The most important skills for working as a courier include:
Knowledge of topography and the ability to navigate the area are a valuable asset, even if you use a GPS for work. Navigation systems can fail, but knowledge of the city can certainly help you get out of a tight spot.
Organization – the ability to manage your time will help you prioritize and deliver all orders on time. Couriers often receive multiple delivery requests simultaneously, and it's essential to plan your route carefully to avoid delays and prevent unforeseen circumstances.
Politeness and communication skills are essential qualities for anyone working in the service industry. Throughout the day, you'll interact not only with clients but also with managers, colleagues, and random strangers, and effective communication skills are essential to successfully resolve potential problems.
Resilience to stress is a crucial quality for a courier, who must always remain calm and collected, regardless of the situation.
An additional advantage will be good endurance, since you will have to spend the whole day on your feet, and the loads may include some fairly heavy ones.
What difficulties may you encounter?
At the initial stage of the courier's work, difficulties may be expected, among which the most likely are:
Logistics issues such as adverse weather conditions, GPS malfunctions, and route planning errors can prevent the courier from delivering your order on time.
Time limit – often the delivery time can be measured in minutes, during which time the route must be planned and the delivery address must be reached.
Unpredictable road situations, such as vehicle breakdowns, accidents, traffic jams, or roadwork, may affect delivery times.
Parcel damage – goods can be accidentally dropped or damaged during transportation to the warehouse/pickup point.
Difficult customers – even if the parcel is in order, the customer may be dissatisfied with the order or service, leading to communication problems.
Address errors – the customer may provide an incorrect address, but delivery service employees may also accidentally make mistakes; in either case, the courier will have to do double work.
It's worth mentioning the fines that most companies impose. They're typically assessed for late delivery and damaged goods. These fines can be quite hefty, according to feedback from delivery service employees, but they can be avoided by being diligent in fulfilling your obligations.
Who would benefit from working as a courier?
According to statistics, 89% of couriers in Russia are men, and 83% are between the ages of 18 and 34. Women are less likely to become couriers, as they perceive the profession as unsafe and associated with heavy physical work.
At the same time, few people consider solomon islands cell phone database courier work a permanent position, and it's suitable for both men and women as a part-time job. For example, courier work is chosen for its flexible schedule, which allows it to be combined with other employment.
Working in a delivery service is suitable for people who devote a lot of time to studying, are looking for an additional source of income, or need temporary work.
It's also worth noting that, according to a survey , 20% of couriers in Moscow and St. Petersburg delivery services are Russian citizens, while 80% are from other countries . For citizens of other countries, working for a delivery service is their primary source of income, while for Russians, it's a part-time job.
How in demand is courier work in Moscow?
Since 2020, demand for delivery workers has increased by more than 100% , driven by the pandemic and the rise of marketplaces and delivery services.
Today, major hypermarket and supermarket chains are developing e-grocery delivery services for everyday goods and groceries, which are becoming increasingly popular and are already surpassing restaurant food delivery. Consequently, the demand for couriers is growing, and to attract them, companies are raising salaries and offering benefits packages.
In the coming years, the demand for couriers in Moscow will remain high, given current trends. In 2023 alone, delivery workers' salaries increased by 30%, and this increase is expected to continue in the coming years amid rising demand and increased competition among delivery services.
What bonuses do companies offer to employees?
Companies use bonuses not only to attract job seekers but also to motivate employees to stay long-term. Here are some of the most common:
Uniform with company logo;
Free transportation to work or discounts on rent;
Payment for mobile communications;
Free health insurance;
Referral programs;
Free lunches;
Various discounts on the company's goods and services.
Often, the availability of certain social programs helps people choose a particular company over another when applying for a job. Furthermore, job seekers value the absence of severe penalties that could negatively impact their final earnings.
Benefits of working as a courier
Courier work is one of the most popular and well-paid part-time jobs. It also has other benefits, the most significant of which are:
Flexible schedule – including completely free, allowing you to work from 2 hours a day or on weekends;
Independence – there is no need to maintain contact with other company employees, since the work takes place through the application;
Physical activity – you can ride a bike or scooter all day, and many people like to walk to stay in shape;
Uniform – no need to worry about a dress code, as the company provides branded uniforms and thermal backpacks;
Contactless delivery – some companies allow couriers to leave orders at the door without contacting the customer;
Free transportation – delivery services often provide couriers with scooters/bicycles or offer discounts on rentals.
The disadvantages of the profession include a lack of professional growth, increased fatigue due to intense physical exertion, fines, and the need to constantly compete with other couriers to achieve a high ranking and receive more orders.
How to increase earnings as a courier
A courier's salary is rarely fixed and usually depends on their productivity. Some companies, such as Yandex.Food, offer advice to couriers on how to increase their bottom line. Here are the main recommendations:
Use transport, as couriers on scooters, bicycles, and e-bikes earn 30% more than those on foot.
Be polite, neat and attentive to increase your chances of getting a tip.
Sign up for a shift in advance to receive priority orders.
Don't miss out on bonuses; for example, companies run various in-app giveaways and reward the best couriers.
Participate in referral programs – invite friends and receive rewards.
As your professionalism grows, your income will also increase, and you may even get a promotion if the company offers such an opportunity.
Conclusion
Courier work is a great part-time job, suitable not only for students but also for anyone who needs additional income. The average daily earnings for a walking courier in Moscow are around 3,000 rubles, and for a driver, 4,500 rubles. However, earnings often depend on individual productivity and can reach up to 8,000 rubles per day. Demand for couriers is high, and analysts predict it will grow in the coming years, leading to higher salaries and improved working conditions.