A long with technological innovations, delivery services as a business has surged in popularity. This has been instrumental in changing how the delivery industry works and does business. 

Not to forget that the pandemic has largely contributed to its rise. Regardless of the disruptions caused by the pandemic, delivery services have been one business model that has managed to survive.

Despite the constructive circumstances, running a successful delivery company comes with its set of challenges.

Herve Murenzi, the founder of Pozo Delivery, an app that focuses on food and beverage delivery services, says a few guidelines can help a person who wishes to venture in this area or boost their already running business.

He says it is not easy to start a business in general and very hard in these times that we are in of the pandemic, but it is doable. All you must do is to understand the type of business you are starting. 

Surround yourself with people who understand your vision and ready to support in any way, be ready to learn, persevere and trust the process but also, keep learning because every business we start at some point, somewhere in the world there is someone who did it first. Keep informing yourself, he adds.

"There are so many people in the industry already, so prepare for competition and creativity. Do something that other people haven’t done already for example at POZO Delivery, we do not only receive orders for food, but we also have pick-ups, pre-orders among other services.”

Gloria Ineza, an employee at a delivery company says what matters most when running a delivery business is ensuring the right customer experience.

"When customers are satisfied with your services, it’s hard for them not to come back for your services. Deliver as agreed, that is, the right products ordered for and keeping time. Communication hence is key in case of any slip-ups, make sure they understand the hiccups that are bound to happen, this is important for you and their satisfaction,” she says.

Ineza emphasises the need to fully discern what you do and the industry in general, "One of the first things to know about this industry is that it’s particularly competitive. In order to succeed, you need to have the right skills and compositions of the business.”

Honestly, one needs passion, determination and patience, Murenzi adds.

Murenzi shares his experience saying that for the time he has been in this business, he has come to learn that, to start any business, you must know the solution you are creating through your business, study your market and aim at giving the best you can. 

He, however, encourages business owners to be resilient especially in the start when things tend to be hard.

"When we began, I was literally doing the delivery myself, my friends would order and I would deliver on their doors. My experience has been tough but rewarding. Today, the company has grown with 12 motor bikes that help with deliveries and our orders have increased from 69 orders per month ( in September 2020) to over 250 monthly orders currently. I am grateful for all our customers because they are the reason, we do what we do. I have seen POZO Delivery grow day by day.”

To anyone starting a business in delivery, Murenzi says it’s important to understand that no man is an island, on this journey you will need people to work and grow with; hence you must be open to learning because each day presents an opportunity and a challenge.