How to Start a Concierge and Errand Service

Follow along and you will learn the basics of starting a Concierge and Errand service. Some of you will call it a Lifestyle Management Service. Whatever you call it, whatever your specialty, whatever your niche market , the basics are the same. The difference is only in your vision and how you present it to the world. Please make sure you scroll to the bottom of the page to get all of the tips and hints.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• An entreprenurial spirit
• Fuel efficient automobile
• Computer with internet
• Cell phone( with camera is best)
• Voicemail
• Business cards
• Brochures
• Magnetic signs
• Concierge manual
• Logo and a name

1. Do your homework. Read up on the concierge and errand business in book form and the internet. Check out Amazon.com for used books on the business. Join a message board or two. Join the National Concierge Association or International Concierge and Errand Association (ICEA) after you have made a concrete decision about the viability of starting your business.
   Buy a "how-to" manual. There are several. Fabjob.com has an e-book that can be downloaded, Katharine Giovanni has a Concierge Manual, Entrepreneur magazine just put out an updated version of their Concierge Manual, Ronald Spina has another. You will get helpful tips from all. Before you buy a book and other start-up stuff, join a chat group or message board (Yahoo has a great one listed under finance )and get a referral on the best manual from those who know.
2. If you do not know how to run a business, you should at least go to a "Start your own Business" class in your community. It will explain the particulars of your state or county regulations regarding operating a business out of your home, naming your business, etc. A class offered by a college or your county will be your best bet to start with. Consider those at your 'parks and recreation department' as enrichment only. You will learn something from everybody and everywhere if you listen and research. Your local library has everything you need. Also, consider perusing startupnation.com for great info and camaraderie. Remain open and evolve with the process. If you have a concierge service operating in your area, ask if you can ride along or work for them for a while. Be prepared to sign a no-compete contract.
3. Develop your brand. Who are you? Who will you serve; seniors, busy executives or corporations? You need to know in order to market yourself effectively. You will need a logo first, then business cards and other marketing material. Do not waste your money before developing your brand. The material you display will reflect your business. Give yourself time to reflect on who you will serve, then develop your logo, business cards, etc. A purple flowery logo with lavender business cards are fine for senior services or neighborhood grocery delivery and errand running. But if you are planning on serving a corporate clientele, you may need to create a corporate image yourself of crisp, succinct copy and muted corporate colors.
4. Insurance. YOU NEED IT! This could cost you $500 to $1000 a year for General Liability. It could cost you your house without. It makes you legitimate and allows you to carry on with confidence. The message boards and manuals will point you in the proper direction (specific insurance companies). Your coverage should cover two incidents at a million dollars each.
5. Network. Join a local Chamber of Commerce or business group to start. You can join more and different types of social and service groups later, if you don't already belong. Many groups will allow visits before you join. Some require strict adherence to by-laws on attendance and referrals. Take your time joining as each has it's own "flavor" .
6. Advertise. Depending on your budget and your targeted market, this could be flyers at the grocery store or an upscale ad in Forbes. The best way(cheap too)is word of mouth and referrals. Magnetic signs or graphics on your car , as well as a uniform jacket with screen printing or embroidery is an excellent choice and a huge favorite. Better than expensive Yellow pages! Prepare to hand out biz cards while out and about.
7. Website! Find one or five sites on the internet that you like and take note. At the bottom is usually a webmaster' s name or contact. If not, contact the business and ask who did their site and would they recommend them. You can do your own for almost free with easy templates from wherever you buy your domain name ( GoDaddy, Tripod, Yahoo) or pay a webmaster from four hundred dollars to thousands for the same thing. No need to jump into this, but you may want to purchase a domain first before it gets taken. You will eventually NEED a website.
   Please scroll down below the ads for more tips!!!

Tips & Warnings

• Write a business plan...or not! Two schools of thought on this. It could prove very helpful or stagnate you if you are a creative type.
• Have a separate business account
• Find out how to accept credit cards ( Sam's Club, Costco,Paypal)
• Get a bookkeeper or learn Quickbooks and keep up with your expenses weekly.
• Don't do any of this if you are not a people person with stamina.
• Do not undercharge. Gas prices are killer these days and you will find yourself working for free if you don't charge a proper sum.
• If you don't quote a higher rate, you won't be able to discount. Give yourself wiggle room. Easier to discount your rates than raise them.
• Have strict policies and adhere to them. They command respect and make you more business-like as well as profitable. If you don't have a clause for item returns, for instance, then you may end up returning things over and over again for a difficult client ... for free. Make sure to think your policies through.
• If you are in need of information specific to the industry, don't call another concierge and pretend to be a potential client! Rude! Dishonest! Just email or call and ask for help politely, stating that you are a newbie. They will get back to you when and if they have time .You can pay for phone consultations from the industry biggies as well.
• Don't ask another concierge for free items that they had to pay for. It puts them in a difficult position. There are contracts available from several sources and they are relatively cheap. That is one way some concierge' s have been successful; selling their well-honed knowledge in the form of contracts, reports and books. Don't undermine their business by asking another to fork it over for free.
• Do NOT copy from another concierge' s website ! You will get a letter straight from their attorney.