Terms

Just a thought. Would it not be possible/beneficial to add an extra field on the quote submission form for 'Terms'? I have noticed that a firm I have done some work for in the past has recently become an active member on here.

Trouble is it transpired that their payment terms turned out to be almost 60 days. I for one as a small van owner/driver cannot afford to wait to be paid for this length of time. Needless to say, I have not worked for them since.

I feel that payment terms and price are equally important to a courier when costing for a job.

The opening of a can of worms not intended.

Red Hot Courier Services said:

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Just a thought. Would it not be possible/beneficial to add an extra field on the quote submission form for 'Terms'? I have noticed that a firm I have done some work for in the past has recently become an active member on here.

Trouble is it transpired that their payment terms turned out to be almost 60 days. I for one as a small van owner/driver cannot afford to wait to be paid for this length of time. Needless to say, I have not worked for them since.

I feel that payment terms and price are equally important to a courier when costing for a job.

The opening of a can of worms not intended.

I think the terms tab could be a good addition when quoting. All Vendors and courier have their own payment terms, this could be a ways to save trouble later on if either parties didn't ask the question in first place.

East-Lancs Sameday Couriers Ltd said:

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Red Hot Courier Services said:

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Just a thought. Would it not be possible/beneficial to add an extra field on the quote submission form for 'Terms'? I have noticed that a firm I have done some work for in the past has recently become an active member on here.

Trouble is it transpired that their payment terms turned out to be almost 60 days. I for one as a small van owner/driver cannot afford to wait to be paid for this length of time. Needless to say, I have not worked for them since.

I feel that payment terms and price are equally important to a courier when costing for a job.

The opening of a can of worms not intended.

I think the terms tab could be a good addition when quoting. All Vendors and courier have their own payment terms, this could be a ways to save trouble later on if either parties didn't ask the question in first place.

I agree. You've not always got time to discuss ins and outs before accepting a job. Besides, if you are in the right place at the right time, you might be able to negotiate improved terms for that job. Could be better for vendor too. For example, I might be happier on occasions to take 50p plm if I can expect payment after a few days rather than 75p plm after 30 or 60 days

Interesting topic, seems to make sense to me.

Red Hot Courier Services said:

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East-Lancs Sameday Couriers Ltd said:

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Red Hot Courier Services said:

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Just a thought. Would it not be possible/beneficial to add an extra field on the quote submission form for 'Terms'? I have noticed that a firm I have done some work for in the past has recently become an active member on here.

Trouble is it transpired that their payment terms turned out to be almost 60 days. I for one as a small van owner/driver cannot afford to wait to be paid for this length of time. Needless to say, I have not worked for them since.

I feel that payment terms and price are equally important to a courier when costing for a job.

The opening of a can of worms not intended.

I think the terms tab could be a good addition when quoting. All Vendors and courier have their own payment terms, this could be a ways to save trouble later on if either parties didn't ask the question in first place.

I agree. You've not always got time to discuss ins and outs before accepting a job. Besides, if you are in the right place at the right time, you might be able to negotiate improved terms for that job. Could be better for vendor too. For example, I might be happier on occasions to take 50p plm if I can expect payment after a few days rather than 75p plm after 30 or 60 days

Really?

I don't reduce my prices no matter what the payment terms are, you will just undercut yourself in the long run.

In your own terms & condition's, you set the payment terms & you should state that when quoting on any job

The default by design should be 30 Days and 30 Days Net as a maximum ,if a company or individual wishes to change this setting it should be highlighted in bold red fonts. And displayed prominently on the listing.

Scott Reid said:

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Red Hot Courier Services said:

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East-Lancs Sameday Couriers Ltd said:

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Red Hot Courier Services said:

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Just a thought. Would it not be possible/beneficial to add an extra field on the quote submission form for 'Terms'? I have noticed that a firm I have done some work for in the past has recently become an active member on here.

Trouble is it transpired that their payment terms turned out to be almost 60 days. I for one as a small van owner/driver cannot afford to wait to be paid for this length of time. Needless to say, I have not worked for them since.

I feel that payment terms and price are equally important to a courier when costing for a job.

The opening of a can of worms not intended.

I think the terms tab could be a good addition when quoting. All Vendors and courier have their own payment terms, this could be a ways to save trouble later on if either parties didn't ask the question in first place.

I agree. You've not always got time to discuss ins and outs before accepting a job. Besides, if you are in the right place at the right time, you might be able to negotiate improved terms for that job. Could be better for vendor too. For example, I might be happier on occasions to take 50p plm if I can expect payment after a few days rather than 75p plm after 30 or 60 days

Really?

50 pence a mile, I have just put your contact details on my mobile phone, can you please text me of your whereabouts on a daily basis, I will pay on the day you do any jobs for me thanks Gary

AJM sameday Couriers said:

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Scott Reid said:

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Red Hot Courier Services said:

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East-Lancs Sameday Couriers Ltd said:

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Red Hot Courier Services said:

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Just a thought. Would it not be possible/beneficial to add an extra field on the quote submission form for 'Terms'? I have noticed that a firm I have done some work for in the past has recently become an active member on here.

Trouble is it transpired that their payment terms turned out to be almost 60 days. I for one as a small van owner/driver cannot afford to wait to be paid for this length of time. Needless to say, I have not worked for them since.

I feel that payment terms and price are equally important to a courier when costing for a job.

The opening of a can of worms not intended.

I think the terms tab could be a good addition when quoting. All Vendors and courier have their own payment terms, this could be a ways to save trouble later on if either parties didn't ask the question in first place.

I agree. You've not always got time to discuss ins and outs before accepting a job. Besides, if you are in the right place at the right time, you might be able to negotiate improved terms for that job. Could be better for vendor too. For example, I might be happier on occasions to take 50p plm if I can expect payment after a few days rather than 75p plm after 30 or 60 days

Really?

50 pence a mile, I have just put your contact details on my mobile phone, can you please text me of your whereabouts on a daily basis, I will pay on the day you do any jobs for me thanks Gary

If you are really close will you take 49pplm?

I wouldn't charge that low even for a back load.

PW Courier Services said:

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In your own terms & condition's, you set the payment terms & you should state that when quoting on any job

I think what PW is quite rightly trying to say is that it is the subbies T&C's which take precendence on any work carried out via exchanges such as this not those of the Courier Company. Unless a previously agreed arrangement exists between both.

The subbie is after all the one who is providing the service and extending credit.

Nottingham & Derby Couriers said:

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The default by design should be 30 Days and 30 Days Net as a maximum ,if a company or individual wishes to change this setting it should be highlighted in bold red fonts. And displayed prominently on the listing.

Totally agree that the default should be exactly as stated in law.

Our terms are 30 days month end take it or leave it, at least i might stop getting daft quotes ;)

SMH said:

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Our terms are 30 days month end take it or leave it, at least i might stop getting daft quotes ;)

Simon you once quoted me £120 has a backload from Blackpool to Nottingham that was about 7 years ago when 60 pence a mile was acceptable, you have a short memory.

Anyone who wants 30 plus days credit off me would have to pay at least £1/mile. Normal sub contract terms are 80pplm 14 days from invoice.

Its all very well saying my terms are this or that and if you are more than 30 days it will cost more per mile but in reality this just does not happen on exchange sites. If you said oh your pay terms are more than 30 days so that will be x amount per mile more they would just say thats fine we call you if you have the job and you wouldnt hear from them again. Also most companies on Courier Exchange are 30 days end of month and if you only quoted on companies with 30 days net you would not have any jobs to quote on. Also if you quote on a job and tell them my terms are 30 net they will say well ours are 30 end of month do you want the job or not? The courier companies have the upper hand with terms because they know you want the job and if you start quoting terms at them they have lots of other quotes to choose from who will do it on their terms. There is also no point whatsoever of couriers even thinking of sticking together with this one because us British never stick together for anything. Sad but true. If you had enough offers of work to be choosy then maybe but there are so many couriers all chasing the same work and apart from having our throats cut by foreigners we also have unfortunately been cutting our own throats for years, hence the state of the rates for owner drivers. If people are in a position to state their terms to a courier company and get away with it every time and get enough work then thats great for them. Please tell me what im doing wrong. I totally agree that terms should be 30 net but im just putting the realistic side of the argument

Esi Logistics said:

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Its all very well saying my terms are this or that and if you are more than 30 days it will cost more per mile but in reality this just does not happen on exchange sites. If you said oh your pay terms are more than 30 days so that will be x amount per mile more they would just say thats fine we call you if you have the job and you wouldnt hear from them again. Also most companies on Courier Exchange are 30 days end of month and if you only quoted on companies with 30 days net you would not have any jobs to quote on. Also if you quote on a job and tell them my terms are 30 net they will say well ours are 30 end of month do you want the job or not? The courier companies have the upper hand with terms because they know you want the job and if you start quoting terms at them they have lots of other quotes to choose from who will do it on their terms. There is also no point whatsoever of couriers even thinking of sticking together with this one because us British never stick together for anything. Sad but true. If you had enough offers of work to be choosy then maybe but there are so many couriers all chasing the same work and apart from having our throats cut by foreigners we also have unfortunately been cutting our own throats for years, hence the state of the rates for owner drivers. If people are in a position to state their terms to a courier company and get away with it every time and get enough work then thats great for them. Please tell me what im doing wrong. I totally agree that terms should be 30 net but im just putting the realistic side of the argument

Absolutely spot on!

RAPID LIGHT TRANSPORT LTD. said:

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Esi Logistics said:

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Its all very well saying my terms are this or that and if you are more than 30 days it will cost more per mile but in reality this just does not happen on exchange sites. If you said oh your pay terms are more than 30 days so that will be x amount per mile more they would just say thats fine we call you if you have the job and you wouldnt hear from them again. Also most companies on Courier Exchange are 30 days end of month and if you only quoted on companies with 30 days net you would not have any jobs to quote on. Also if you quote on a job and tell them my terms are 30 net they will say well ours are 30 end of month do you want the job or not? The courier companies have the upper hand with terms because they know you want the job and if you start quoting terms at them they have lots of other quotes to choose from who will do it on their terms. There is also no point whatsoever of couriers even thinking of sticking together with this one because us British never stick together for anything. Sad but true. If you had enough offers of work to be choosy then maybe but there are so many couriers all chasing the same work and apart from having our throats cut by foreigners we also have unfortunately been cutting our own throats for years, hence the state of the rates for owner drivers. If people are in a position to state their terms to a courier company and get away with it every time and get enough work then thats great for them. Please tell me what im doing wrong. I totally agree that terms should be 30 net but im just putting the realistic side of the argument

Absolutely spot on!

Nice to see that a few have actually got the point. Quite frequently I am on the road when a job comes up and don't have the time to discuss the ins and outs of terms, nor would I suggest that the provider would have the time either. If I am on the doorstep of the provider and the destination is on the doorstep of my home for example, I would quite happily quote at a reduced rate IF I knew the payment was going to be in my account after a few days RATHER THAN GOING HOME EMPTY.

Esi, I was not referring to each and every job. Nor did I say that I would charge MORE for terms in excess of 30 days. In fact the opposite, less ON OCCASION for terms less than 30 days.

Red Hot Courier Services said:

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RAPID LIGHT TRANSPORT LTD. said:

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Esi Logistics said:

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Its all very well saying my terms are this or that and if you are more than 30 days it will cost more per mile but in reality this just does not happen on exchange sites. If you said oh your pay terms are more than 30 days so that will be x amount per mile more they would just say thats fine we call you if you have the job and you wouldnt hear from them again. Also most companies on Courier Exchange are 30 days end of month and if you only quoted on companies with 30 days net you would not have any jobs to quote on. Also if you quote on a job and tell them my terms are 30 net they will say well ours are 30 end of month do you want the job or not? The courier companies have the upper hand with terms because they know you want the job and if you start quoting terms at them they have lots of other quotes to choose from who will do it on their terms. There is also no point whatsoever of couriers even thinking of sticking together with this one because us British never stick together for anything. Sad but true. If you had enough offers of work to be choosy then maybe but there are so many couriers all chasing the same work and apart from having our throats cut by foreigners we also have unfortunately been cutting our own throats for years, hence the state of the rates for owner drivers. If people are in a position to state their terms to a courier company and get away with it every time and get enough work then thats great for them. Please tell me what im doing wrong. I totally agree that terms should be 30 net but im just putting the realistic side of the argument

Absolutely spot on!

Nice to see that a few have actually got the point. Quite frequently I am on the road when a job comes up and don't have the time to discuss the ins and outs of terms, nor would I suggest that the provider would have the time either. If I am on the doorstep of the provider and the destination is on the doorstep of my home for example, I would quite happily quote at a reduced rate IF I knew the payment was going to be in my account after a few days RATHER THAN GOING HOME EMPTY.

Esi, I was not referring to each and every job. Nor did I say that I would charge MORE for terms in excess of 30 days. In fact the opposite, less ON OCCASION for terms less than 30 days.

Yes i know you wasnt, someone else mentioned charging more if longer terms. Anything can be negotiable, and i know pay terms have been discussed before but i dont think owner drivers are in much of a position today to negotiate much at all.

Esi Logistics said:

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Its all very well saying my terms are this or that and if you are more than 30 days it will cost more per mile but in reality this just does not happen on exchange sites. If you said oh your pay terms are more than 30 days so that will be x amount per mile more they would just say thats fine we call you if you have the job and you wouldnt hear from them again. Also most companies on Courier Exchange are 30 days end of month and if you only quoted on companies with 30 days net you would not have any jobs to quote on. Also if you quote on a job and tell them my terms are 30 net they will say well ours are 30 end of month do you want the job or not? The courier companies have the upper hand with terms because they know you want the job and if you start quoting terms at them they have lots of other quotes to choose from who will do it on their terms. There is also no point whatsoever of couriers even thinking of sticking together with this one because us British never stick together for anything. Sad but true. If you had enough offers of work to be choosy then maybe but there are so many couriers all chasing the same work and apart from having our throats cut by foreigners we also have unfortunately been cutting our own throats for years, hence the state of the rates for owner drivers. If people are in a position to state their terms to a courier company and get away with it every time and get enough work then thats great for them. Please tell me what im doing wrong. I totally agree that terms should be 30 net but im just putting the realistic side of the argument

Absolutely true. Which is why I no longer quote for work on any exchange.

Scott Reid said:

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Esi Logistics said:

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Its all very well saying my terms are this or that and if you are more than 30 days it will cost more per mile but in reality this just does not happen on exchange sites. If you said oh your pay terms are more than 30 days so that will be x amount per mile more they would just say thats fine we call you if you have the job and you wouldnt hear from them again. Also most companies on Courier Exchange are 30 days end of month and if you only quoted on companies with 30 days net you would not have any jobs to quote on. Also if you quote on a job and tell them my terms are 30 net they will say well ours are 30 end of month do you want the job or not? The courier companies have the upper hand with terms because they know you want the job and if you start quoting terms at them they have lots of other quotes to choose from who will do it on their terms. There is also no point whatsoever of couriers even thinking of sticking together with this one because us British never stick together for anything. Sad but true. If you had enough offers of work to be choosy then maybe but there are so many couriers all chasing the same work and apart from having our throats cut by foreigners we also have unfortunately been cutting our own throats for years, hence the state of the rates for owner drivers. If people are in a position to state their terms to a courier company and get away with it every time and get enough work then thats great for them. Please tell me what im doing wrong. I totally agree that terms should be 30 net but im just putting the realistic side of the argument

Absolutely true. Which is why I no longer quote for work on any exchange.

I dont blame you and that is why i am no longer quoting on anything whatsoever, im packing it in for good. The owner driver should be better off today with exchange sites to get him back loads home but because of the so called bidding wars and East europeans being allowed to live in East Europe but join British exchange sites and grab all the euro work at stupid low rates and being able to do work here from our sites there is no way we can compete with them unless you want to be a very busy idiot. Its only going to get worse, the only people rubbing their hands together are the East Europeans, the people running heaps of rubbish without the proper insurance and the companies that are happy to use them. The glory days of courier work are well and truly over and im not sorry to be getting out of it. I would rather go back on the artics driving for a good company with a vehicle with a proper bed and a night heater, a fridge and microwave and take home £600 clear every week than freeze my balls off across the seats in a van all in the hope of the next job and some sort of wage.

Red Hot Courier Services said:

I agree. You've not always got time to discuss ins and outs before accepting a job. Besides, if you are in the right place at the right time, you might be able to negotiate improved terms for that job. Could be better for vendor too. For example, I might be happier on occasions to take 50p plm if I can expect payment after a few days rather than 75p plm after 30 or 60 days

Had I of known that... what would have been your rate if paid within 12 hours.. ;)

Getting back to the original topic,

Having a default setting for T&C's (one which is actually in line with the current legal requirements) that is to say, payment of cleared funds to be received within 30 days of receipt of invoice, is something with which I totally agreee with.

I just wish that other subbies knew what their legal rights were when it comes to payment terms. (take good note SMH).

But somone willing to run for such a low rate as Red Hot Courier "If he is paid quicker!". Lol

That's just the other side of the coin.

Courier companies wanting longer credit terms because they don't have the money to pay until they are paid by the customer.

Subbies who are so cash strapped they are willing to run for buttons for fast payment.

Sounds like a recipe that JH would enjoy!

This is a great, and really important thread! I think it's important that T&C's should be stated, but I belive that if anyone wants to use a site such as this then the legal precedent to payment terms should apply unless there is some kind of writtten or verbal agreement between both parties (as prescribed within the same law!)

SMH, stick to you're principles.

Wait until you come up against a subbie that knows their legal rights.

Scott.

If you wish to qualify what I have said please feel free to visit http://payontime.co.uk/

AJM sameday Couriers said:

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SMH said:

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Our terms are 30 days month end take it or leave it, at least i might stop getting daft quotes ;)

Simon you once quoted me £120 has a backload from Blackpool to Nottingham that was about 7 years ago when 60 pence a mile was acceptable, you have a short memory.

Whats that got to do with anything, you got the hint though lol

Tell you what some of you lot need to get a real big customer on 60 days mouthend and they spend £6000 per week

If your only paying out peanuts then you an pay within days, we state 30 days month end and it more or less is paid before or there abouts

Job done at the end of a month is on 30 days, any work carried out this month november will be paid on or before the 31st december

Some people must think companies have people sat there just writting cheques out everyday,

our invoice state 30 days but will do not chase payments until 60days +

The other thing when it comes to payment lol, pay in to paypal, pay into this account thats in my personal name

One lad that works for me alot as a subby got £3400 in october, not bad to say he works for 3 other companies as well

He never ever asks for a price on the job i ring him he gives me a list of jobs at the end of the month i tell him the full amout, hes happy then he gets paid 30 days later

The problem is tomany people just buy a van and think they can make money with no backing

MONEY MAKES MONEY

When i start i made sure i had 12 months worth of wages in the bank to cover me so i could last and 7.5yrs later still going strong and getting better year on year

People try and start up with 1 months worth of money then they forget about fuel money/maintance/wages/tax when its not a cash job to some

SMH, stick to you're principles.

Wait until you come up against a subbie that knows their legal rights.

ive had one, he doesnt work as a subby for nobody any more last time i so him he was working in the factory, he lasted 6 months, giving it large then one day everyone stopped giving him work

Courier companies wanting longer credit terms because they don't have the money to pay until they are paid by the customer.

Its called cash flow, read other posts above, the money for the jobs that get done this month i will not see until the new year, but yet everyone gets paid on or before the 31st december, so im not waiting to get paid for the job they have just done

Well said Simon!

It makes me smile how many just have no idea about running a business. Cash flow, risk, proper planning and customer relationship is what it is all about.

SMH said:

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Our terms are 30 days month end take it or leave it, at least i might stop getting daft quotes ;)

I'd love to see your face when 6 years worth of late payment notices plus interest fall through your letter box.

How would your cash flow be then?

Simon sounds like you have made it in life, do you still live in that little terraced house nr Nottingham, I live in a 4 bedroomed detached with a double garage, and don't work half has hard has you, your clearly doing something wrong, oh yes I forgot to mention my 4/5 holidays a year, you might thing your big, but your not.

30 days eom is normal. Most large companies are 60 or 90, if you dont like it, fine, but it is how it is.

Having your own business does not fit into how alot of couriers would like things, seeming stuck into the realms of being employed with a weekly pay packet and a trade union behind them. Life is different in reality and running a business is about adapting.

Unfortunately money makes money, the reason large concerns have longer payment terms, is because the longer the cash is in their bank the more that money earns, like it or not that is how it is!

[We do pay 30 days though :)]

SMH said:

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The other thing when it comes to payment lol, pay in to paypal, pay into this account thats in my personal name

One lad that works for me alot as a subby got £3400 in october, not bad to say he works for 3 other companies as well

He never ever asks for a price on the job i ring him he gives me a list of jobs at the end of the month i tell him the full amout, hes happy then he gets paid 30 days later

The problem is tomany people just buy a van and think they can make money with no backing

MONEY MAKES MONEY

When i start i made sure i had 12 months worth of wages in the bank to cover me so i could last and 7.5yrs later still going strong and getting better year on year

People try and start up with 1 months worth of money then they forget about fuel money/maintance/wages/tax when its not a cash job to some

When I started in April this year, I had my van, got all the insurances sorted, filled up the tank and had about £300 in the bank. I've done ok for myself and got a decent rate as well. I think if you work it right, you can make it, I'm a subby for most of the time, but i do have my own customers. I've built up a goods reputation on here and my courier exchange reputation is building also. If your careful and do it right, you can make it. I have a lot of regular vendors that call me daily. Since i started, i must have well over 100 contacts that call me. That's not bad considering how long i've been on my own. I've been doing courier work for a long time and 'm still learning. Always something new in this trade.

I wouldn't work for daft payment terms and i definatly wouldn't reduce my rate for a quicker payment. The price i give is the price they pay. My payment terms are 30 from invoice, but most on Courier Exchange pay 30 days end of the month, i don't mind that but when it comes to 45 days eom or 60 days eom, thats just wrong. I have know some vendors to be 90 Days from eom. Not for me, 30 eom at the very most

RAPID LIGHT TRANSPORT LTD. said:

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30 days eom is normal. Most large companies are 60 or 90, if you dont like it, fine, but it is how it is.

Having your own business does not fit into how alot of couriers would like things, seeming stuck into the realms of being employed with a weekly pay packet and a trade union behind them. Life is different in reality and running a business is about adapting.

Unfortunately money makes money, the reason large concerns have longer payment terms, is because the longer the cash is in their bank the more that money earns, like it or not that is how it is!

[We do pay 30 days though :)]

I've never had a problem with your payment terms Alan, you always pay me before the 30 days are up. But agree with you tho, the bigger companies do have the longer payment terms. I done a job once on 45 day EOM. For me that was too long to wait, I don't mind 30 days EOM, which is the norm these days

I took a big risk when I first started and it's paid off quite well, but I do know some don't have it so lucky. I have nice run of work and a decent income, so no complaints here

You have done well Darren and do a good job, you also have your views on how long payment terms should be.

Most of my customer agreements are 60 days, one is 90. Thats my choice in accepting those terms, and I am more than happy to do so. They are world wide companies, well established and hugely profitable, and know I have no worries being paid on the contract terms and their business model is secure. Unlike some one man concerns or tiny companies where I have constantly been having to 'chase' overdue payments. Over the years I have lost thousands of pounds in not being paid, all from tiny concerns with supposedly 30 day payments.

AJM sameday Couriers said:

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Simon sounds like you have made it in life, do you still live in that little terraced house nr Nottingham, I live in a 4 bedroomed detached with a double garage, and don't work half has hard has you, your clearly doing something wrong, oh yes I forgot to mention my 4/5 holidays a year, you might thing your big, but your not.

Its a four bed with nearly1/2 arce of garden (inc old alotment) 1 x 26ft x 26ft garage and 2 x single garages and its paid for, very very private no house's over looking the garden, 2 schools with in 1 mile that my kids go to so why move, unit across the road 5 minutes walk lol

You can keep you big new house and your morages lol

Gas Motorcycle Couriers said:

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Red Hot Courier Services said:

I agree. You've not always got time to discuss ins and outs before accepting a job. Besides, if you are in the right place at the right time, you might be able to negotiate improved terms for that job. Could be better for vendor too. For example, I might be happier on occasions to take 50p plm if I can expect payment after a few days rather than 75p plm after 30 or 60 days

Had I of known that... what would have been your rate if paid within 12 hours.. ;)

Oooops! :)

RAPID LIGHT TRANSPORT LTD. said:

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30 days eom is normal. Most large companies are 60 or 90, if you dont like it, fine, but it is how it is.

Having your own business does not fit into how alot of couriers would like things, seeming stuck into the realms of being employed with a weekly pay packet and a trade union behind them. Life is different in reality and running a business is about adapting.

Unfortunately money makes money, the reason large concerns have longer payment terms, is because the longer the cash is in their bank the more that money earns, like it or not that is how it is!

[We do pay 30 days though :)]

I agree. Which is why on occasion I think negotiation of price v terms might be good for both parties, though I have always found your terms and price are both reasonable.

East-Lancs Sameday Couriers Ltd said:

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SMH said:

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The other thing when it comes to payment lol, pay in to paypal, pay into this account thats in my personal name

One lad that works for me alot as a subby got £3400 in october, not bad to say he works for 3 other companies as well

He never ever asks for a price on the job i ring him he gives me a list of jobs at the end of the month i tell him the full amout, hes happy then he gets paid 30 days later

The problem is tomany people just buy a van and think they can make money with no backing

MONEY MAKES MONEY

When i start i made sure i had 12 months worth of wages in the bank to cover me so i could last and 7.5yrs later still going strong and getting better year on year

People try and start up with 1 months worth of money then they forget about fuel money/maintance/wages/tax when its not a cash job to some

When I started in April this year, I had my van, got all the insurances sorted, filled up the tank and had about £300 in the bank. I've done ok for myself and got a decent rate as well. I think if you work it right, you can make it, I'm a subby for most of the time, but i do have my own customers. I've built up a goods reputation on here and my courier exchange reputation is building also. If your careful and do it right, you can make it. I have a lot of regular vendors that call me daily. Since i started, i must have well over 100 contacts that call me. That's not bad considering how long i've been on my own. I've been doing courier work for a long time and 'm still learning. Always something new in this trade.

I wouldn't work for daft payment terms and i definatly wouldn't reduce my rate for a quicker payment. The price i give is the price they pay. My payment terms are 30 from invoice, but most on Courier Exchange pay 30 days end of the month, i don't mind that but when it comes to 45 days eom or 60 days eom, thats just wrong. I have know some vendors to be 90 Days from eom. Not for me, 30 eom at the very most

I don'work for daft rates or terms either. But if a job will take me home and cover my van costs for the day plus a small profit, and I'm not waiting for payment I will happily do it at a reduced rate rather than going home empty. That to me is sound commercial sense.

Esi Logistics said:

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Scott Reid said:

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Esi Logistics said:

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Its all very well saying my terms are this or that and if you are more than 30 days it will cost more per mile but in reality this just does not happen on exchange sites. If you said oh your pay terms are more than 30 days so that will be x amount per mile more they would just say thats fine we call you if you have the job and you wouldnt hear from them again. Also most companies on Courier Exchange are 30 days end of month and if you only quoted on companies with 30 days net you would not have any jobs to quote on. Also if you quote on a job and tell them my terms are 30 net they will say well ours are 30 end of month do you want the job or not? The courier companies have the upper hand with terms because they know you want the job and if you start quoting terms at them they have lots of other quotes to choose from who will do it on their terms. There is also no point whatsoever of couriers even thinking of sticking together with this one because us British never stick together for anything. Sad but true. If you had enough offers of work to be choosy then maybe but there are so many couriers all chasing the same work and apart from having our throats cut by foreigners we also have unfortunately been cutting our own throats for years, hence the state of the rates for owner drivers. If people are in a position to state their terms to a courier company and get away with it every time and get enough work then thats great for them. Please tell me what im doing wrong. I totally agree that terms should be 30 net but im just putting the realistic side of the argument

Absolutely true. Which is why I no longer quote for work on any exchange.

I dont blame you and that is why i am no longer quoting on anything whatsoever, im packing it in for good. The owner driver should be better off today with exchange sites to get him back loads home but because of the so called bidding wars and East europeans being allowed to live in East Europe but join British exchange sites and grab all the euro work at stupid low rates and being able to do work here from our sites there is no way we can compete with them unless you want to be a very busy idiot. Its only going to get worse, the only people rubbing their hands together are the East Europeans, the people running heaps of rubbish without the proper insurance and the companies that are happy to use them. The glory days of courier work are well and truly over and im not sorry to be getting out of it. I would rather go back on the artics driving for a good company with a vehicle with a proper bed and a night heater, a fridge and microwave and take home £600 clear every week than freeze my balls off across the seats in a van all in the hope of the next job and some sort of wage.

Sad news Kevin sad news