Tips on Starting Your Own Successful Errand Service

Make Money by Starting a Unique, Flexible Business

By Jennifer Foote, published Jul 27, 2005
Published Content: 412  Total Views: 998,664  Favorited By: 54 CPs
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There are thousands of individuals who cannot complete simples tasks outside their residence. Whether it is due to a new child, disability, illness, lack of time or age, many of these people often need someone else to complete their errands. Developing an errand service is a fairly easy way to develop your own business and turn a profit.

Errand businesses generally offer services to dry cleaners, post offices, banks, department stores, grocery stores, and additional places of business. Provided that you already posses a reliable vehicle, the start up cost for this business is fairly low. You will need supplies to advertise your business.

Informing the public about your new business is an extremely important task. A good way to target your potential customers is to post flyers and business cards in local businesses and on community bulletin boards. Placing an advertisement in a local newspaper will also bring in new clients. There are many outside companies that can place your company information and logo on magnets. Everyone loves free stuff, so hand these magnets out to customers or you could even place them on mailboxes in the area. Since you will be driving your vehicle around to complete the errands, it may be a good idea to invest in a magnetic sign for your vehicle.

An errand service will typically see more business during the holiday seasons. There are many individuals who do not know what type of gift to purchase or just don't have the time to go shopping. All year round elderly and disabled individuals and working couples may need errands taken care of. During the non-holiday months, it may be a good idea to target nursing homes and new mothers. The first couple of months after a mother has a new child, it is hard to get certain tasks completed outside the home. It may also be a good idea to offer gift certificates because many new grandparents may give this service as a gift.

Takeaways
  • Start and Errand Business with little overhead.
Did You Know?
An errand service can be an extrememly flexible, profitable enterprise
Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 7 of 7
 
 
I am starting an errand service in a rural area. I have questions about how I should do my scheduling of errands as well as priceing of services, with out becomeing to complicated. If any other business person is running an errand service and would share your wisdom of this business I would be appreciate it.. Email me at kadeshfritts@yahoo.com

Posted on 07/13/2008 at 9:07:41 AM

 
Be patient, just hanging out a shingle isn't gonna get clients to call. There will be pavement to pound. Just my .02 worth of 5 years in the business. The Errand Goddess, Warp Speed Errands, Georgia

Posted on 05/07/2008 at 9:05:01 PM

 
Just a note here... there are more costs to starting than just a few supplies. If you are going into people's homes, you may want to look into General Liability or even E&O Insurance for coverage in case of accidental damage to home/property while items/home is in your care, custody, and control. There is also proper business licensing and you may want to look into properly setting up a corporation to help shield yourself from liability. In my 5 yrs of being in the business I've found that in conjunction with advertising on the internet, radio, TV, and newspapers, joining networking groups works the best to get the word out. Networking builds trust and when someone refers you to their friends and family, the trust is passed. Networking groups do cost. Figure about $5K to $15K as start up costs the first year. About 6 months to a year before you build clientèle to support your business. It can be done on a shoestring budget, but it may take longer to get clients. Be patie

Posted on 05/07/2008 at 9:05:02 PM

 
Just wondering if LLC is best for a new errand service. Not sure how to go aboout setting that up, without lawyer involvement. Any thoughts or guidance?

Posted on 03/07/2008 at 9:03:30 AM

 
I also am looking to start an errand service in a rural area (20miles from everywhere) and would like advice on pricing, how to group multiple orders together etc., etc., Please email me at ggunderson68@gmail.com with advice.

Posted on 03/03/2008 at 1:03:29 PM

 
I am starting an errand service in a rural area. I have questions about how I should do my scheduling of errands as well as priceing of services, with out becomeing to complicated. If any other business person is running an errand service and would share your wisdom of this business I would be appreciate it.. Email me at kadeshfritts@yahoo.com

Posted on 01/30/2008 at 2:01:32 PM

 
Never thought about this. Not for me (young baby) yet, but still an interesting idea and article.

Posted on 07/13/2006 at 5:07:00 AM

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