Prior to the 2020 lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, logistics was a viable business. However, post-pandemic seasons have reflected that the logistics business can be even more profitable. If you follow the trends, you will notice that more often than before, logistics companies are being established in Nigeria. What is the reason? It is a profitable venture!
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Statistics show that the logistics sector can boast of N250b presently, and still counting. With the rise of e-commerce and online shops, logistics have become a necessity. Several people are not opening physical stores anymore. Even the ones that have physical business outlets make them open so that their customers can order from home and get their products delivered to them. And more narrowly, the bike logistics business is the most common right now.
This is definitely a gold mine to tap into and join the league of smart Nigerians making money already in this line of business. So, have you been thinking of starting a bike logistics business? In this article, I try to break down the process. Let’s go!
Before anything else, you should understand what your business is in the market for and your unique difference. This involves creating a name for your brand, designing a distinct logo, creating social media pages and having a website if you can afford that. To be even more sophisticated, you can build a mobile app which will help your customers request deliveries without having to call you.
Although we can pretty much start and run any business from our homes these days, it is necessary you have a dedicated office space for your logistics business. This is important for the performance of administrative duties. It helps in the physical outlook of your business. After this, you will be needing some gadgets to help the smooth running of your business, so you will have to get them.
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For instance, you need a laptop, a mobile phone and other furnishings which your office space will need.
Certainly, you will be needing a bike for your business. Depending on your level of funding, you can get one or more bikes for the purpose of delivery. But if you are on a budget, you can purchase one good one and grow from there.
Before you start any location-based business in Nigeria, it is always advisable to get your registration in place. Register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to validate your business.
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This registration extends to your bike. For instance, if you are in Lagos, you will need to register it and have it inspected by the VIO. The process depends on your location at any given time.
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Recruit your dispatch riders
Make sure your “house” is in order and you know what you are set to achieve, then you can recruit dispatch riders, according to the number of bikes you have. You can make use of hiring agencies or simply put up the ad on your social media feed. Have them go through a thorough hiring process because you wouldn’t want to hire dishonest people to run down your business for you.
When the above are in check, move to radically market your bike logistics company. Make posts on social media, and run ads on social and google. You can even make use of traditional advertising media like the radio and television. Print fliers and have posters and billboard publications. However, ensure that you are meeting expectations and you keep improving in the process.
Featured Image Source: Carmart Nigeria
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