How to Run an Errand Service

With so many things to do and so little time to get them done, many people and businesses are outsourcing their errands. An errand service can include picking up and dropping off dry cleaning, providing assistance with party planning, grocery shopping, home organizing and even finding childcare, just to name a few. An errand service is a relatively easy start-up business that requires a few steps to make it run efficiently and effectively.

Things You'll Need

• Car
• Cellular phone
• Computer with Internet access
• Calendar
• Receipt book
• Office supplies (pens, pencils, folders, paper clips, stapler)
• Contract
• Website
• Email address
• Blog
• Business cards
• Brochures
• Thank you cards

Instructions

1. Gather some essential items to get your errand service business started. You'll need a cellular phone, a computer with Internet access, a web-based or paper calendar, a receipt book, and small office supplies like paper and pens.

2. Think about your target market and the types of errand services you plan to offer them. Will your errand services be primarily for seniors, working families or business executives, for instance? Once you've narrowed your market, find out if there's any competition in your area and find a way to differentiate your business. Come up with a list of services you plan to provide and a price list. Consider if you want to charge by hour or by errand and decide on your payment terms. Some errand services require half payment up front and the remainder once services are rendered. You should also think about your cancellation policy. Create a contract that includes these details.

3. Create a buzz about your business by putting together a website and a blog. The website can describe your services and give general information about your errand business, while the blog can serve as a place you use for giving tips to clients and potential clients. For example, you can include tips about household organization, budgeting and even party planning. Introduce your errand services to your community at local meetings, in community newsletters, magazines and events. Create business cards and brochures to distribute, if necessary.

4. Have potential clients contact you via phone or via email with their requests. Include a form on your website that asks for name, phone number, email address and a description of the errands they need completed. Create a calendar so you can keep track of client requests. Once clients contact you to schedule errands, place their names on the schedule under the appropriate time and detail which errand you need to complete with them, along with any special instructions.

5. Complete your errands according to your schedule and use external resources as needed. Be on time for your appointments and be sure to get your client's contact information in case you have questions while you're out completing the errand.

6. Collect your payment once you've completed the errands. Use a receipt book to keep track of your services. Be sure to give your client a copy of the receipt. Within 24 hours of completing a service, mail or email your client a thank you note. Be sure to ask each client to refer you to friends and family who may need your errand services.

References

• Start Your Own Errand Service
• Make Money Running Simple Errands

Resources

• Start Your Errand Service
• International Concierge & Errand Association