What Is a Courier?

A courier is an individual or company that delivers packages, documents, and other items from one location to another. Unlike standard mail services, couriers provide faster, more reliable, and often same-day or next-day delivery. Couriers can work locally, regionally, or even nationally, depending on the scope of their services.

Couriers play a crucial role in the logistics and transportation industry by ensuring that items reach their destinations quickly and securely. They often handle sensitive or time-critical deliveries, making their services invaluable to businesses and individuals alike.

What Do Couriers Typically Do Daily?

The daily activities of a courier can vary depending on the size and scope of their business. However, some common tasks include:

1. Picking Up and Delivering Packages: The primary responsibility of a courier is to pick up packages from clients and deliver them to the designated recipients. This may involve multiple stops throughout the day.
2. Planning and Optimizing Routes: To maximize efficiency, couriers must plan and optimize their delivery routes. This involves using GPS and route planning software to minimize travel time and fuel costs.
3. Customer Interaction: Couriers often interact with clients and recipients, ensuring that packages are delivered safely and on time. This may involve obtaining signatures, verifying identities, and providing excellent customer service.
4. Handling and Securing Packages: Couriers must handle packages with care, ensuring that they are not damaged during transit. They may also need to secure packages in their vehicles to prevent theft or damage.
5. Managing Paperwork: Couriers are responsible for maintaining accurate records of deliveries, including invoices, receipts, and tracking information.
6. Vehicle Maintenance: Couriers must regularly maintain their vehicles to ensure they are in good working condition. This includes checking oil levels, tire pressure, and ensuring that the vehicle is clean and presentable.

Skills Needed to Become a Successful Courier

To succeed as a courier, several key skills are essential:

1. Time Management: Couriers often have tight schedules and must manage their time effectively to ensure that deliveries are made on time.
2. Attention to Detail: Accuracy is crucial in the courier business. Couriers must pay attention to details such as addresses, package contents, and delivery instructions to avoid errors.
3. Physical Stamina: Couriers may spend long hours on the road and may need to lift and carry heavy packages. Physical stamina is essential to handle the demands of the job.
4. Communication Skills: Couriers must communicate effectively with clients, recipients, and dispatchers. Clear communication helps ensure that deliveries are completed smoothly.
5. Problem-Solving Abilities: Couriers may encounter unexpected challenges such as traffic delays, incorrect addresses, or package issues. The ability to think quickly and find solutions is crucial.
6. Customer Service: Providing excellent customer service helps build a positive reputation and encourages repeat business. Couriers should be polite, professional, and responsive to customer needs.
7. Driving Skills: Couriers spend a significant amount of time on the road, so strong driving skills are essential. This includes obeying traffic laws, driving defensively, and navigating unfamiliar areas.

Benefits of Starting a Courier Business

Starting a courier business offers several advantages, including:

1. Low Startup Costs: Compared to other businesses, starting a courier service typically requires lower initial investment. A reliable vehicle, insurance, and a few basic tools are often all that’s needed to get started.
2. Flexibility: Courier businesses offer a high degree of flexibility. You can choose your working hours, the types of deliveries you want to handle, and the geographic areas you want to serve.
3. High Demand: With the growth of e-commerce and the need for fast delivery services, the demand for couriers continues to rise. This provides a steady stream of potential clients and opportunities for growth.
4. Scalability: A courier business can start small and grow over time. As you gain more clients and experience, you can expand your operations by hiring additional drivers, investing in more vehicles, or offering specialized services.
5. Independence: As a courier business owner, you have the freedom to make your own decisions and run the business as you see fit. This independence can be highly rewarding for entrepreneurs who value autonomy.
6. Satisfaction: Delivering packages quickly and efficiently can provide a sense of accomplishment. Knowing that you are helping people and businesses by providing essential services can be very satisfying.

How Much Money Do Couriers Typically Earn?

The earnings of a courier can vary widely depending on factors such as location, the types of deliveries handled, and the size of the business. On average, couriers in the United States can earn between $30,000 to $50,000 per year. Independent couriers and small business owners have the potential to earn more, especially if they build a loyal client base and offer specialized services.

Income can also vary depending on whether you work as a freelance courier, run your own business, or work for a larger courier company. Freelance couriers and business owners often have more control over their earnings, while those working for larger companies may have a more stable income but less flexibility.

Benefits of Signing Up to Join GoShare as a Small Courier Business Owner

For small courier business owners, joining a platform like GoShare can provide several significant benefits:

1. Access to a Large Client Base: GoShare connects couriers with businesses and individuals who need delivery services. By joining the platform, you gain access to a large pool of potential clients, increasing your chances of securing steady work.
2. Flexible Work Opportunities: GoShare allows you to choose the jobs that best fit your schedule and preferences. This flexibility is ideal for small business owners who want to maintain control over their work-life balance.
3. Increased Earning Potential: By joining GoShare, you can tap into a wide range of delivery opportunities, including last-mile deliveries, same-day deliveries, and more. This can help you increase your earnings and grow your business.
4. Streamlined Operations: GoShare provides tools and resources to help you manage your deliveries more efficiently. This includes route optimization, GPS tracking, and easy access to customer information, all of which can save you time and reduce operational costs.
5. Professional Support: GoShare offers support to its couriers, including customer service, billing, and payment processing. This allows you to focus on delivering packages while GoShare handles the administrative aspects of the business.
6. Reputation Building: Being part of a reputable platform like GoShare can help you build credibility and trust with clients. Positive reviews and ratings on the platform can lead to more job opportunities and repeat business.
7. Networking Opportunities: Joining GoShare connects you with other couriers and professionals in the logistics industry. This network can provide valuable insights, advice, and potential partnerships to help you grow your business.

Steps to Start Your Courier Business

Now that you understand the basics, here’s a step-by-step guide to starting your courier business:

1. Conduct Market Research: Understand the demand for courier services in your area, identify potential competitors, and determine what types of services are most in demand.
2. Create a Business Plan: Outline your business goals, target market, pricing strategy, and marketing plan. A solid business plan will guide your efforts and help you secure financing if needed.
3. Choose a Business Structure: Decide whether you want to operate as a sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation. Each structure has different legal and tax implications, so consult with an accountant or business advisor if needed.
4. Register Your Business: Obtain the necessary licenses and permits to operate legally in your area. This may include a business license, tax ID number, and any required permits for transporting goods.
5. Purchase Equipment: Invest in a reliable vehicle, GPS system, and any other equipment needed to operate your courier business. Don’t forget to budget for insurance and maintenance costs.
6. Set Your Rates: Determine your pricing structure based on factors such as distance, package size, and delivery speed. Be competitive but also ensure that your rates cover your costs and provide a profit.
7. Market Your Services: Promote your courier business through online marketing, social media, and networking with local businesses. Consider joining platforms like GoShare to reach a wider audience.
8. Deliver Excellent Service: Focus on providing reliable, efficient, and courteous service to your clients. Happy customers are more likely to become repeat clients and refer others to your business.
9. Manage Your Finances: Keep track of your income and expenses, and set aside funds for taxes and reinvestment in your business. Consider using accounting software to simplify financial management.
10. Grow Your Business: As your courier business grows, consider expanding your services, hiring additional drivers, and investing in more vehicles. Continuously seek ways to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

Starting a courier business is an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs who enjoy working independently and providing valuable services to their community. With the right skills, planning, and dedication, you can build a successful courier business that meets the growing demand for fast, reliable deliveries. Joining a platform like GoShare can further enhance your business by providing access to a large client base, flexible work opportunities, and professional support.

The post How to Start a Courier Business: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on GoShare.

It’s never easy starting your own business and we hope that we can show you how you can get off to a smooth start by making smart choices and avoiding common mistakes. Follow these seven steps for the fastest way to start your own successful courier business:

1. Choose The Right Vehicle

To start your courier service you will need a reliable source of transportation to deliver packages. Many full-time couriers choose cargo vans for this type of delivery service as they provide the largest amount or cargo space to transport the items that you are carrying for customers. 

If you don’t know much about buying a cargo van you can read some reviews for the 2020 models here. If you want to lower your monthly payments we suggest trying to lease a van or you can shop for a used cargo van. Alternatively, a pickup truck with a covered bed can also be a good option.

2. Buy The Right Equipment

Having the right equipment will make your courier delivery business more efficient and save your back from the pain of carrying boxes. The type of equipment that you need will depend in part on the types of items that you will pick up and deliver for your customers.  

If you are mostly delivering parcels or boxes a simple dolly or hand truck is essential. You can buy a standard dolly for about $20 at major retailers like Home Depot, Lowes, or Target or you can buy moving equipment online here and have it delivered through Amazon.  Other items you may need include cargo straps, moving blankets, and tape.

3. Name Your Business

The name you come up with is representative of your business values and mission. Before you decide on a name make sure you check with the secretary of state in the place that you want to do business to make sure the name is not already taken by another business. You should also check sites like GoDaddy to make sure you can get the domain name of the business that you want. 

After you name your business you will need to set up a legal entity. If you are the sole owner of the business a Sole Proprietorship may be best. If you have business partners an LLC (limited liability corporation) may be a better fit. LegalZoom is a good resource for finding out if your business name is taken and registering your business entity with the state.

4. Insure Your Business

Your courier company will need business insurance for your vehicle, cargo insurance, and possibly liability insurance as well. Having an insurance policy is also essential for building trust with customers. Many businesses and individuals will avoid working with a courier service that is not properly insured. 

Contact a local commercial insurance broker to find out how much it will cost to insure your business. This cost may vary based on location, types of deliveries you make, and the perceived risk.

5. Marketing Your Courier Services

Now that you have your vehicle, equipment, and a name for your courier service, it’s time to start marketing. You can first communicate to your friends and family to start off using your social media networks like Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin. You should create a business page on each of these social media properties.

Most courier businesses will need to market to other businesses who are looking for a courier. This can be done by making a list of businesses that may need a courier service and then cold calling and emailing prospects, or drop off your business cards. 

Online marketing and advertising can also be a low cost and effective way to target business owners. Google Adwords and Facebook both have easy to use self serve platforms. You can target customers based on keywords they search for or their interests/demographics/location.

6.  Join The GoShare Team

There is only so much you can do operating by yourself. Some common challenges you will face are building trust, accepting payments, and finding new customers. GoShare is a platform that connects drivers with trucks and vans to people and businesses who need an on-demand courier service. 

GoShare is a trusted partner that handles payments, provides supplemental cargo insurance, and has an expert team of marketers generating demand from new customers.  You can learn more and apply to become a GoShare driver by clicking this link.

7. Save Your Receipts

As a small business owner, tracking your expenses is very important. Some expenses related to operating your courier business may be used as a tax write off. You should also keep track of the miles you drive as this can be used as a tax write off as well in some cases. To see our list of recommended mileage and expense tracking apps for your mobile phones, click here.

The post How To Start A Courier Business appeared first on GoShare.

Dress Properly
You’ll surely encounter a few bumps and bruises on moving day, but wearing appropriate attire can help prevent severe injury.

• Closed-toed shoes are a must. The weather might be warmer, but flip-flops are not the thing you want to wear, especially when it comes to moving items. You’ll have a higher occurrence of broken toes and be more likely to slip or trip in sandals. Make sure your footwear has proper grips if you’re moving into a place with slick floors or in inclement weather, and has adequate ankle and arch support. Your feet will thank you at the end of the day.
• Longer sleeves help when you’re carrying items with rougher edges and will keep your arms scrape-free. Consider wearing long pants as well for the same reason.
• Work gloves can ensure you have a good grip on heavy items and can prevent cut or pinched fingers.

Clear a Path
Moving heavy boxes through an obstacle course of items on the floor is a recipe for disaster. The worst thing to do is slip and trip while you’re carrying something, and you won’t have your arms free to brace yourself. Make sure there is a wide, unobstructed path from the room to the door. Take your time moving through the area and don’t rush! Accidents always happen when you’re in a hurry. If you have children or pets, try to keep them out of the way while you move, or arrange for someone to watch them to keep them from becoming one more obstacle in your way. 

Don’t Overstuff Boxes
Most people want to move with the fewest number of boxes possible and are often tempted to pack boxes to the brim to make sure no space is wasted. While consolidating is often a good idea, it can get you into trouble on moving day. As you’re packing your boxes, remember that you’ll have to lift them out of the space, into a truck, and out of the truck into your new space. It’s recommended that you pack your boxes under 50 pounds to ensure that you can lift them. Since you most likely won’t have a scale handy, trust your limits and pack only what you can lift comfortably.

Pack Heavier Items on the Bottom
Since you hold boxes from the bottom, it makes sense to have the heaviest items where your arms can support them. Packing heavier items at the top leaves a greater chance of the weight shifting and the box flipping out of your arms. Just make sure the bottoms of your boxes are securely taped down and won’t drop open as you lift.

Lift With your Legs
Back injuries are the most common injuries you’ll encounter on moving day, and it’s all because of improper lifting techniques. When you are moving items that are down on the ground, move as close to the item as you can, keeping it directly in front of you. Bend your knees, not at your waist and grip the item. Try not to jerk too quickly when standing back up, keeping your back straight. Your weight remains properly balanced and a slipped disc or pulled muscle is out of the picture.

Keep Heavy Items Close to your Body
Balance comes into play pretty often when moving items. When things are bulky or awkward, we have a tendency to lean back when handling them. Instead, you want to lean in. The weight in your arms becomes better distributed, and you have more control in maneuvering.

Have the Proper Materials
Bubble wrap or newspaper will give your glass and ceramics extra protection and limit scratching and cracking. If you have access to a dolly or hand-truck, utilize that to move appliances and boxes that are too heavy to carry, and straps will secure those items so they don’t fall off and onto you.  And don’t forget those work gloves!

Hire a Pro
If it’s too heavy or too much to undertake by yourself, don’t be afraid to ask for help! GoShare connects truck and van owners with people who need help moving. GoShare has thousands of vetter delivery professionals who are ready to help make your moving day as quick and painless as possible.

The post How to Avoid Injuries During Your Move appeared first on GoShare.

2018 Chevrolet Colorado: Being a mid-size pickup truck, Chevrolet has RWD or AWD configurations, three capable engines (including an available 3.6L V6 horsepower) as well as the GM-exclusive Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel engine. The ZR2 model has the versatility to be a capable work trucks or dominating off-road. Colorado’s fuel economy is up to 22 city / 30 highway with horsepower between181 – 308 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds. The price range of the 2018 model is from $20,200 to $40,315. The towing capacity can haul up to 7,700 lbs. Additionally, the Colorado has innovative safety and technology feature that help keep you protected and connected everyday! This is one of the best pickup trucks that is also compatible with the new Apple CarPlay technology as well as with Android Auto.

GMC Sierra 1500. If you are looking for a full-size truck, GMC Sierra 1500 model is one of the best pickup trucks available! The Sierra is a tough overall truck offering four engine options including a V6 engine with the mild hybrid powertrain as well as the two available V8 engines which are are less fuel-efficient. The 2018 Sierra 1500 gets 18 city/24 highway fuel economy with the V6 that puts out 285 horsepower.  The V8 version makes 355 horsepower and gets 16 city/23 highway MPG. Sierra offers great towing capacity that is up to 12,500 lbs. The price for this particular model ranges from minimum $29,000 to maximum $41,495. Sierra’s  0 – 60 time is 6.6 seconds. Furthermore, Sierra also has quiet and classy higher trims with spacious seating especially in the crew cab version. The technology is top notch including compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2018 Ford F150. This F150 model is the best selling truck every year for a good reason. The F-150 has one of the best payload capabilities up to 3,270 lbs as well as one of the greatest towing capacity up to 13,200 lbs. The 2018 model is 700 lbs lighter than the previous generation making it more fuel efficient. The horsepower ‎on the V8 engine is up to 395 hp, fuel economy is a respectable 20 city/26 highway and towing capacity 5,000 to 8,000 lbs.  The truck is fast with a 0-60 time of just 5.9 seconds. Ford F-150 newest model also has trailer backup assist help you maneuver better when hauling or towing as well as extremely spacious seating. The price ranges from a minimum of $27,380 to maximum $63,945. The F150 capable technology package including compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2018 Chevrolet Silverado. One of our favorite pickup trucks for 2018 is the Chevy Silverado. If you need heavy duty truck to transport cargo the fully equipped Silverado has the towing capacity of 12,500 lbs. The new Silverado 1500 also has a maximum payload up to 2,250 pounds. The Silverado 1500 offers three engine choices ranging from  285 to 420 HP.  Fuel efficiency isn’t the best offering 18 city / 24 highway and a 0-60 time of 6.2 seconds. The price of the Silverado ranges from $28,285 to $49,390. The powerful 6.2L V8 engine is a beast when it comes to towing. The eight-speed transmission option is preferred for towing over the standard six-speed. Additionally, the 2018 Silverado provides a well appointed cabin as well as comfortable and supportive seats with outstanding maneuverability and off-road performance. There is also a great deal of technology available for drivers to use including lane keep assisting and forward collision warning. The truck is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2018 Ram 1500. Another driver-friendly truck is the new RAM 1500. If having a diesel engine is important to you then the 2018 RAM 1500 with diesel engine is a great choice.The RAM 1500 has several engine choices including the beloved diesel engine, HEMI vV8 and two V6 versions.The RAM 1500 power ranges from 240 – 395 HP. Fuel economy on the V6 RAM is an impressive 20 city / 28 highway, and goes 0-60 mph in ‎7.0 seconds. RAM offers a smooth ride, as well as one of the nicest interiors in the class.The spacious rows of seats and high tech infotainment unit are impressive. The starting price for this model is around $27,095 up to a maximum price $53,995. Towing capacity ranges from 4,140 – 10,140 lbs. RAM 1500 offers the Uconnect infotainment system that features 4G LTE mobile hotspot, HD radio as well as compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Hopefully you enjoyed our reviews of the best pickup trucks for 2018. If you would like to start earning money with your pickup truck check out GoShare! GoShare connects truck & van owners with people who need help moving or delivering large items on demand.

The post Best Pickup Trucks for 2018 appeared first on GoShare.

1. Set Goals

Trying to declutter your home can be overwhelming. To make it easier, start by setting goals for yourself. Ask yourself “What bothers me the most?” Is it the kitchen countertops? Your closet? Maybe the overabundance of takeout menus, stray papers, and old mail? Whichever it may be, setting daily and weekly goals will help you achieve the ultimate goal of decluttering your entire home much quicker then attempting to do it all at once. It’s best to begin with small projects and then gradually increase the project size but be sure to complete each task fully before moving on to the next or you may create an even bigger mess for yourself.
(Bonus tip: A great way to keep track of your achievements is to create a “to-do” list for each room and check off each item as you go. This will help you stay on track as well as offer a sense of accomplishment.)

2. Sort it out

Now that you know where to start decluttering you can begin the process by sorting through your possessions. The first step is to decide what you want to keep, toss, sell, or donate. If it’s something that you use frequently the choice is obvious – keep it, but items that have seen better days or have no useful life left need to be tossed, and gently used items can be sold or donated… Yes, I know it’s easier said than done. Sure, some items we hold onto for sentimental value or because we spent a nice chunk of change on them, but be realistic with yourself – if you’re holding onto old memories you can’t make room for new ones and a sunk cost is a sunk cost whether the item is sitting in your closet unused or you choose to sell it or donate it. But if you really can’t part with the item today put it in an “maybe” box, label it with today’s date, and revisit the decision in one year. If you haven’t used the item since the date on the box then it’s time to let go.

3. Start Organizing

Now that you know what you’re keeping and what is going it is time to organize. Before you decided to hit the store for some storage and organization products, check to see what supplies you may have laying around the house first, such as stackable drawers and clear containers. These are great options for keeping your cabinets and closets neat and organized. Hanging organizers and pockets are also great for closets and doors and can be used for storing everything from shoes to cleaning supplies to jewelry.

If you do need some additional supplies think about investing in decorative bins and baskets. These are not only a great way to store your belongings and keep your home neat and clutter free, but they also add additional style and décor to your place. You can use bins and baskets for toys, craft supplies, seasonal items, and so much more. If you are in need of additional storage, invest in a timeless storage ottoman or trunk to store your least frequently used items such as extra pillows and blankets. Shelves are also a great solution for adding extra space and can be used for your books, DVDs, and collectables.

4. Get rid of those piles

Now that your home is almost free of clutter it is time to tackle the pile of old mail and other papers that have made your end table and countertops their happy and growing home. Before we start the process, let me first say that the best way to start reducing this pile is to sign up for online bill pay and e-statements for all possible accounts. This will not only stop the pile from growing but it will always cure your “I’ll do it later” syndrome which usually contributes to the creation of this monstrous pile. OK, now that that’s said let’s get to organizing and managing this pile.

The answer to decluttering your old mail and other miscellaneous papers is to create a filing system. This can be easily accomplished by using magazine holders, staking trays, or file holders. Label the files appropriately (i.e. bills, coupons, receipts, warranties, user manuals) and file all papers instantly. Contrarily, if you know that a notice is just junk mail then recycle or shred it right away so that you don’t create another pile for yourself. As for important documents such as W-2s, tax returns, home records, insurance policies, or any documents of legal nature, be sure to store those in a fire and water resistant safe.

5. Store your items on demand

Alright you’re almost there… your living room, kitchen, and bedroom are decluttered but wait! Your bike, luggage set, artificial Christmas tree, and that large box of extra items you just cannot part with are still in the way… what do you do now? Do not despair. You have MakeSpace storage in Los Angeles – your on-demand storage option. MakeSpace is a full service storage company that drops off storage bins at your residence, picks up your packed items, takes them to a storage facility near you, and brings them back whenever you need them!

And not only does MakeSpace offer free durable storage bins and wardrobe boxes, but it also offers various storage plans to fit your specific needs. From a small 2’ x 2’ storage space to a x-large 10’ x 30’ unit, MakeSpace has the right space for you. Plus, with an online photo inventory you’ll never forgot what you put in storage again. So, what are you waiting for? Visit MakeSpace today, pick the storage plan that is right for you, and finally enjoy your beautiful work of art – your clutter free home.

And there you have it – not only is your house free of clutter but you’re also on your way to a healthier mental state with less stress and more energy. Don’t forget the most important step in all of this… Be sure to keep it up! Remember, clutter is behavioral so it is important to keep up with your newly learned skills and not give in to old, bad habits. So take the time and make the effort to continue with your clutter free journey today.

The post Top 5 Tips to Declutter appeared first on GoShare.

What is an Independent Contractor?

Let’s begin by first defining what an independent contractor is. An independent contractor is a non-employee who operates his/her own business which means that, when working as an independent contractor, taxes will not be withheld from your pay to cover your Medicare and Social Security taxes. Instead, as an independent contractor, you are required to pay self-employment taxes quarterly to cover your Medicare and Social Security expenses – you may not wait until April 17 to file your taxes – you must pay estimated taxes four times a year if your expected tax liability will be at least $1,000. Due dates for estimated tax payments are April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15. It is important to understand that the IRS will impose heavy interest penalties if proper estimated tax payments are not made.

Legal Stuff – 1099 or W2

As an independent contractor, you may receive a document called Form 1099-MISC or 1099-K to report your income not a W2. Your independent contractor taxes will be filed using Form 1040 along with Schedule C which shows your profit or loss from business and Schedule SE which is filed to pay your self-employment taxes. It is important to keep great records of all business expenses to get the most advantage from tax deductions. You can do this by saving and managing all of your receipts.

Tax Deductions

Rideshare drivers can take advantage of tax deductions in one of two ways: by either using the standard mileage rate or by deducting from actual expenses. If you’re choosing the standard mileage rate then you can deduct 57.5 cents per mile (in 2020) for business miles. If you’re choosing to deduct from your actual expenses then expenses such as gas, vehicle repairs, lease payments, depreciation, the percentage of your cell phone bill used for business, and any equipment used for your business can all be deducted. For example, GoShare delivery professionals can deduct equipment such as moving blankets, ratchet straps, and dollies.

Free or Low-Cost Tools

The standard mileage rate requires less recording keeping and mileage tracking apps such as MileIQ or TripLog make it easy to track your miles. Alternatively, while keeping track of your actual expenses may require more record-keeping, apps such as Expensify can make it quick and easy to take a picture of your receipts and track your purchases. Your accountant will thank you for using these apps to track all of your miles or expenses.

Summary

Understanding independent contractor taxes and knowing what deductions can be made are an important part of your business, and whether you choose the standard mileage rate or actual expenses for your deductions, remember that great recording keeping is essential. GoShare connects independent truck and van owners with business and people who need to move and deliver large items on demand.

GoShare Inc. and our affiliates do not provide tax, accounting or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. Sources include but are not limited to the IRS

The post Tips For Independent Contractor Taxes in The Sharing Economy appeared first on GoShare.

1. Declutter
First things first: You don’t want to move or haul any unwanted items to your new place so take a moment to go through your closets and kitchen cabinets and check for any old items that you no longer want or need. To help stay organized, it’s best to create a Keep, Toss, and Donate pile that way once you’re done decluttering you’ll know exactly where what goes.

2. Sell unwanted furniture
This is a great extension of No. 1. If you know that your couch isn’t a great fit for your new place, why not sell it before the move? This way you’ll earn some extra cash and you’ll have less furniture to move. It’s a win-win! After all, that extra cash could be used to reward yourself after the move.

3. Research moving companies
Now that you know what all you’ll be taking with you to your new place it’s time to do some homework. How much help will you need? One truck? Two trucks? Possibly a cargo van? While there are many options out there, GoShare allows you to customize your move to get the help you need, and the best thing? It’s on demand! Whether you want to schedule ahead or get it done on moving day, with GoShare you are just a few clicks away from an easy, convenient, and affordable move.

4. Get moving supplies
From boxes, to tape, to bubble wrap and sharpies, make sure it’s all on hand before the packing begins. And don’t forget cushion foam to protect any fragile items as they can break easily.

5. Packing and labeling
Here comes the fun part… Packing! Okay this may not be your idea of fun, but as much as you want to put it off until the last minute it’s best to start packing early. The more time you give yourself, the more organized your boxes will be. Start by packing items that aren’t used frequently and remember to label each box clearly as this will help make your move easier and more organized.

6. Use frozen/perishable foods
It’s the day of your move and you have a full fridge of food. What do you do? Toss it? Oh boy, what a waste! Avoid this dilemma by remembering to start using frozen and perishable foods a couple of weeks before the move. This will eliminate any waste and all the hassle of moving frozen and perishable foods.

7. Update address
Moving day is approaching so it is important to start updating your address. Be sure to update it with your bank, car insurance company, and the DMV. You also want to submit a Change of Address with the post office early on so that no important mail is missed or lost in transition. This can be done in person or online.

8. Switch utilities
Another important step to remember is to switch your gas, electric, water, cable, and internet services before the move. You don’t want to find yourself in the dark at your new place, having to take a cold shower only to realize that there’s no cable or Netflix. No, don’t allow this to happen to you! Switch your services before the move and avoid any possible interruptions.

9. Cleaning
Before you turn the lights off for the last time and hand over the keys make sure you clean the place thoroughly. If you are renting make sure that all cleaning that could possibly hinder a full return of your deposit has been completed. Don’t forget to give the fridge and oven a good scrub and be sure to double check all closets and cabinets so that nothing is left behind.

10. Transport valuables personally
While GoShare will transport your belongings safely and securely, it is always recommended that valuables such as important documentation (i.e. passport, bank statements) and jewelry are transported personally. Sure, moving can be a hassle, but if you follow these helpful tips your move will be quick and easy. And one final thing: Don’t forget to reward yourself after the move… after all you’re a moving pro now so wear that badge proudly!

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Tying it to the roof of your car and praying it stays there has a fairly low success rate. So your next option is finding furniture movers. One of your friends may have one, but do they have tie downs, blankets and tape to make sure your new couch stays in place and doesn’t get damaged? Even if they do, do you really want to push the boundaries of your friendship and pester them into helping you? Maybe, but probably not.

Then next alternative would be to rent a truck. You can rent one from Uhaul, Penske or one of the other large truck rental companies, but then you are stuck finding one of their locations, going to pick up the truck, doing your move, returning the truck, then finally going home to enjoy relaxing on your new couch. Plus, now you still have to find someone to help pick up your furniture and put it into the vehicle. Even if the truck comes with a ramp, two people makes the job much easier and saves you on medical bills when you blow out your back.

The next alternative would be hiring a moving company. That can be costly, very costly. Not to mention they usually give you relatively long pickup and delivery windows. Just moving one couch in a large moving semi-truck seems like a waste of space and money as well.

Ok, so now what? If only there was some way to rent a truck or driver on-demand, like an easy to use app. Oh wait, there is! GoShare! GoShare is the perfect solution to moving, hauling and delivering furniture. It’s simple to use, cheap and convenient. With a couple of clicks on the GoShare website, iPhone or Android app, you can have a truck and driver where you need them in 30 minutes. GoShare works by connecting drivers who have a truck or van with people & businesses who need help moving, hauling or delivering large items. So next time you need to move your couch, think of GoShare.

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The following benefits describe our experience at EvoNexus and may not apply to other incubators. I suggest researching all of the available startup incubators and find one that is a great fit for your company.

1. Mentors and Advisors
One of the primary benefits to joining a startup incubator is having access to a team of mentors and advisors. I am quite sure that we wouldn’t have reached the modest level of success that we have enjoyed without the group of mentors and advisors that EvoNexus provided. I would like to take a moment to thank Josh Komenda, Gerry Widmer, Austin Neudecker, Adam Riggs-Zeigen, and all of the EvoNexus mentors and staff for their guidance during GoShare’s infancy! These C level executives took time every week out of their busy schedules to review our progress, strategies, tactics and provide critical feedback. Having a strong group of leaders who have already survived the startup phase to bounce ideas off of has proven to be a great learning experience that I will always be grateful for.

2. Free Office Space
Not having to pay rent is an obvious benefit for any startup company trying to bootstrap. However, the fact that the office space is free is not the only value. The office set up is bright and open which provides for a lot of collaboration within our team and with other companies in the incubator. In my experience, these open environments correlate with startup success. The office also comes with some great amenities including a full kitchen with a Kegerator, endless cups of coffee, pool table, ping pong table, and of course foosball. This work-hard/play-hard culture makes going to work 10-12 hours a day a lot more enjoyable.

3. Founder Meetings
One of the most valuable parts of the incubator has been the opportunity to learn from my peers who are in the exact same position that we are in. Twice a month a group of CEO’s get together in a round table format to talk about: a win, a loss, and an ask. An open forum gives this group of really smart people a chance to put their heads together and solve real business problems that are typical across most young organizations. I love the meeting format of celebrating a small win, talking about a loss, and asking your peers for help. It gives everyone at the table a chance to get some value out of the meeting.

4. New Customers
Being in a startup incubator can prove to be a great testing ground for new products. GoShare focuses on moving and delivering for businesses and we were able to find at least a dozen customers from within EvoNexus who were kind enough to test our product in real life and give us candid feedback. The constructive criticism forced us to think from our customers perspective and make product and operational improvements before we started to increase our marketing efforts. Big thanks to everyone that tested GoShare in spite of the low quality of our MVP :). The patronage is reciprocal at EvoNexus meaning that we are also a customer of some very cool Evo companies. Halograph for example, provides GoShare with cutting edge fraud protection software that has helped us minimize losses by blocking users with a high risk of fraud using AI and machine learning. LeadCrunch uses artificial intelligence to supply our sales team with high quality sales leads (including decision maker and their contact info)! When we needed to transcribe videos for our website we used Rev for super fast and low cost transcription services. These are just a few examples of the B2B support that startups at Evo provide each-other. When we look back in a few years I think this may prove to be the greatest value to our business in the long run.

5. Bonus Perks
There are so many unknown costs when you start a company. It seems like everyday there is a new expense that needs to be accounted for. Luckily being a member of EvoNexus’s startup incubator has some additional perks in the form of discounted software and services that are vital to most tech startups. A great example is the $15,000 AWS credit which covers all of our server costs for the next few years. Our server costs are relatively low but saving a few hundred bucks a month is a big deal when your are bootstrapin! Another company that offers a substantial discount to Evo co’s is Hubspot which can be helpful for getting your inbound marketing efforts off the ground. Not to mention the free beer.

Written By:
Shaun Savage – Founder & CEO

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1. Clean Up Your Truck
No one wants to hire a truck driver with a beat up looking truck. If you pull up to a job with the bumper hanging off your vehicle and it squeaks when it comes to a stop, you’re going to have unhappy customers. So the first thing you want to do is take your truck to a shop and make sure it’s in proper working order. Make sure you keep the outside of the truck and the bed of your truck clean and clutter free at all times to make a great first impression.

2. Buy The Right Equipment
Having the right equipment will make your business more efficient and save your back from the pain of picking up.  The type of equipment that you need will depend in part on the types of items that you will be delivering for your customers. If you are mostly delivering furniture and helping people with moves you will need cargo straps, blankets, and rope to make sure the items are protected and delivered in the same condition you received them. A dolly can be useful for courier services where you will likely deliver boxes on a regular basis. You can buy a standard dolly for about $20 at Home Depot, or Lowes. If you are transporting furniture you should get a furniture dolly and if you plan to deliver appliances you should buy an appliance dolly.

3. Name Your Business
Naming your trucking business is one of the most rewarding parts of creating your own business because the name you come up with is representative of your business values and mission. Before you decide on a name, make sure the name is not already taken by another business.  You can check if the name is available by contacting your local Secretary of State (if you want to open your business in California, then you need to contact the California Secretary of State). If your first choice for a name is already in use, don’t be discouraged. This is a chance for you to take your time, get creative, and come up with a unique name. You should also check sites like GoDaddy to make sure you can get the domain name of the business that you want. If the .com is not available try buying the .co version of your domain such as www.goshare.co. After you name your business you will need to set up a legal entity. If you are the sole owner of the business a Sole Proprietorship may be best. If you have business partners an LLC (limited liability corporation) may be a better fit. LegalZoom is a good resource for finding out if your business name is taken and registering your business entity with the state. We are not a legal or accounting firm. You should consult with an attorney and an accountant before making these important decisions.

4. Insure Your Business
Business owners should always consider the appropriate type of insurance to protect your business in case of an accident. In the trucking business, you will need insurance for your vehicle, cargo insurance and possibly liability insurance as well. Having an insurance policy is also essential for building trust with customers. Many businesses and individuals will avoid working with a trucking company that is not properly insured. Contact a local commercial insurance broker to find out how much it will cost to insure your business. This cost may vary based on location, types of deliveries you make, and the perceived risk.

5. Marketing Your Trucking Business

Now that you have your vehicle, equipment, and a name for your trucking service, it’s time to start marketing.  You can first communicate with your friends and family using your social media networks like Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin. You should create a business page on each of these social media properties. Most trucking businesses will need to market to other businesses who are looking for a truck to help with deliveries and moves. This can be done by making a list of businesses that may need a delivery service and then cold calling and emailing prospects to let them know about your new service. Online marketing and advertising can also be a low cost and effective way to target business owners. Google Adwords and Facebook both have easy to use self-serve marketing platforms. You can target customers based on keywords they search for or their interests/demographics/location.  Craigslist can be a great resource to post free ads to let people know about your local delivery business.

6. Save Your Receipts
As a small business owner, tracking your expenses is very important. Some expenses related to operating your trucking business may be used as a tax write off. This can include things like: gas, equipment and your mobile phone (We are not accountants and this may not be true in all cases. Check with your accountant for details). Using an app like Expsensify is easy and useful for keeping track of your receipts and expenses. You should also keep track of the miles you drive as this can be used as a tax write off as well in some cases. MileIQ is a good tool for tracking your mileage.

7. Join The GoShare Team 
There is only so much you can do operating by yourself. Some common challenges you will face are building trust, accepting payments, and finding new customers. GoShare is a platform that connects drivers with trucks and vans to people and businesses who need an on-demand delivery service. GoShare is a trusted partner that handles payments, provides supplemental insurance, and has an expert team of marketers generating demand from new customers.  You can learn more and apply to become a GoShare driver by clicking this link.

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