Most of us know Amazon is an international company, and while the United States is their largest market, our northern neighbors are also a large ecommerce and delivery consumer as well. Which means there are Amazon Delivery Service Partners in Canada, too. And you could be one of them.
Here are several things you need to know.
Startup and Purchase Costs
Just like in the United States Market, you can start your business with as little as CDN $15,000 if you were to become a partner directly through Amazon. It’s not as simple as just writing a cheque though. You will need to qualify, which means having assets in the bank, qualifying as a driver, and leasing vehicles. You’ll also have to hire your own drivers, as usually Amazon Delivery Services Partners in Canada own between 2 and 5 routes.
There are other ways to purchase Amazon Delivery Service Partner Businesses as well. You can purchase an existing business from the owner. This is the fastest way to start your business, as there are waiting lists in many of the most popular Amazon markets. There are some other advantages as well:
- You can take over the existing lease of vehicles, which can save you both time and money.
- You’ll potentially inherit drivers and employees who are already qualified, so you can skip the hiring process.
- You’ll have a solid idea what the profit and loss will be on the route before you even get started.
Your business can be profitable right away, and you’ll have the support, at least for a while, of the previous owner, who can help you navigate the system as you learn how things work.
Do you need experience to get started?
Logistics Experience Isn’t Required
Amazon Delivery Partners come from diverse backgrounds, and many have a unique set of prior work experiences. Most have some kind of a business background, but delivery and logistics experience are not essential. It can be helpful, however, because as the owner you are often the number one substitute driver if someone is out sick, or you need time to hire another driver.
But you can be trained on the logistics end of things. A good entrepreneurial spirit and the knowledge of how to manage people and equipment is much more important.
Instead, you can use Amazon’s technology, processes, and the company’s more than 20 years of logistics experience to set up and run your delivery business.
Delivery Trucks and Drivers for Amazon Delivery Service Partners in Canada
Your Amazon Delivery Service Partners in Canada business is yours. That means you need to provide your own trucks and drivers to run your routes and hire your own drivers as well. The drivers will be your employees, and you’ll need to handle payroll and all the tasks that go with it. You can often outsource some of these tasks to an accountant, and automation software can also be helpful.
Hiring drivers and training them can be challenging, but fortunately Amazon is there to support you through the process. Drivers must have clean driving records and go through training. This is where looking at driving and delivery experience can be helpful, and you’ll often discover drivers who are looking to work with you, and with Amazon.
The good news is that you don’t have to “sell” anything.
Focus on People, Not Sales
There are two groups of people you need to focus on: your drivers and employees, and your customers. But because Amazon already has agreements with shippers whose orders are fulfilled by Amazon, you don’t have to sell your delivery services to anyone. You just need to provide the same customer service Amazon, and its customers, expect.
This means making sure your drivers have everything they need to do their jobs well, that they are adequately compensated, and the equipment they use sets them up for success. This can include routing tools, the uniforms they wear, and the gear they have to deal with inclement weather when that becomes a factor.
Start Your Route Business Today
Are you a Canadian entrepreneur looking for a new business or who wants to get into the lucrative logistics industry? Amazon Delivery Services Partners in Canada may be your ideal opportunity. Contact us here at Route Advisors today, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.