Let’s get real for a second. Running an Amazon DSP (Delivery Service Partner) business isn’t easy. You’re juggling a million things at once: deliveries, drivers, devices, and, oh yeah, trying to turn a profit.
But here’s the thing: most DSP owners are missing out on some critical secrets that could make or break their business.
I’m not talking about the basics like “hire good drivers” or “keep your delivery times fast.” You already know that.
I’m talking about the hidden strategies. The stuff no one tells you-that can take your DSP from struggling to thriving.
And trust me, these secrets matter. Right now, DSPs are shutting down left and right. Why? Because they’re missing these key pieces of the puzzle.
So, let’s dive in. Here are 12 secrets you probably don’t know as an Amazon DSP business owner-but absolutely should.
1. You Need a 360° View of Your Drivers (and Their Devices)
Here’s the hard truth: if you don’t know what your drivers are doing during work hours, you’re flying blind.
Late deliveries? Abandoned routes? Missed stops? These aren’t just minor annoyances; they’re profit killers.
The solution? A Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution that gives you full visibility into your drivers’ activities.
A good MDM should let you:
- Track your drivers’ locations in real-time.
- Monitor battery levels to avoid dead devices mid-route.
- Restrict apps to work-only tools (no TikTok on the clock).
Without this, you’re basically guessing what’s happening out there. And guessing doesn’t pay the bills.
2. Have a Device Management Contingency Plan
Let’s face it: devices break. Phones get dropped, screens crack, and batteries die.
If you don’t have a plan for this, you’re setting yourself up for disaster.
Here’s what you need:
- Loaner phones: Choose a provider or wireless carrier that offers loaner devices when yours need repair. This keeps your drivers on the road without missing a beat.
- Spare devices: If you can afford it, keep a few extra devices on hand. But let’s be honest; this can get expensive fast. That’s why a loaner program is often the smarter move.
The bottom line? Don’t let a broken device derail your entire operation.
3. Audit Your Bills Like a Hawk
Here’s a secret most DSP owners don’t realize: wireless carriers love to sneak in unnecessary charges.
Data overages, hidden fees, random add-ons. It all adds up.
And if you’re not consistently auditing your bills, you’re throwing money away.
Set aside time every month to review your statements. Look for:
- Unused lines or services.
- Overages or unexpected charges.
- Plans that no longer fit your needs.
A little effort here can save you thousands over time.
4. Keep Your Drivers Happy (Seriously, This is Non-Negotiable)
Your drivers are the backbone of your business. If they’re unhappy, your business will suffer.
And I’m not just talking about paychecks (though that’s important too).
Think about:
- Work-life balance: Are your drivers working insane hours? Burnout leads to high turnover and that’s expensive.
- Communication: Are you listening to their concerns? A little empathy goes a long way.
- Tools and support: Do they have what they need to do their jobs well?
Happy drivers = better performance = happier customers. It’s that simple.
5. The Harsh Reality: Many DSPs Are Shutting Down
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the DSP game is tough.
In fact, a lot of DSPs are shutting down. Why?
Because they’re missing the secrets we’re talking about here.
They’re not tracking their drivers. They’re not managing their devices. They’re not auditing their bills.
And they’re definitely not keeping their drivers happy.
Don’t let that be you.
6. Optimize Your Routes (But Don’t Overdo It)
Amazon gives you routes, but that doesn’t mean they’re perfect.
Take the time to review and optimize them. Look for:
- Clusters of stops that can be grouped together.
- Routes that are too long or too short.
- Areas with high traffic or other delays.
But here’s the catch: don’t over-optimize. If you’re constantly tweaking routes, you’ll drive yourself (and your drivers) crazy.
7. Invest in Training
Your drivers are the face of your business. Make sure they’re trained to represent you well.
This includes:
- Customer service skills: A friendly driver can turn a bad experience into a good one.
- Safety protocols: Accidents are costly both financially and reputationally.
- Efficiency tips: Small changes can shave minutes off each stop, which adds up fast.
8. Leverage Data (It’s Your Best Friend)
Amazon gives you a ton of data. Use it.
Look for trends in:
- Delivery times.
- Customer feedback.
- Driver performance.
This data can help you spot problems before they become disasters.
9. Build Relationships with Your Customers
Let’s get one thing straight: your customers aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet—they’re real people. And how you treat them can make or break your business. Building strong relationships with your customers isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a game-changer.
Think about it. When was the last time you received a delivery that felt personal? Maybe it was a friendly note from the driver or a follow-up message asking how everything went. Small touches like these can turn a routine delivery into a memorable experience.
So, how do you make it happen? Start by finding ways to connect. Personalized delivery notes, quick follow-up surveys, or even a simple “thank you” can go a long way. Show your customers that you care about their experience, not just the package you dropped off.
And here’s the kicker: happy customers are loyal customers. They’re the ones who come back, leave positive reviews, and recommend your services to others. In a competitive market like Amazon DSP, that kind of loyalty is priceless.
Bottom line? Don’t treat your customers like transactions. Treat them like people. Build relationships, earn their trust, and watch your business thrive. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about delivering packages—it’s about delivering value.
10. Stay Compliant
Amazon doesn’t mess around when it comes to rules. Break them, and you could lose your contract—and your business. Staying compliant isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a must. Amazon frequently updates its requirements, from delivery standards to driver safety protocols, and it’s on you to keep up.
Make it a habit to regularly review Amazon’s guidelines and ensure your operations align with them. This includes everything from vehicle maintenance and driver certifications to data privacy and customer service standards. Falling behind isn’t an option.
Set up a system to track changes and communicate them to your team. Consider designating a compliance officer or using tools to automate updates. Staying compliant isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about building trust with Amazon and positioning your DSP for long-term success. Don’t let a simple oversight cost you everything. Stay sharp, stay informed, and stay compliant.
11. Plan for Growth
Here’s the cold, hard truth: if you’re not growing, you’re dying. Stagnation is the enemy of any business, especially in the fast-paced world of Amazon DSP. You can’t just coast and hope for the best—you need a clear, actionable plan to scale.
Start by setting specific, measurable goals. Where do you want your business to be in 6 months? A year? Break it down. More routes? More drivers? Higher profits? Whatever it is, get crystal clear on the target.
Then, create a roadmap to get there. What steps do you need to take? What resources do you need? Who do you need on your team? Growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens by design.
So, stop playing small. Think bigger, plan smarter, and take action. Because if you’re not moving forward, you’re falling behind. And in this game, there’s no room for standing still.
12. Don’t Go It Alone
Running a DSP is hard. But you don’t have to do it alone.
Find mentors, join communities, and learn from others who’ve been there.
Running an Amazon DSP isn’t for the faint of heart. But with the right strategies, you can build a thriving business.
Remember: it’s not just about delivering packages. It’s about delivering value to your customers, your drivers, and yourself.
So, take these secrets to heart. Implement them. And watch your business grow.
Because at the end of the day, success isn’t about luck. It’s about knowing the game and playing it better than anyone else.
Now go out there and crush it.
