At Trellus, we recently came across a great article, “82 Best Business Ideas for New Entrepreneurs” by Akshat Biyani of Digital.com. This helpful guide is packed with small business ideas and downloadable tools to help budding entrepreneurs start their journey. It also inspired us to impart some of our own ideas for the types of businesses listed. Our take: If you want your new business to stand out, you should consider offering scheduled or same-day local delivery as part of your business model.
Here are five advantages of local delivery that can help new small businesses:
- Competitive advantage — Today’s customers are increasingly looking for convenience and efficiency. Offering home delivery services from the very beginning can help your business stand out from the competition and attract customers who prioritize convenience.
- Increased sales and revenue — Home delivery services can help you reach a wider customer base, including those who may not have the time or means to physically visit your business. This can result in increased sales and revenue.
- Customer loyalty — By offering home delivery from the onset, you can establish a loyal customer base that values the convenience and reliability of your business.
- Lower overhead costs — Starting with home delivery services can eliminate the need for a physical storefront and associated costs, such as rent, utilities, and maintenance.
- Adaptability — By starting with home delivery services, you can create a business model that is adaptable to changing circumstances, such as inclement weather, that may affect in-person sales.
“While it is essential to be knowledgeable and passionate about your business idea, you must also understand if it’s viable and worth your investment,” Margaret Walker, Research Manager at Digital.com, wrote in an email to Trellus. “Making the right choices and detailed plans can determine the success of your future business. If you feel ready for a new venture but overwhelmed with ideas, seeing potential options can inspire you to make your next move.”
At Trellus, we continue to break down barriers for small businesses that want to offer delivery but need better options that work for their needs. Using a third-party delivery service frees up valuable time, so small business owners can focus on running their store and acquiring new customers. We strive to help entrepreneurs understand how the last-mile delivery market is evolving, and how same-day delivery can provide a competitive advantage.
As described by digital.com, here are a few business ideas for new entrepreneurs (from the list of 82) that are closely aligned with delivery needs.
#7. Online shop
Digital.com: “Opening an online e-commerce store is just as viable a way to make a living as it was a decade ago. Yes, the completion is tougher, but you have access to a wide range of free tools that you can use to set everything up with very little effort.
With a platform like Shopify and providers like Domain.com, you’ll get everything you need to create and launch an online shop, including Shopify’s new AI (artificial intelligence) ‘assistant’ named Kit. Kit can handle most of your marketing for you.”
Trellus idea: Technology platforms like Trellus integrate with Shopify online stores, providing a seamless, one-click checkout complete with home delivery.
#21. Handmade Goods
Digital.com: “If you are a crafty person, you should take a look at Etsy, the largest online market for homemade and vintage goods.
You will find an amazing mix of leather wallets, lamps made from river wood, unique hand-printed t-shirts, jewelry, organic soup, and countless other things. Top sellers often expand beyond the platform, creating their own brands and opening stores across the globe. Keep in mind that you can sell your products on more than one site, including platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce.”
Worth noting: Trellus plans to launch a direct-to-consumer Local Marketplace in 2023, so small businesses can list their goods and customers can get same-day delivery, all through the same platform.
#39. Gluten-Free Bakery
Digital.com: “Just like a regular bakery, only gluten-free! While starting a very small home bakery won’t cost you much, a larger commercial operation is expensive.
Luckily, you can get the necessary equipment for a competitive price if you search for used commercial components online. Learn how to use blogging to increase awareness of your business and grow revenue.”
Trellus idea: Don’t want a storefront when you’re just starting out, but still want the professionalism of an established bakery? Consider opening a home-based business with a Home Processor Exemption. You’ll save on overhead and you can use same-day delivery to protect your home address while reaching more local customers.
#36. Catering Business
Digital.com: “These days, starting a catering business is all about finding the right niche. You can specialize in any type of food you like, any type of clients, and any type of venue.
Perhaps you would like to cater to young professionals who want to organize networking events, or you would like to be known as the go-to caterer for children’s parties – there’s nothing stopping you.”
Trellus idea: There’s nothing stopping you except your own allocation of time. Try using a delivery service so you can take on more business. For instance, say you booked a private party for a holiday, while customers are also requesting catered trays or prepared foods to be heated up later. A same-day delivery service can help you fulfill both requests.
#42. Organic Food Catering
Digital.com: “Organic food catering is such a popular and lucrative niche in the catering business that it deserves to be mentioned on its own.
You should establish close ties with local farmers to ensure a steady supply of organic products. Then it’s just about acquiring the right equipment and marketing your services.”
Trellus idea: Using the Trellus Starter plan, you could schedule deliveries of fresh farm products as needed. For example, food businesses that source products from eastern Long Island can save valuable time.
#63. Mobile Laundry
Digital.com: “Mobile laundry services can be the ideal extension of an existing laundry business. Anyone else will have to deal with high investment costs and relatively low returns.
In this day and age, it’s paramount to make the entire service as convenient as possible, which often means creating mobile applications and a website where customers can schedule deliveries and pickups.”
Trellus idea: You can make pickup and deliveries even simpler, and not have to invest in your own technology platform. The customer can simply text you when they want to receive the delivery, and you can plug that information right into Trellus’ platform to schedule a delivery in advance. The customer will be notified of the delivery by text message and can track it in real-time.
#60. Personal Shopper
Digital.com: “Shopping for groceries, clothes, or electronic goods can eat up a lot of time. A personal shopper can help busy people reclaim this time in exchange for a small fee.
A personal shopper can be someone who goes to stores in person, or it can be someone who gives online recommendations about which products the client should buy.”
This is closely related to:
#72. Pick & Drop Services
Digital.com: “Pick and drop service is another type of business that combines modern technology with our constant need for more time.
It usually starts with a platform that automatically pairs clients with suitable pickers. From there, it’s all about completing assignments as you receive them.”
Trellus idea: You’re the personal shopper, Trellus is the delivery driver! The concierge for the Americana Manhasset in Manhasset, N.Y., uses Trellus for this. However, it can be a lucrative side hustle for anyone with good taste who loves to shop. You can focus on the fun part of shopping while leaving pick-ups and drop-offs to Trellus.
Starting a New Business Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank
There are many great business ideas that don’t require a high investment or overhead to get started. By starting with home delivery, you can build a strong foundation for your business and be better prepared for the changing needs of your customers.
The earlier you start with time-saving solutions, the more time you’ll accrue to establish your brand and develop your customer base.
The best part about Trellus Same-Day Local Delivery is that you don’t have to pay for a monthly plan. Sign up for a Starter Plan and use Trellus as needed. If your business grows and you find you’re doing a few deliveries per month, you can upgrade to a Basic Plan subscription, which will lower the cost per delivery.
So why wait? Start delivering now and set your business up for success. Trellus is here to help. Get started today at www.bytrellus.com/forbusinesses.
