1. Relying Only on Apps and Subcontractor Work
Many couriers start on delivery apps or subcontract routes. While this is a good entry point, relying on it long-term limits your earning potential.
Apps control pricing, workload, and availability. You can’t raise rates, build relationships, or secure long-term income.
2. Not Building Direct Client Relationships
Couriers who earn more focus on direct customers. Local businesses need reliable delivery partners and are willing to pay more for consistency.
Direct clients allow you to set your own prices, secure repeat work, and reduce reliance on third-party platforms.
3. Poor Business and Financial Setup
Many couriers earn well but lose money through poor tax planning, untracked expenses, and lack of visibility.
Without proper tracking, it’s impossible to know which jobs are actually profitable.
4. Staying as a One-Person Operation
When you do everything yourself, your income stops when you stop. This limits growth and makes your business fragile.
5. How High-Earning Couriers Fix This
- Use app work as a base, not the end goal
- Build direct client relationships
- Track costs and margins properly
- Create capacity through subcontract drivers
