How to Start Your Own Amazon Delivery Business for Just $10K
Amazon has offered many ways for people to make money over the years, from work-from-home jobs to self-publishing to Amazon Flex.
Now the e-commerce giant is kicking it up a notch with its new Delivery Service Partner program. Instead of a job or side gig, Amazon is offering entrepreneurs the chance to start their own package delivery business.
Amazon is famous for its quick delivery, offering two-, one- and even same-day shipping. In 2017, more than 5 billion items shipped to Prime members alone, and more new members joined Prime than in any previous year. This new program is an effort to meet rising demands.
“Customer demand is higher than ever and we have a need to build more capacity,” Amazon’s senior vice president of worldwide operations, Dave Clark, said in a press release. “As we evaluated how to support our growth, we went back to our roots to share the opportunity with small-and-medium sized business.”
How to Start an Amazon Business Through New Program
Amazon wants to help hundreds of entrepreneurs start and operate their own businesses delivering Amazon packages.
The company says startup costs are as low as $10,000, and applicants don’t need previous logistics experience.
Amazon also committed $1 million toward startup costs for veterans, allowing eligible candidates to receive $10,000 reimbursements.
Accepted applicants will receive three weeks of hands-on training and have access to Amazon’s resources and technology.
On top of training and delivery tech, delivery service partners will get discounts on Amazon-branded delivery vehicle leases, branded uniforms, fuel and comprehensive insurance coverage.
According to Amazon, the ideal partner will have 20 to 40 vans and 40 to 100 employees. The business owner is responsible for hiring, training and managing the drivers, but Amazon will help the owner set up the company and operate out of one of 75 Amazon delivery stations.
And don’t forget, this is Amazon we’re talking about, so delivery services have to be available seven days a week, 365 days a year. A lot of people expect that same-day delivery, even on Christmas.
Amazon says partners can earn profits of $75,000 to $300,000 annually — if you operate with 20 to 40 vans, that is.
So, besides the $10,000 in startup money, what are the qualifications?
Once you log in or create an Amazon account, you can see requirements on this application: Applicants should have experience hiring and developing employees, a strong credit history and at least $30,000 in liquid assets.
If that sounds like you and you’re ready to jump into the world of operating your very own business, you can check out this program brochure before applying.
Kaitlyn Blount is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.
