Whether it's a full-time job or a sideline, the independent courier profession has been booming in recent years, mainly in big cities. This development is due to the emergence of meal delivery platforms such as Uber eats. Becoming an independent courier is fairly straightforward. But there are a number of steps you'll need to take, not least to obtain a SIREN number. Here's how to get started.
Become a motorized or bicycle courier
If you choose to work as a scooter delivery driver, you'll need to comply with the requirements for motorized transporters.
To be able to carry out your new activity, you need to register with the Registre National des Transporteurs. To do this, you need to meet the following conditions: + you need to obtain a certificate of professional competence, issued after 10 days' training at an approved center. The training focuses on driving, safety, knowledge of the delivery sector and travel logics. + you must have a financial capacity of €900 per vehicle used for your activity.
Before registering you on the Registre National des Transporteurs, the authorities will check that you are of good repute by verifying the bulletin n°2 of your criminal record.
If, on the other hand, you decide to work as a bike courier, you don't need to go through these formalities.
How can I become an Uber eats courier?
To operate as a self-employed delivery driver with Uber eats, you'll need a SIREN number. The status favored by the platform is micro-enterprise. Simple to set up, it's ideal for a secondary activity or for testing a project.
Key points for self-employed couriers operating as micro-businesses: + the CFE responsible is the CCI (Chambre de Commerce et de l'Industrie) + the APE code is 5320Z - Other postal and courier activities + the type of activity is a commercial service + the sales ceiling is €70,000 + the social security contribution rate is 22%.
General conditions of micro-entrepreneur status
Who can become a micro-entrepreneur?
Combinable with student, salaried or even retired status, micro-business status is accessible to a wide range of profiles.
However, if you are already a company director affiliated to the RSI or the majority manager of a SARL or EURL, you will not be able to set up a micro-enterprise. It is also impossible to set up several micro-businesses. So, if you already have a micro-business for another professional activity, you won't be able to create a second one for your Uber eats courier business. However, you can modify your existing company to add your new activity.
What does this status imply?
Accounting and returns
The main advantage of micro-entrepreneurship is its simplicity. Micro-entrepreneurs are exempt from VAT and don't need to keep detailed accounts. All they need to do is keep track of their income and expenditure, and keep their invoices and receipts.
He must also declare his sales every month or quarter, even if they are zero. Note that since January 1, 2018, the sales ceiling differs from that of the VAT exemption. Sales are limited to €70,000, whereas the VAT exemption ceiling is set at €33,200. Thus, for annual sales of €33,201 or more (an average of €2,766 per month), the micro-entrepreneur must invoice and declare VAT. This is 20% for the meal delivery business.
Micro-entrepreneur taxation
The self-employed delivery driver is taxed on 50% of his sales. The 50% allowance is intended to cover the operating costs of the business. For a bicycle courier, this deduction is greater than the actual expenses incurred in the course of his business. Conversely, for a scooter courier, the benefit is less significant, due to the fuel and insurance costs incurred by the vehicle, and the cost of registering with the Registre National des Transporteurs. However, the micro-enterprise system is still advantageous.
Open a dedicated bank account
Whatever your legal status, you must open a bank account dedicated to your business. If you're a micro-business owner, you can choose between a personal account and a business account. The business account, by its very nature, will undoubtedly better meet your expectations. If you work as an Uber eats delivery driver, and you are mainly paid by bank transfer, an account with a neobank such as Anytime is a suitable and inexpensive solution.
Insurance
Picking up the order, delivering it to the customer, returning to pick up another order, and so on. Some days, the pace of an Uber eats courier is frantic. Between following a GPS and the need to move as quickly as possible, accidents can happen. That's why we strongly advise you to take out professional liability insurance. In principle, as a self-employed worker, it's up to you to take out this insurance. But Uber eats has set up a partnership with Axa to cover all its couriers.
If you're a scooter courier, you'll also need to take out Traffic Civil Liability cover. It covers damage caused to a customer or third party involving your scooter.
How do I set up a micro-business and obtain a SIREN number?
Opting for micro-entrepreneur status means you can benefit from very simple business start-up formalities. You can register as a micro-entrepreneur online or by post. All you need to do is fill in a business start-up declaration form and return it to the CCI (Chambre du Commerce et de l'Industrie), together with the necessary supporting documents.
You will then receive a SIREN number. This is proof that your company is registered with the Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés. After this, you can register with Uber eats to attend an information session. Following a brief presentation of the company and the partnership, you'll be invited to follow a delivery driver on a delivery and complete one under his or her supervision. If you pass this test, you'll be able to finalize the registration and send the necessary documents to start your business.
Thanks to the micro-entrepreneur status, it's quick and easy to get started in a complementary activity. Registering as a micro-entrepreneur takes just a few minutes, and you can quickly obtain a SIREN number to get started as an Uber eats delivery driver. Anytime offers a professional account with services perfectly suited to your business.
