Become a Gophr Self-employed Courier

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    Steven Hillman FCA

    Chartered Accountant

    TaxStore® Founder & CEO

    Updated on:

    30 October 2023

    Become a Gophr Self-employed Courier in the UK: Our Comprehensive guide.

    Looking to earn extra income as a courier in the UK? Gophr , an emerging competitor to well-known delivery services like Royal Mail, Evri and DPD, could be your ticket to a lucrative side hustle.


    Known for its same-day delivery services, Gophr is fast becoming the go-to delivery service for various businesses across industries. With a business model designed for a constant flow of work, becoming a Gophr self-employed courier could offer you excellent earning potential.

    
    This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to get started as a Gophr Self-employed Courier, the potential earnings, and what it takes to succeed. Keep reading to learn more!

    About Gophr 

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    Gophr is a delivery service that’s been around since 2014. The company mainly provides last-mile courier solutions, serving clients across London and the rest of the UK.


    The biggest difference it has with other last-mile shipping companies is that Gophr focuses on in-demand and same-day delivery services.

    
    The company works with restaurants, pharmacies, and even local government offices to deliver food, medicine, documents, and other types of packages. Their couriers, who drive vans, motorcycles, and bikes, bring the items to their destinations swiftly.

    How Can You Work With Gophr? 

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    You will work as a self-employed courier under Gophr. You won’t be an official employee, and you’re simply using Gophr as a means to find delivery opportunities. After each drop, you receive compensation. 


    As a self-employed worker, you will have flexibility in the jobs you take and the hours you work. This model is ideal for those who have a main job and are only using the app as a side hustle.


    However, there are a few drawbacks to working as a self-employed courier. For starters, you will be in charge of petrol, insurance, taxes, and other expenses.

    Earning Potential With Gophr 

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    According to Gophr, their best-performing couriers are able to earn £5,000 to £7,500 a month.


    This is thousands above the minimum monthly pay in the UK, which is around £1,700. This figure is from Gophr itself, and they also mention that experience is necessary to reach this level.


    A more realistic number is available on job review sites like Indeed. The site mentions three distinct daily averages: for van drivers, delivery drivers, and couriers.         Couriers average at £159 , which is around £19 an hour if the driver worked for 8 hours, and is more than the national minimum wage.

    
    The great hourly rate is one of the reasons why many aspiring couriers see Gophr as an ideal place to work.

    Requirements for Becoming a Gophr Courier 

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    Ready to start an application? You can apply to become a Gophr Self-employed Courier here .


    However, before you apply, make sure that you meet the requirements as     published by Gophr.

    • Clean Licence: To prove that you are a disciplined and reliable driver, you must show a licence without penalty points.
    • No Criminal Record: Having no criminal record is a mandatory requirement for Gophr. They will check this through your Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate.
    • Vehicle: Gophr accepts vans, cars, motorcycles, and bicycles.
    • Correct Insurance: Your vehicle should be covered by insurance. Couriers will need to have hire and reward insurance.
    • Valid MOT: Your vehicle should have a valid MOT certification to prove it meets road safety and environmental standards.
    • Customer-focused Behaviour: As a courier, you should have a mindset that aims for customer satisfaction.

    Applying as a New Gophr Courier 

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    Once you’ve satisfied Gophr’s requirements, it’s time to start the application process.


    While the initial registration only takes around three minutes, you may have to wait anywhere from a few days to weeks for approval or rejection.

    1. Download the app or visit the website, then create an account.
    2. Submit the requested files. These include:
    3. Driving licence
    4. Vehicle proof of ownership
    5. A selfie
    6. Proof of policy for hire and rewards insurance
    7. DBS certification
    8. Bank details
    9. The company will evaluate your documents and begin the background check.
    10. The Gophr team will reach out to inform you whether you’re approved or not.

    Start-Up Costs To Consider 

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    Like most new ventures, you will have to invest in a few things before you can begin earning as a self-employed courier. Here are some start-up costs you can expect.


    Petrol


    Gophr doesn’t provide a fuel allowance. You will have to pay for your own petrol for the entirety of your operations.


    Insurance


    You need to have some sort of vehicle insurance as well as a hire and rewards policy. Make sure you get a plan with premiums you can afford to pay.


    Driving and Safety Gear


    This applies especially to motorcycle and bicycle couriers. Since you will be on the road a lot of the time, having adequate protection against the elements is a must.


    Tax Considerations for Gophr Couriers 

    

    Since you’re a self-employed worker, Gophr will not handle your taxes. You will need to register as a self-employed worker with HM Revenue and Customs and pay applicable taxes.


    Make sure to have detailed records of earnings to ensure accurate figures when filing.

    Pros and Cons of Being a Gophr Courier 

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    While Gophr is an excellent company to work with, we want to share both the advantages and disadvantages of being a courier to help temper your expectations.


    Pros

    • Great hourly rates
    • Intuitive app
    • Flexible hours and part-time/full-time options
    • Steady and large customer base
    • Benefits for long-term couriers, such as health insurance


    Cons

    • No employment benefits
    • No holiday pay or leave
    • Some locations may have lower demand, resulting in lower drop-off rates

    Final Thoughts

    Working with Gophr is a great opportunity to earn while enjoying perks like flexible hours and control over your route.


    So, are you ready to become a Gophr self-employed courier? Follow the steps we shared above to get started.

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    Disclaimer: This blog is for general purpose guidance, and no liability is accepted by TaxStore for action taken or not taken in reliance upon the contents of this blog. Where appropriate, professional advice should be obtained.