No matter if someone is single or part of a couple, childless or with a gaggle of children, almost everyone is in need of more time for the little things in life - fixing a broken toilet, getting bills paid on time, picking up someone from the airport. So why not capitalize on this need for more time by starting an errand business? Learn the basics here, as well as where to get more information about how to make money.
Recommended Skills and Experience To Start An Errand Service
People who are interested in running errands to make money should have strong skills and knowledge in the following:
- office and administration;
- computers and the internet;
- oral and written communication, including negotiation;
- organization;
- knowing where to find products and services in the community;
- ability to spot trends;
- purchasing (and storage in some cases); and
- customer service and sales.
What Errand Businesses Do
Errand services take care of the mundane, everyday tasks that people are too busy or unable to take care of themselves, and do them in a timely and professional manner. Some of the errands to be taken care of could include things like picking up groceries, delivering items, creating and/or confirming appointments, getting items cleaned, researching travel or large purchases, taking people to appointments, and house, plant or pet sitting.
Estimated Errand Business Start Up Costs
A vehicle is essential for running errands, and therefore will be required for business startup. A computer is helpful to take care of the organizational and bookkeeping side of things, and would also come in handy when trying to get free publicity. It is assumed however that most entrepreneurs will have both of these items already, so with that in mind, startup costs for an errand business should be minimal, i.e. in the cheap business startup range of $200 or less.
Where and How to Market an Errand Service
Creating a marketing plan is an essential part of starting an errand business, because word of mouth is often the most effective tactic in earning new clients for this line of work. Brochures and organizations such as the Welcome Wagon can also assist in getting a foot in the door, although a website and/or networking would likely lead to more interested clients.
What to Learn Before Starting an Errand Service
Do some research on the internet and find other, non-competing errand businesses and ask them for an informational interview. What were their biggest start up costs? How do they find new clients? How long did it take to get started and land their first contract? What would they recommend differently to other fledgling entrepreneurs? Other ideas including volunteering to run errands for local seniors communities to understand more about the ins and outs of the business startup.
Where to Get More Information About Starting an Errand Service
There aren't a lot of resources for entrepreneurs wanting to start an errand service, mostly because those folks interested in this line of work normally do business startup on a whim and look at the actual potential of the business after things either get rolling or don't. Therefore, to stand out of the errand service business crowd, try planning ahead by reading a few of the following recommended books, or attempting a basic business plan before getting started.
- Start Your Own Senior Services Business, by Charlene Davis (2nd Edition, 2010)
- The Concierge Manual, by Katherine and Ron Giovanni
- FabJob Guide to Becoming a Personal Shopper, by Laura McBride, Peter J. Gallanis and Tag Goulet
Bonny Albo - Bonny offers 20 years of writing experience to her readers. CNN, MSNBC, The LA Times and Macleans all reference her for expert advice.
