If you are looking for a home based business idea which can be easily and inexpensively launched and is capable of yielding profitable returns, then look no further because an errand service is the best opportunity for you. An errand service which is also known as a concierge service is where you act as a personal assistant for busy individuals. You would be paid to carry out their errands on behalf of them. These errands could range from simple tasks such as paying utility bills, picking up grocery items or laundry items to complex tasks such as planning and arranging vacations for clients, meeting and event planning, senior care, etc.
In today's busy lifestyle working people do not have time to carry out even the simplest of errands. So they are always on the look out for ways to spend their time wisely in order to enjoy more important things in their life. They would gladly pay someone else to get their errands carried out which in turn would provide them ease of mind and more time to enjoy life. This is one of the main reasons why this service industry is becoming a fast growing multi million dollar business. In addition to the busy working people there are another special group of individuals who rely on errand services to carry out their routine errands. The reason that they require help with errands is because they aren't able to leave their residences due to a new child, disability, illness or old age. They would rather hire an errand service to carry out their errands than trouble their loved ones. Other than the above mentioned two categories you can also cater your services to small business owners who would rather hire your services than send their employees to carry out mundane tasks. Some companies who hire errand services are accounting firms, advertising agencies and law firms.
To start a basic errand service business you would not require any special training. But you should be an organized, outgoing person with great people skills. Since you may have to perform the same tasks day after day and would need to travel about, you should be adaptable and flexible. If you are considering undertaking complex tasks then you should be computer literate since your tasks may involve internet researching, making online reservations, etc. Also it is advisable that you obtain some training from an established concierge/errand service provider in order to learn the skills of the trade. Since this industry is fairy new there aren't many places to obtain trainings from. So if you do have an opportunity to train under an established concierge/errand service provider it is recommended that you take full use of that chance.
As mentioned above an errand service can be easily set up with a very low start up cost. If you are focusing on only undertaking simple tasks then you can even start with only a mobile phone and reliable transportation. But if you desire to get your business off to a flourishing start you would require a dependable computer, printer, internet connection, software for managing your accounts and clients, a land phone line with voice mail, a mobile phone, a fax machine and office supplies. A vehicle would be required if your services includes transportation as well.
The legal requirements in establishing your venture would vary depending in which state you reside. So it is advisable that you consult an attorney in order to understand the exact legal requirements involved. In addition you may need to visit the town clerks office and your states Department of Revenue to obtain assistance with the paper work and licenses which are required prior to setting up your business. Another worthwhile task would be to obtain business.educationeasy.net business insurance. This is extremely valuable when running an errand service business because of the high amount of liability involved.
As an errand service provider you would be charging your clients on an hourly basis or by the type of service provided. If you are servicing regular customers who hire your services on a standard basis then you can even offer them a membership where they would pay you an annual fee for a certain number of requests for each month.
When starting off, no matter how small your business may be it is always advisable to create a business.educationeasy.net business plan for your venture. This will enable you to always be focused on the services you are providing as well as manage the growth of your business. Another important task which you should undertake is the marketing of your services which is vital in attracting clients. This should be carried out not only at the start of your business but through out your business. Networking is a cheap but effective way in promoting your business. Also you can utilize flyers, posters, brochures, emails and sales letters to spread the word. Another way to attract clients would be by advertising in local papers, magazines, business journals or even getting listed on the Yellow Pages. Having a website for your business is another fine way to promote your services. Always ensure that the information in the website is up to date and you have provided all your contact details in it.
Bizymoms.com has been helping women start bizymoms.com work at home business for over 10 years. Their bizymoms.com/cart/careers/errand-service.html Errand Service Career Kit includes everything you need to start your Errand Service Business including a basic business start up guide and an easy start program, which provides step-by-step guidance on how to build up your Errand Service business within 29 days!
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