Is it quieter than normal for this time of year?

I was chatting with a few other local couriers in my neck of the woods, and they've both said its even quiet for this time of year. One feller who I know has been a bike courier for 28 years was saying he's never known it this quiet.

Is it the same all over?

Devon all year quietly.

Historically August is supposedly quieter, but i have to say it's never really impacted on us, usually steady throughout (except Jan and Feb perhaps) BUT this August is looking decidly dire. We've got used to increases month on month, year on year but this month is deffo going to spoil our that nice little pattern.

A good time to bugger off for a couple of weeks

So yes, it is quieter than it normally is eventhough its August

Well, this is my first august. So I think next year i'll just be enjoying the time off..

Lol... Also depends what type of businesses your portfolio includes, some shut down in August, and if you're relying solely on subbing off the likes of us lot, then when its quiet, the humble subbie will always lose out, as Courier Compnaies own drivers come first.

You need a spread of all types of Businesses for August to work for you

And, as you're a bikerman, you're going after even fewer jobs. Vanman can cover more types of work

Yeah good point. I've had an up this week tho. I've actually had some work from a solicitors just down the road from me, and the aircraft place near me too. It helps cos I worked there for nearly 20 years so I know everybody in there. But it's a good feeling when all the hard work started paying off.

Don't get despondent and think that lowering your rates will make work appear out of thin air - it won't.

It may do but they'll expect cheap all the time if you do it once. There's plenty that do cheap, but try finding them after 3 months and see if they're still trading. Some say its better to have wheels turning than not... They're wrong

Glad you're getting a few bits of your own tho... Good hunting

That's actually really helpful advice. I have set some minimum rates, that I think are reasonable. My premiss is based on the fact that 'when tomorrow is to late' and the amount of money lost is to great. It's worth spending good money on a guy to transport a widget from A to B.

I'm looking at another type of bike service that's in a similar vain. But I'm keeping quiet about that one just yet.

Dont forget your O's

Traditionally my bike work does slacken however van work for one particular customer has taken up the slack over the holiday period, I can't remember the last time I did a job on the bike its that long ago, subbies are doing them.

For me, compaired to the previous 2 yrs and how small this business is, I thought it would be quiet, how wrong I was .. I have been quite busy during this period and it still continues, In fact this month alone so far is probably my best month this year, the other 2 riders have also been busy as well, so really a good month so far. I did just before the holidays put up a thread about how quiet it could be during this period..

Good that its going well for you Mr Gassss. Long may it continue

Quieter than a Nun's fart here! This time of year is the only time we could use a bike! The next 2 days will be a nightmare on the A303! Wall to wall grockle boxes and the pushy muppets with private number plates and front fog lamps!

Whats a grockle box?

Caravans I think

Ah...i see, yes although i find a rocket launcher easily sorts that problem out

True unless they are being towed by a Landrover then they generally get to Andover before the bonnet is up! although you really know it's summer when you see an aircooled VW camper on fire! lots of calor gas bottles and charred sleeping bags are the norm!

boom

Try this but don't have a mouth full of tea!

http://youtu.be/ONuhSumK3xo

You just have to love the french!

Springer Express Couriers said:

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Try this but don't have a mouth full of tea!

http://youtu.be/ONuhSumK3xo

You just have to love the french!

Absolutely PMSL..

Mr Speed I spoke to soon.. The phone has now gone quiet, which may give me time to jump in the old hymer and head for the A303.. lol

Speed Couriers Nationwide said:

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boom

I think the french need to watch this...

Gas Motorcycle Couriers said:

Mr Speed I spoke to soon.. The phone has now gone quiet.

Nope I lied.. It was quiet wednesday only.. Jobs today and so far London from Rochdale tomorrow..