Stop asking about rates

I'm not the only one getting a bit peeved at those asking "how much should i charge", or "Whats the latest mileage rate"

There are, on this forum alone, at least a dozen such threads, not to mention the dozens of other forums on the internet so my advice if you really have to ask is... Look at what's already been written

Also I have to say why are you asking?

You have a product...in this case it's you

You know how much you costs...fuel, insurance, roadtax, cost of vehicle,cost of satnav, phone, website if applicable, laptop and can therefore suss out how much per mile your costs are for your product

All you then have to decide is what margin you need to make (bear in mind you only charge one way, you'll be amazed how many people forget this little gem)

If you find that figure is £2 per mile then you need to find another product as you'll have overpriced yourself out of this market (unless you feel a courier SHOULD in fact be driving around in a rolls or bentley, and we've got it all wrong)

If you think you can sell your product at 50p per mile then you will go bust (as will the 20 year old rust bucket you are undoubtedly driving to survive at this rate)

Speed Couriers (Stansted) said:

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I'm not the only one getting a bit peeved at those asking "how much should i charge", or "Whats the latest mileage rate"

There are, on this forum alone, at least a dozen such threads, not to mention the dozens of other forums on the internet so my advice if you really have to ask is... Look at what's already been written

Also I have to say why are you asking?

You have a product...in this case it's you

You know how much you costs...fuel, insurance, roadtax, cost of vehicle,cost of satnav, phone, website if applicable, laptop and can therefore suss out how much per mile your costs are for your product

All you then have to decide is what margin you need to make (bear in mind you only charge one way, you'll be amazed how many people forget this little gem)

If you find that figure is £2 per mile then you need to find another product as you'll have overpriced yourself out of this market (unless you feel a courier SHOULD in fact be driving around in a rolls or bentley, and we've got it all wrong)

If you think you can sell your product at 50p per mile then you will go bust (as will the 20 year old rust bucket you are undoubtedly driving to survive at this rate)

Well said Speed. Might sound ruthless but it's about time it has been aired.

There is no hope for some, yet they constantly surface with the most ridiculous of questions.

So to stop the question ever being asked ever again Small van rates are anywhere between 70p-£1.00 per mile A to B And Transits/LWB anywhere between 80p and £1.40 per mile A to B

I am, of course talking Trade rates, that is rates between you and the Courier Company you're touting work from and not rates to your customers.

(Some don't actually believe there is a trade rate, but that's a completely different topic altogether!)

If you are going in the general direction of the advertised job anyway, then you may feel it possible to lower your rate, equally if you're going back homeward bound empty, you may also feel you want to bid lower... Some do, some don't.

At the end of the day it's your business, you do what you want, and charge what you feel is right

If you've got your sums right you'll be mobile more often than not and see the fruits of your labour when looking at your bank statement

If you've got your sums wrong you'll be a very static courier, with a very dwindling bank balance

I agree with you all the way Rob.

I believe its called homework, and its amazing how many people dont do it judging by the questions asked.. So do your homework..

another question thats usually asked by phone is: "how do you start a courier business" my reply is if thats the sort of question your going to ask, you dont stand a chance...

You know what happens to those that don't do their homework

Totally agree we have had a few this week, but I kept tight lipped, I don't think they have done any home work, I will have a sportsmans bet and will say some dude will ask that question in the next 28 days.

Lets all try and be helpful. Hardly the crime of the century not searching the forum is it, although I agree it'd be preferable if people did.

Maybe point anyone asking to one of the existing threads? Or if rates just isn't your thing, don't post.