How to Start an Errand Running Business
Life can be busy from the minute a person gets up in the morning until that last sigh of relief in the evening. It's hectic for professional couples, families and even seniors on the go. If you like helping people and have a roomy, reliable vehicle, consider starting an errand running business. Check with your city and state to see what licenses you need. Call your auto insurance agent to see if you need to expand your insurance. Set up a business checking account and you're ready to start an errand running business.
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Instructions
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Determine your market niche. While everyone might need your services, not everyone is in the position to pay for your services. Research the neighborhoods where you'll be working and choose the ones that have the most potential customers. For example, a senior on a fixed income could certainly use help, but unfortunately, they may not have the resources to pay. However, seniors living in luxury condos or active retirement communities probably do. Families with school-age children and working parents are another market niche opportunity.
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Decide what services you'll offer. Running errands covers the gamut from taking the cat to the vet, to picking up dry cleaning to grocery shopping. You may not want the responsibility of making decisions about other people's pets or the time it takes to grocery shop by brand. Some services, such as shopping, require you to be reimbursed after you've spent your own money. That carries some risk.
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Scout out the competition. You want to find out what they're offering. Notice how they word their advertising, their websites and what services they provide. Call about their pricing. If you don't feel comfortable calling them directly because you'll soon be a competitor, have a friend call.
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Price your services by the hour or by the project. Keep your prices within the range of your competitors. Consider offering a price break if you can batch errands for different clients. Another alternative is offering a set number of hours per week or month for a discount off your rates. The client can choose whatever the errands they want accomplished.
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Differentiate your errand running services from the others. You might emphasize that you're available earlier or later, you offer a broader range of services, or that you accept credit cards, as well as checks and cash.
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Develop a brochure of your services, fees and you. An errand running service success is personal. Who you are is as important as what you do. Transform the brochure into a website. You could add a blog to the site as well, where you give helpful tips on getting errands completed, organizing or just about your local area. Don't lose potential customers by not having a site. ZDnet states that between 60 to 83 percent of Internet users use the Internet for product research. About 77 percent of the population has Internet access according to Internet World Stats.
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Get the word out about your services. Tell friends and family. Inform your church. Hand out fliers and leave them at non-competing businesses. Send out a press release to the local newspaper. Consider small display ads in weekly newspapers.
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Tips & Warnings
Start slowly. Establish a positive reputation, and then use your satisfied clients as referrals.
Keep your revenues and expenses separate from household expenses for tax purposes.
