Start an errand business
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This document provides guidance on starting an errand running business. Potential customers include new mothers, elderly or homebound individuals, and busy professionals. Services could include tasks like grocery shopping, dry cleaning, pet care, and financial errands. Startup costs are low, requiring only a reliable vehicle, phone, computer, and means to invoice. Marketing should target the local community through websites, directories, classifieds, flyers, and networking to spread the word. An errand business is a good option for someone who enjoys helping people and building personal connections.
Start an errand business
- 1. Start an Errand Business If you’re looking to start your own business and work from home, consider star9ng an errand running business. An errand running business offers you the ability to help people, make personal connec9ons with customers, and make a nice income. Here’s what you need to start an errand business. Customers An errand running business has a number of poten9al customers. New mothers and mothers of young children are a fantas9c audience. Addi9onally, the elderly or people that are home bound can also benefit from an errand running business. Finally, consider also targe9ng affluent customers who work twelve-‐hour days and don’t have 9me to complete many tasks. Services As a concierge or the owner of an errand running business, you have many op9ons. You can offer a number of services or you can specialize. Some op9ons include: * Dry cleaning * Grocery shopping * Shopping * Post office/shipping * Banking * Appointment making * Buying 9ckets * Walking/caring for pets or taking them to the veterinarian
- 2. You can also specialize in a specific type of task or service like financial errands which would require a high degree of trust. Research your compe99on to choose what services you offer and how you price them. You can charge by the hour, by the errand or offer package or membership pricing. Start-‐Up Equipment The wonderful thing about an errand business is that the start-‐up costs are extremely low. If you already own a reliable vehicle, your costs may be less than $100. However, you’ll also need a telephone and email address. If your phone has email capability and tex9ng and instant messaging op9ons, that will help your customers stay in touch with you. You’ll also want a computer, a website, and the means to invoice your customers. Marke9ng Your Business Ini9ally your marke9ng campaign will be local. You’ll want a website for customers to reference and you’ll want to be listed on local search engines like Google Places. You will also likely want classified adver9sements in your local papers, Craigslist and the yellow pages. Networking and word of mouth are perhaps your biggest sources of clients. Help your clients spread the word and consider offering a referral bonus. Flyer and brochures will help spread the word too. An errand running business is a wonderful business if you’re personable and responsible. Addi9onally, it’ll help if you’re excited to start and grow a business focused on helping people. Research your compe99on, plan your business, and help meet the needs of your community. Get started today!