Chronicle Editor
Taboka Tshuma, Sunday Life Reporter
IN a heartwarming tale of resilience and determination, 27-year-old Ricardo Dzimiri popularly known as “Ricky” has turned to offering bicycle courier services to make a living, defying all odds to provide for his daily needs.
After losing his job as a cashier at Spar in 2020, Ricky struggled to find new employment. He then began selling bananas in a pushcart in the Bulawayo CBD. However, like many businesses during that time, the Covid-19 lockdown forced him to stop operating, crippling his enterprise.
With the rise of the gig economy and increasing demand for quick delivery services, Ricky saw an opportunity to capitalise on this trend and started his own bicycle courier business where he would offer to get people stuff in town from as low as R5. He kept on increasing this charge as more people asked for his services.
Armed with a sturdy bicycle, a smartphone and a determination to succeed, Ricky navigates through the city’s busy streets, delivering packages, documents and even groceries to clients across the metropolitan area.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions, physical exhaustion and stiff competition from established courier services, Ricky remains committed to his craft, inspired by the prospect of a better future.
“I couldn’t find a job after being relieved of my duties. I had bills to pay so I couldn’t just sit around and do nothing. I started marketing my business on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram to be precise. The platforms are unforgiving.
It was not easy as I faced many challenges like being scammed. Some would give me an address that does not exist and I would spend a lot of valuable time looking for it,” he said.
One of the biggest obstacles he has encountered in his bicycle business is having unexpected cycle breakdowns, with his bike needing complete service sometimes.
“I often send my bicycle to a local mechanic to service it to avoid inconveniences when doing my deliveries. Just last year, I motorised my bicycle and I now start an engine and am good to go,” said Ricky.
“In terms of competition from authorised courier service providers I have managed to stand out by responding fast to clients’ enquiries and I am willing to go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.
I have introduced what I call a “loyalty programme” where I am offering discounts to clients who want more than one delivery at a time. My charges are still very competitive. When I started I was charging as low as R5 for people in my neighbourhood but as business grew, I am now charging US$5 per trip and I no longer carry loads. I now carry documents, small parcels and do errands like paying bills for people.”
He said the job was not an easy one. It requires commitment but added that he was happy as apart from being his own boss, it allows him to meet new people every day.
His clients praised his reliability, efficiency and friendly demeanor, which has helped him build a loyal customer base.
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