Valerie Topete is a bike courier in New York. She currently works
with a company called Mercury Rising but worked as a freelancer for many
years. Being a freelancer means you have to find your own clients and
sometimes work harder at your job. If you are a freelance bike courier,
these tips can help make you more successful
Choose The Right Bike
When you decide to become a bike courier, you should have a good bike that can help you get the job done. Not every bike can be used for a courier bike so you need to choose one that is durable and comfortable. You should also keep in mind that you will be using your bike every day and it will need repairs done regularly. There are certain bikes that are designed to be used for courier services or you can have your own bike modified.
Become Familiar With The Area
You need to be able to deliver your packages and documents quickly and that means you should know the delivery area well. You won’t be able to ride a bike and look at a map so it is a good idea to study maps and become familiar with the area before you start working. If you don’t make your deliveries on time, you may not get paid for them.
Stay Safe
Being a bicycle courier can be a dangerous job, especially if you are working in a big city. You always need to be safe while doing your deliveries. You should carry pepper spray with you in case you run into trouble and be aware of your surroundings at all time. If you do not feel safe in a certain area, you should avoid going there. Trust your gut instinct and if you do not feel comfortable delivering to a certain area, speak up and let the company you work for know how you feel.
Finding Jobs
It can be hard to find a job as a bike carrier. Many businesses and companies do not use bicycle couriers and it can be a competitive job market. If you cannot find a job as a bicycle courier you can offer your services to different companies. You never know who will take you up on your offer and help you start your career as a courier. Many couriers are freelancers who work on different projects and with different clients throughout their careers.
Valerie Topete knows that being a freelance bike courier can be difficult, but it can also be a successful career. If you want to be a freelance bike courier or already are and want to be more successful, these tips can help.
