What does it really take to build a successful parcel franchise from the ground up? We caught up with one of our franchisees to find out, from the excitement (and nerves) of Day 1, to landing a 1,000-orders-a-week account. This is an honest, energetic look at life as a Speedy Parcels Shipping Consultant.
What was going through your mind on Day 1, and how did the initial training prepare you?
I felt well equipped and prepared for my first day. The training gave me extra tools in my kit and I was eager to get going. While I had some nerves stepping into a new area like Liverpool, I was equally excited and motivated to make my mark. It’s a fantastic area of opportunity!
When did it first start to feel like you’d really found your feet in the role?
Sales in parcels is all I’ve ever known, so I was set on making it a success. I quickly started securing meetings soon after I began. Winning my first account was a real milestone, and shortly after I secured a high-volume account which was a standout highlight. It felt like a genuine reward for all the effort and output I’d put in early on.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Each day can vary, but I like to stay disciplined. I never miss a telesales day and always block the same time out in my diary each week for it.
A typical day, say a Monday, starts with checking emails first thing, then heading into my first meeting, making sure I’m fully prepped. After that, I’ll do a drive around the area to identify cold calling opportunities. I really enjoy the buzz of a cold call, especially when it turns into a meeting. I’ll then move on to my next meeting and repeat the same approach. If I’m near an existing customer, I’ll always pop in for a quick check-in, as I believe that’s crucial for building strong relationships.
Later, I’ll head back to the office to complete quotations and send follow-up emails. At 4pm, we have our franchisee masterclass call, which I really value, especially when we have a carrier in the spotlight, as it strengthens relationships and keeps me up to date, allowing me to confidently offer the best solutions to prospects. After the call, I’ll review my customers’ shipments for the day and update the CRM to reflect the day’s work.
What part of the job do you enjoy most on a day-to-day basis?
I’m very much a people person, so the part I enjoy most is getting to know people and really understanding their business. For me, it’s all about building that relationship and ultimately finding the right solution for them. I love meeting new people, and there’s always that “will I, won’t I win it” feeling that keeps things exciting. I thrive on the chase, the buzz, and that constant hunger to succeed. I’m naturally very competitive, so it really drives me.
What tends to happen in your day that most people wouldn’t expect?
What probably surprises people most is that sales isn’t always as glamorous as it might look from the outside. Yes, I’ve had meetings over lunch, coffee, and in beautiful boardrooms, but I’ve equally been sat on a tyre in the middle of a warehouse having just as important a conversation. The setting changes, but the outcome is the same.
One moment that always makes me smile: I was in a freezing cold warehouse in the middle of winter, stood in front of a heater trying to warm up, and I actually melted my shoes. Slightly embarrassing at the time, but it definitely made me memorable to the customer!
On the flip side, I’ve also met with some well-known faces you’d recognise from TV, even had a glass of rosé in a bar one of them owned. And I’ve been known to take business cards to a bottomless brunch on a Saturday, because in sales, you quickly realise opportunities can come from anywhere. Business never really switches off.
What’s the most unexpected or memorable client account you’ve won so far?
My most memorable win is a major account, 1,000 orders per week. I hadn’t verbally spoken to them until after I got the yes. It had all been via email. Now we speak all the time and have a fantastic relationship. I’ll always remember this account for the rest of my career.
What skills do you find yourself using most in the role?
The skills I use most are definitely people skills. Everything in what I do comes down to relationships. I pride myself on being professional but also just being myself, as I think authenticity goes a long way. I’m honest, highly responsive, and I’ll always go the extra mile for my customers.
Alongside that, preparation is key for me. I really believe the effort you put in upfront directly impacts the outcome, so I make sure I’m always well prepared to add real value in every interaction.
Can you share a moment where your persistence or people skills really paid off?
A great example is a major account I’ve developed. From the very beginning, I focused on being honest, responsive, and consistent, doing exactly what I said I would, when I said I would. Over time, that built a strong level of trust, which is what really made the difference. It wasn’t about a hard sell. It was about understanding their needs, being reliable, and showing up for them. That relationship has grown into a significant account, which for me is proof that strong people skills, backed by action, genuinely drive results.
What’s been the biggest challenge in your first few months, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge has probably been stepping into a completely new area. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I made a conscious decision not to overthink it. I just got stuck in. I blocked out full days to be out on patch, cold calling and getting in front of people.
I also made an effort to really understand the area by following local newspapers and community groups on social media, so I could get a feel for what was happening and where opportunities might be. Journey planning was a challenge at first too, but you quickly adapt, and Maps became my best friend!
Looking back, it was a great learning curve and really built my confidence in being able to go into any new area and make it work.
How supported do you feel now, and what kind of ongoing support makes the biggest difference day to day?
I feel really supported by both the people and the business. No two days are ever the same, some are better than others, but that’s just part of it. I always try to stay level-headed: never let the highs get too high, and the lows won’t feel too low.
I’m in regular contact with Jon and Chris, which is really refreshing. There’s always a bit of banter, but we get the job done. It’s a great balance and makes a big difference day to day.
What’s the most challenging part of the role?
The unpredictability. Not every conversation turns into a deal straight away, and that can be tough early on. It requires consistency and a long-term mindset. I’m very disciplined in how I approach my work because I know no one else is going to do it for me.
What keeps the work exciting and motivating for you?
The chase! I genuinely thrive on it. I love winning new accounts and, just as much, helping businesses grow once I’m working with them.
A big part of my motivation is my children, Cruz and Milan. I want them to see that hard work matters and to give them the best life I can. That really drives me every day.
I also remember someone once telling me I was “lucky”, but I don’t see it that way. I truly believe you create your own luck through effort, consistency, and showing up every day.
What’s been your proudest moment since joining Speedy Parcels?
Winning that major account. From a numbers perspective, that was a big achievement for me. But equally, I’m really proud of how I’ve come into the business, settled in with the team, and been able to add real value. For me, it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about contributing, building relationships, and making a positive impact.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about taking on a similar role?
Go for it. It’s not an easy role, but it’s incredibly rewarding when you put the work in. You get to meet so many different people, and it really is a great environment to be part of.
There’s always a need for a parcel carrier, so it’s a strong, stable industry to be in. I genuinely love what I do and really care about my clients, which makes a huge difference.
I’m truly passionate about this industry. I’ve been in it since I was 19, and at the time I was the youngest field salesperson. It’s given me so many opportunities, and I’d encourage anyone with the right mindset to give it a go.
Thinking about becoming a Speedy Parcels franchisee?
If this story has got you thinking, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re ready to take the leap or just want to find out more, our team is on hand to answer your questions and help you explore whether a Speedy Parcels franchise could be the right opportunity for you.
Get in touch today and take the first step towards building something of your own.
