Start Your Own Errand Service Business

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Starting an errand service business is a great choice for teens who are looking to make some money. You have a unique set of challenges when you’re looking for work. You may not have a lot of experience, and because of school you only have certain hours that you’re available. But if you’re looking to make some money, why not grab hold of your entrepreneurial spirit and start your own errand business? There are lots of people who need errands run for them, and taking a load off them can earn you a lot of cash!

One of the easiest things about starting an errand business is that you don’t need a lot of capital or equipment to begin. You may need to pay for some small items such as photocopies of your flyers or advertisements, or gas for your car if you have one, but this is pretty much all the money you’ll need.

You won’t need a lot of equipment either. To run errands for other people, all you really have to have is a way to get around. This can be a car, bike, or even your own two feet. You will, of course, be able to make more money depending on how quickly you can do the errands, so a bike or car is ideal.

Other than transportation, the only other thing you really need is to find customers. To do so, you’ll have to advertise your new errand running business. Advertising can be as easy as putting up flyers around your neighborhood. Make sure you include what kind of errands you’ll run on your flyer.

The work involved will require you to be dependable, prompt and honest. Be where you need to be when you say you will, and be sure you’re on time. If you’re charged with handling money for a customer, be sure to keep it separate from any other money you may have, and keep all your receipts so you can give the proper change.

Set a reasonable price for your services based on distance, the difficulty involved and the time it will take you to complete each task. Ideally, as you gain customers, you can group errands together–picking up dry cleaning for two to three customers at the same time, for instance. This will save you time and earn you a greater profit.

Some errands you might want to consider offering are: picking up and delivering groceries, dropping off or picking up dry cleaning or prescriptions, going to the post office, taking pets to the vet, or anything else your customers need throughout the day. Once you start, you’ll get a feel for just how many things people need help with–especially those who work full-time jobs.

So how do you find customers that want you to run their errands for them? Advertise! Think of places where your customers will see your ads. Elderly people might be one of your biggest customer bases because they’re often not able to get around well, and they may currently be relying on family and friends to take them on errands. When targeting advertising towards the elderly, post flyers in retirement homes, senior apartment buildings, community centers, churches, doctor’s offices and bingo halls.

Busy parents are another group you’ll want to reach with your advertising. Parents, especially those with small children, are extremely busy and never have enough time in the day. To target your marketing to this group, place ads for your errand service in and around day cares, preschools, elementary schools, dance studios where young children are taught, parks, recreation centers, restaurants, and grocery stores.

Of course, these are just a few places where your advertising will be effective. It’s important to keep your eyes peeled for places where your prospective customers spend time because they’ll be more likely to see your ad and call you for your services.

Finding the first customer will be the hardest, and you may even ask a parent or relative if you can begin with them. But pretty soon your business will take off and people will begin asking you to run their errands. With dedication, effort and energy, you’ll quickly see just how lucrative this business can be.

Tags: Business Ideas, Business start-up, Teen Business Ideas