You may be thinking about starting your own errand running business because you need some extra money, or because you’re tired of your current job. Maybe you don’t want to sit in an office all day, or you just want to be your own boss. Whatever your reason may be, starting your own errand running business can be a great way to make some extra money, but it’s important to do your research first.
In this article, we will outline the steps you need to take in order to start your own successful errand running business. From conducting market research to marketing your business, we will cover everything you need to know to get your business off to a successful start!
Why You Should Start An Errand Running Business
Many people don’t start their own errand running businesses because they are afraid of the unknown. They may not know where to start, or what services to offer. They may also be worried about not having enough clients, or about not making enough money. However, if you do your research and start off on the right foot, you will be well on your way to a successful errand running business and you’ll find that there is a high demand for errand service providers.
There are many benefits to starting your own errand running business. First of all, you will be your own boss. This means that you can set your own hours, and work as much or as little as you want. You will also be able to choose which clients you work with, and which errands you run. This can be a great way to get out of the house, and meet new people.
Another benefit of starting your own errand running business is that you can choose how much you want to charge for your services. If you start off small, you can gradually increase your prices as your business grows. This is a great way to make some extra money, without having to commit to a full-time job.
Finally, starting your own errand running business can be a great way to get some exercise. If you enjoy running errands, you will be able to get some fresh air and exercise while you work. This can be a great way to stay healthy, and it will also help you to save money on gym membership fees.
Now that you know some of the benefits of starting your own errand running business, let’s take a look at how you can get started.
Steps to Starting Your Own Errand Running Business
1. Conduct Market Research
The first step to starting your own errand running business is to conduct market research. This will help you to determine whether there is a demand for your services, and how much you can charge. It will also help you to understand your competition, and to develop a marketing strategy.
To conduct market research, you can start by talking to people in your community. Ask them if they would be interested in using an errand running service, and how much they would be willing to pay. You can also search for businesses like yours online, and read customer reviews. This will give you a good idea of what people are looking for, and how much they are willing to pay.
2. Decide What Services You Will Offer
The next step is to decide what services you will offer. This will depend on your interests, and the needs of your community. Some errand running businesses offer a wide range of services, while others specialize in one or two specific tasks.
Some of the most common errand running services include concierge services, grocery shopping, laundry, dry cleaning, pet walking, house sitting, delivery services, and other everyday tasks. You can also offer your services to businesses, such as office supply stores or restaurants.
3. Set Prices For Your Services
Once you have decided what services you will offer, you need to set prices for your services. This will depend on your market research, and on your competition. It is important to remember that you need to charge enough to cover your costs, but not so much that you price yourself out of the market.
4. Create A Business Plan
Once you have conducted market research, and decided what services you will offer, it’s time to create a business plan. This will help you to set goals, and to determine how you will achieve them. It will also help you to secure funding, if you need it.
Your business plan should include an executive summary, a description of your services, a marketing plan, a financial plan, and a management plan. You should also consider what equipment and supplies you may need for your new business. For example, you may need a cell phone or a car to ensure that you have reliable transportation.
If you need help creating a business plan, there are many resources available online, or you can hire a professional.
5. Choose A Business Name And Register It
The next step is to choose a business name, and to register it with the state. This is important, because it will help to protect your business from liability. It will also make it easier to open a bank account, and to apply for business licenses and permits.
When choosing a name for your business, try to choose something that is unique, and that reflects the services you offer. You should also make sure that the name is available, by checking with the state business registry.
6. Get Business Insurance
Another important step in starting your own errand business is to get business insurance. This will protect you from liability, in case someone is injured while using your services. It will also protect your business from loss, in case of theft or damage.
There are many different types of business insurance, so it’s important to choose the one that is right for your needs. You can get quotes from different insurance companies, and compare rates.
7. Apply For Business Licenses And Permits
The next important step in starting your own errand running business is to understand the legal requirements and to apply for business licenses and permits. This will vary depending on the state you live in, but most businesses will need a general business license. You may also need a permit to operate your business, depending on the type of services you offer.
To find out what licenses and permits you need, you can contact your state’s business regulatory office. They will be able to tell you what is required for your specific business.
8. Open A Bank Account
Another important step in starting your own errand running business is to open a business bank account. This will help you to keep your personal and business finances separate. It will also make it easier to track your expenses, and to prepare your taxes.
When choosing a bank, make sure to compare fees, and to find one that offers services that meet your needs. You should also open a separate credit card account for your business, to help you with expenses.
9. Market Your Business
After you’ve completed the previous steps, you should be ready to start marketing your errand running business. This can be done by creating a website, and by advertising in your local newspaper and other directories. You can also distribute flyers and business cards in your neighborhood – get some of these made through services such as VistaPrint.
When marketing your business, be sure to keep your target audience in mind. In order to attract customers, you should offer competitive prices, and good customer service. You should also make sure to keep your schedule flexible, in order to accommodate your customers’ needs.
10. Secure Your First Clients
After you’ve marketed your business, it’s time to start securing clients. The best way to do this is by offering discounts, or by providing a free trial of your services. You can also offer special deals to clients who refer new customers to you.
When meeting with potential customers, it’s important to be professional, and to dress appropriately. You should also have a contract ready, so that you can outline the terms of your agreement.
If you’re struggling to find your first clients, consider offering your services to friends or family members first. This will give you the opportunity to gain some experience and gather feedback to improve your services. You can also ask your friends and family to provide written reviews for your business that you can post online to gain trust with other potential clients.
Once you get your first few clients it’s usually easier to scale up as new clients will hear about your business by word of mouth. If you can secure some regular customers early, this will set you up for success and help keep some money coming in while you build out your client base.
11. Keep Track Of Your Business Expenses
To operate a successful errand running business you’ll want to keep track of your business expenses. This will help you to save money, and to keep your business organized. You can use a spreadsheet, or accounting software to track your expenses.
Some of the expenses you’ll want to track include: advertising, gas, mileage, supplies, and labor. You should also keep track of your income, and of any customers who haven’t paid their bills.
12. Hire Employees
As your business grows, you may want to hire employees or an independent contractor to help you with tasks. When hiring employees, it’s important to choose individuals who are reliable and trustworthy. You’ll also want to make sure that they are familiar with the local area, and with the type of errands you run.
It’s also important to have a contract with your employees, so that you can outline the terms of their employment. This contract should include information about their job duties, their salary, and their work schedule (including whether they work part time or full time).
You can find employees by posting ads online, or by posting a classified ad in local newspapers. You can also ask friends or family members if they know anyone who might be interested in the job and is willing to perform a variety of tasks.
13. Expand Your Business
As your errand running business grows, you may want to expand your services. This can be done by adding new errands to your list, or by expanding your geographical area. You may also want to add additional employees to act as errand runners, or to offer new discounts and deals. You can also consider partnering with other small businesses to offer additional products or services.
When expanding your business, it’s important to do your research first, especially if you plan to expand to different states. You should also make sure that you have the time and resources to handle the expansion.
14. Track Your Progress And Make Changes As Needed
As your business grows, it’s important to track your progress and to make changes as needed. This includes tracking your income, expenses, and customer satisfaction. You should also regularly check in with your employees, to make sure that they are satisfied with their work.
If you’re not happy with the way your business is running, don’t be afraid to make changes. This could include setting higher rates, or changing your list of services. You may also want to consider firing an underperforming employee, or hiring a new one.
15. Celebrate Your Successes!
Last but not least, don’t forget to celebrate your successes! This is a great way to stay motivated, and to keep your business running smoothly. You can celebrate by treating yourself to a new toy, or by taking your employees out for a night on the town. Whatever you do, just make sure you enjoy your hard-earned success!
Final Thoughts
Starting an errand running business can be a great way to make some extra money. However, it’s important to do your research first, and to make sure you’re prepared for the task at hand. This quick guide should help you to get started on the right foot!
If you’re looking for other ways to make money, we also recommend checking out the following posts for some more great ideas:
This is a well-laid-out plan for starting an errand business. I think this would be a great business to consider starting. However, with the price of gas being so unpredictable it would be hard to set prices. That’s the only thing concern I see at this point.