.
  7. Specialty Grocery Stores: Niche grocery stores, such as organic or ethnic food markets, often have loyal customers who would appreciate delivery services, especially if they don’t currently offer it.
  8. Health and Wellness Stores: Shops selling health supplements, organic products, or specialty wellness items might want to offer local delivery services to their clientele.
  9. Pet Stores or Groomers: Pet supply stores or groomers could use delivery services for items like pet food or transporting pets for grooming services.
  10. Farmers’ Markets and Local Food Vendors: Local farm-to-table businesses or vendors at farmers’ markets might want to offer delivery services for regular customers who can’t visit the market in person.

If you don’t want your own delivery business right or you just want to see how it works, apps like Roadie offer local delivery for businesses, allowing drivers to deliver anything from small packages to larger items like retail goods or flowers. And remember, you can do both!

Ideas for Delivery Businesses: Deliver to Companies Only

How to Approach These Companies to Offer Local Business Deliveries

Now that you’ve identified the types of businesses that can benefit from local deliveries, the next step is reaching out to them. Your goal is to show these businesses how offering a delivery service can help them increase sales, build customer loyalty, and provide convenience to their customers—all without the high fees associated with major delivery apps.

Here’s how to position your service as the solution they’ve been waiting for:

  • Highlight the Convenience: Let them know that offering delivery adds convenience for their customers, especially those who may not be able to visit in person. Customers appreciate the option to have items delivered, which often leads to increased sales.
  • Increase Sales Without Extra Effort: Explain how delivery can help them reach more customers, including those who live farther away or who prefer online shopping. By offering delivery, they are likely to see a boost in orders, especially from customers who value convenience.
  • Flat-Rate Fee and Lower Costs: Present your service as a flat-rate delivery option. Emphasize that this costs the business nothing directly—customers cover the delivery fee as part of the service, allowing the business to offer delivery without the high fees charged by major apps like DoorDash or UberEats, which often take a significant cut of profits. By using your service, they keep more of their earnings while maintaining control over delivery times and customer service.
  • Customer Loyalty and New Customer Acquisition: Mention that customers are more likely to return if they have a great experience with a local delivery service. Plus, by offering delivery, they can attract new customers who prefer shopping locally but can’t always make it to the store. This approach will increase both retention of existing customers and acquisition of new ones, further boosting sales.
  • Win-Win Partnership: Position yourself as an extension of their business: you handle the logistics of delivery while they benefit from increased sales and happier customers, all at no extra cost to them. This partnership allows the business to offer more value to customers without taking on additional overhead.

By offering local delivery services to small businesses, you position yourself as a valuable partner who can help them expand their reach and increase sales without additional overhead. Whether you’re delivering cakes for bakeries, prescriptions for pharmacies, or pet food for grooming shops, the opportunities are abundant.


Want the Complete Guide Now?

Download the full 10 Steps to Starting a Business in San Jacinto or Hemet ebook for a complete, start-to-finish roadmap to local success. Or, if you’re not ready to download, be sure to check out the next post in this series for step-by-step support along the way.

Series Navigation<< Quick Guide: How to Start Your Own Delivery Business in San Jacinto ValleyStart Your Own Local Delivery Business: Idea #2 Big Event Meal Deliveries >>

Leave a Comment

Scroll to Top