Doing actual work as a messenger....tips?
04-28-07, 11:42 PM
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Doing actual work as a messenger....tips?
So ya...after having started riding about a month or two ago, and getting a fixie a couple weeks ago, I'm hooked. The idea of flying through traffic in Portland brings a smile to my face...
I had no idea that major cities still had bike messengers, and it totally makes sense now...I can get from A to B way faster than any car could. So....how do you get started as a messenger? Any agencies or anything like that? hand out business cards? what?
I had no idea that major cities still had bike messengers, and it totally makes sense now...I can get from A to B way faster than any car could. So....how do you get started as a messenger? Any agencies or anything like that? hand out business cards? what?
04-29-07, 12:17 AM
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You assume I don't already know how to ride safely...why?
And yes...safety first, then make a living, but that wasn't my question. HOW do I start making a living out of it?
And yes...safety first, then make a living, but that wasn't my question. HOW do I start making a living out of it?
04-29-07, 12:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Zemo
You assume I don't already know how to ride safely...why?
04-29-07, 12:21 AM
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Just get a messenger bag and carry around bulky items then tell people you are a messenger.
04-29-07, 12:23 AM
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Originally Posted by threy
you have to catch a messenger and give him your resume and application
I forgot about that part. You can't simply catch one though. You have to pull their lock out of their back pocket by sneaking up behind them while riding.
04-29-07, 02:33 AM
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I went up to a dispatcher at a london messenger company, about to ask if he had any work going. He handed me a package and gave me an address in the west end before I could explain that I didn't actually work there.
Not so much advice as an anecdote (I didn't manage to get any work either)
Not so much advice as an anecdote (I didn't manage to get any work either)
04-29-07, 02:37 AM
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Portland is going to be about the toughest city in the US to get a job. Humancongereel can let you know what you're in for. Good luck!
04-29-07, 06:45 AM
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Honestly, the money isn't that good unless you're experienced.
I make more money than the majority of couriers and I deliver food on a bike.
I make more money than the majority of couriers and I deliver food on a bike.
04-29-07, 07:16 AM
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Originally Posted by Nekura
Honestly, the money isn't that good unless you're experienced.
I make more money than the majority of couriers and I deliver food on a bike.
I make more money than the majority of couriers and I deliver food on a bike.
04-29-07, 08:04 AM
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word on the street used to be that Transerve (red helmets) will take anyone off the street. but now i hear its kinda rough
step one is buy a map of portland,
learn every street downtown and around,
ride your bike every day,
realize that you hate corporate culture and being a bike messenger only lubricates it, allowing corporate offices to function easier,
get a real job instead
step one is buy a map of portland,
learn every street downtown and around,
ride your bike every day,
realize that you hate corporate culture and being a bike messenger only lubricates it, allowing corporate offices to function easier,
get a real job instead
04-29-07, 09:23 AM
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buy a non fixed bike and learn to ride saftey, then start working as a messenger, then pick up another job when you can't make rent.
04-29-07, 09:25 AM
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Last edited by SamHouston; 05-01-07 at 03:53 PM.
04-29-07, 10:40 AM
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the way to make a ton of money as a messenger is to practice so you are faster than the internet.
04-29-07, 11:06 AM
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messenger's aren't real, if someone says they are one, then they are lying and probably work at sears.
04-29-07, 11:14 AM
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you won't be able to get a job here easily. but yeah, transerv is the place to try. and when you do have fun getting $350 worth of tickets like i did 3 days ago. the portland police are the absolute ****ing worst.
this is why i now work at the oregon zoo. the animals are so ****ing nice.
this is why i now work at the oregon zoo. the animals are so ****ing nice.
04-29-07, 11:15 AM
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I'm glad to see everyone is being so helpful.
04-29-07, 11:18 AM
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It takes more than a few weeks to really learn how to ride a fixed gear. Sure you can get around and got used to not coasting, but to get really good at it it's going to be a bit longer / more practice.
04-29-07, 11:19 AM
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Originally Posted by savier_pdx
you won't be able to get a job here easily. but yeah, transerv is the place to try. and when you do have fun getting $350 worth of tickets like i did 3 days ago. the portland police are the absolute ****ing worst.
this is why i now work at the oregon zoo. the animals are so ****ing nice.
this is why i now work at the oregon zoo. the animals are so ****ing nice.
