How to Start an Errand Running Business 1-2-3
If you are looking for a simple business - yet you don't want to be bored staying at home, this may
be the ideal work for you. By helping people out with their daily or weekly tasks, this work can be extremely
gratifying - as you are helping people accomplishing necessary tasks.
If you have limited business experience and start-up capital, errand running is an easy business to start.
Many times, you can use the skills you already have and earn between $25 and $50 an hour. Errand runners work
with companies, individuals or both.
There are a variety of errand running jobs listed online which can include grocery shopping,
providing transportation, light housekeeping, dry cleaning drop off, etc. Busy families with
children often need help and there are a growing number of elderly households that need errands run
as well.
What Type of Work Can You Do?
As an errand runner or personal concierge, you can
get paid to handle a variety of different errands. For example, making deliveries, miscellaneous shopping
tasks, chauffeuring children, making reservations, administrative jobs, housesitting, pet care, event
assistance, transportation service, meal preparation or pick-up, meeting planning, reminder services and
lots more.
Offering a variety of different tasks to clients means that you can make life easier for them - while
generating more money for your business. Find out how successful errand business owners
started their own businesses...
Checklist: Starting a Concierge Business:
1. Obtain the necessary business licenses. Check with your local
government office to find out which licenses and permits you need for your concierge business and how to
apply.
2. If you plan to operate your concierge business out of your home, check
with your local
government office about zoning ordinances and possible land use restrictions
3. Set up a business
bank account with your local bank. It is important to keep your errand-running business and personal
finances separate, and often your banker can help with small business loans or financing.
4. Arrange a meeting with an accountant to discuss tax strategies and ways
to maximize your business tax deductions. You
can get referrals from other business owners you know or sometimes your banker.
5. Register your business name with the
county clerk
6. Meet with an insurance agent to discuss insurance you may need for your
concierge business. The IIABA (Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America) is a good place to
start. You can also get free quotes online for business insurance
7. Set up your business phone system. Whether you use a
toll-free 800 phone number, a
multi-line phone system, VoIP or simply add an additional phone number to your existing service, you'll
want a designated line to establish a professional business image.
8. Order business cards. One of the cheapest ways I know of to advertise a
business. See how you can design your own professional business cards online, plus simple tips for
increasing your sales. See also: how to design your own logo.
9. Get a website. Save money by creating your own website with simple online design
programs, or outsource the job to an affordable website designer. Whether you sell concierge products online - or you use a
website to display information about your errand-running services, it's important to take advantage of this
low-cost marketing resource that can help you get more customers.
10. Advertise: Care4Hire
is a website that connects caregivers with clients
who need to hire help. If you offer miscellanous errand services, you can register as a "Misc Helper" so
that clients can find you online. See also: Local Search Advertising
Concierge and Errand Running Business Resources:
Grow Your Income Using Proven Marketing Methods
If you are serious about getting lots of customers, and you don't want to pay thousands of dollars to an ad
agency, the Small
Business Marketing Guide shows you how to attract a steady stream of buyers - on the
cheap.
Get the 1-Day Marketing Plan outline and over 29 proven success systems
that you can use over and over to increase profits and grow your business, including:
- Foolproof salesletter template, proven ad writing checklist and how to create an irresistible
offer.
- How to turn incoming phone calls into clients and turn one-time buyers into lucrative lifetime
customers.
- How to use other people's customers to get new business.
- The secret to getting free referrals when you ask - 90% of the time.
- Maximum profit pricing strategy and how to double your sales with simple packaging
techniques.
- 4 techniques for doubing sales - with no additional customers.
- Get it Risk-Free >> Small Business Marketing
Guide
