Shoppingis easy today. You can go online and buy just about whatever you want, whetherits a high price point item like a new washing machine, or just a tube oftoothpaste.
Regardlessof the items size or weight, it can be shipped right to your front door.Thanks to this increase in online retail, the packing and shipping business isalso booming.
Itsbeing called the Amazon effect. Since more retailers are offering freeshipping (think Amazon Prime accounts), shoppers are indulging in small ad-onitems to reach minimum purchase requirements. U.S. trucking tonnage is atrecord highs, and FedEx and UPS recently raised their rates even though fuelprices are at record lows.
Shippingis a rapidly growing business opportunity and can be profitable for bothindependent businesses and franchises. For those who prefer a turn-key approachto business, a franchise like a UPS Store, can provide owners with quickearning potential in the postal and business services industry. For those whoprefer a more individual approach, many independent pack and ship businessesare also thriving.
Hereare 5 reasons to buy a pack and ship business now:
1.Lowstart-up costs
Theinitial costs for a basic packaging and shipping store can be minimal comparedwith other businesses with inventory, but choosing the right location is key.The best locations will have no competitors nearby, be on a main roadway andnear other businesses. To get started, you will need shipping and packingmaterial, shelving, a bar code printer and scanner, labels and label printer,shelving, computers, credit card readers and cash registers at a minimum.
2.Youhave an interest in logistics and shipping
Fast,efficient and safe shipping quality will be important to maintain. Conveniencewill surely be an important a factor for your customers, so make sure they canget in and out of your store quickly. Set up accounts with the postal serviceand other major shipping companies so that you have options to present to yourcustomers. UPS, FedEx and DHL are the leaders in the industry but also considerlocal trucking companies and courier services to expand your shippingofferings.
3.Youhave an interest in growing your business with additional services
Aswe mentioned before, convenience is a factor for customers, so consideroffering value-added services to make your pack and ship store a one-stop shop.Here are some services that you can consider adding on when the time is rightfor your business:
·Fax,laminating and photocopying services
·Mailboxrentals
·Moneyorder and wire transfer services such as Western Union
·Officesupplies
·Shippingand packing supplies
·Personalservices such as notarization or gift wrapping
4. You have aninterest in networking to build your business
Aquick way to grow your business will be through partnerships with otherbusinesses. Consider offering a daily, low-cost package pickup to nearbybusinesses. Take that concept even further by adding on-call services. When abusiness has a package that needs to be shipped, you take care of it on anas-needed basis.
5. You LoveCustomers
Exemplarycustomer service will keep your customers coming back for their packing andshipping needs so make sure your staff is well trained and courteous.
Formore information on these types of businesses currently available for sale,check out our listings formail services businesses atBusinessesForSale.com.
Thisarticle was contributed by BusinessesForSale.com, the market-leading directoryof business opportunities from online media group Dynamis.
