Hiro Suzuki immigrated from Japan in 2015 and a year later had bought a CouriersPlease business. He snapped up a residential franchise run at CouriersPlease in Robina on the Gold Coast, and swiftly spotted extra potential in a neighbouring suburb.

“In late 2016, I purchased a second, industrial run in Burleigh to capitalise on the earnings potential -. This combination has worked well for me, and I experienced 10 per cent business growth in the first year,” Hiro says.

Today, he has a five-driver team, and manages bulk deliveries for major retailers such as Target, Myer and local online retailers – that’s on top of the residential and industrial runs. As a result, the business is picking up about 3000 parcels each week, and delivering another 1500. 

However, unlike in big brand carriers, where couriers are simply moving parcels, CouriersPlease franchisees (Franchise Partners) are building their businesses while they work.

Exponential growth in the courier firm

James Hucker, Head of Franchising, says “Our Franchise Partners are motivated on a transactional basis, they really do want to grow and gain more market share with their customers.  Having the desire to grow their financial investment provides additional incentive to succeed.

“Operating under our franchise model, with the right attitude and mindset, you can build a strong business.”

CouriersPlease delivers millions of parcels nationally – 28 million parcels last year alone. 

The company’s parcel volumes in 2020 increased up to 80 per cent, and a further 5 per cent in FY22. In the same year, CouriersPlease expanded its network with 130 new Franchise Partners. All the Franchise Partners welcomed into the network in FY22 are still trading. 

It’s a good news story, despite the challenging times of the last couple of years.

This is why an established, award-winning franchise is the perfect  solution for aspiring business owners.

CouriersPlease attracts entrepreneurs

An increasing number (15-20%) of CouriersPlease Franchise Partners now own more than one exclusive territory. “These multi-unit opportunities are hard won,” says James.

“We find this is something that more experienced Franchise Partners will look to do. However, we won’t offer this straight off to a new Franchise Partner – you have to prove yourself within the business.

“We see a lot of Franchise Partners who will build a business and increase revenue to a point where they want to sell. Then, they potentially take on another territory and repeat the same  process. We have Franchise Partners who have done this two, three or four times within the business.

“We’ve got such a solid base of veteran Franchise Partners with a strong retention rate. Almost every day we are celebrating significant anniversaries!”

Franchisees flourish through relationship-building

“The single biggest driver for CouriersPlease entrepreneurs to capitalise on the business opportunity is relationship-building,” says James.

“Our most successful Franchise Partners leverage their relationship with the customer, and our model reinforces that for them. They are working in an exclusive territory, servicing the same customers day in and day out.

“Franchise Partners become an extension of the business they are serving, whether that’s winning new business, getting a further share of wallet, or  expanding their franchise.

“Some of these customers are inviting Franchise Partners to birthday parties and anniversaries. Franchise Partners are embedded in the culture and community of their customers,” says James.

CouriersPlease aims to recruit hundreds of Franchise Partners nationally this year, to join its network of more than 800. A particular focus will be on Victoria and Western Australia.

The company also recently opened a new depot on the Gold Coast and is recruiting more Franchise Partners to help service the growing demand in the South-East Queensland region.

It is an ideal business for people ready to switch careers, at any age, and be their own boss. 

CouriersPlease attracts entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds too – including female, older Australian and immigrant business owners. 

Hiro was 52 when he bought his first business under CouriersPlease. A former truck driver and ex-corporate, he symbolises the ambitious entrepreneur pursuing a promising future with the brand. 

CouriersPlease CEO Richard Thame says, “Franchise Partners like Hiro are the heart of our business and proof that, with commitment and hard work, anyone can find similar success, no matter their background.”