Due to the busy nature of the world in which we live in ,there are a lot of people who have difficulty striking a fine balance between a career and personal responsibilities.It is this difficulty that has created a gap in the market for errand or concierge service businesses.
An errand service is one that makes arrangements and takes care of personal errands for a fee.Examples of such errands include simple things like grocery and gift shopping, waiting around for the cable or central heating guy to do his work,picking up clothes from dry cleaner and even returning movies to the video library.
An errand service,can cater for both corporate and individual clients, and involves a wide range of responsibilities.An errand service is very flexible because you get to choose what hours you are available.
You could initially start with only a client or two, and add to your client list as you go along.
It is a type of business which can be run either on a part-time or full-time basis.An errand business does not require any special training.You will however, require interpersonal,organisational and time management skills.
You will require the following items:
A reliable means of transport, a cell phone, and some basic office supplies to fill out and create invoices for your customers.
For these reasons, it is important to create a business plan. A business plan outlines how you will build your business over time, detailing month by month activity for the first year and other annual goals thereafter for the next five years.
In your business plan you should explore your probable income, expenses, and plans for expansion.
In order to have a successful errand service, you will have to build a good client list.This would require effective advertising.Flyers in the doors of homes throughout your community would give you exposure in your community and help get you local ,personal clients.A website is a great way to publicise your business.
Corporate clients may be a bit more difficult to find, but once you win them over the benefits will far outweigh any difficulties you may encounter in finding them.
A professional appearance and attractive literature outlining your rates and services will give you the professional touch necessary to get a corporate account.
As you begin to develop successful business relationships with your clients, word of mouth will build your business further.
In an errand service, your income potential is almost without bounds, and your overhead costs are very low. How much you earn is very much up to you. You will have to check out the going rates for this type of business in your area, and decide what you will charge.It is advisable to start at the lower end of the price spectrum to encourage possible customers to try your service.
The pricing could be done on a fee per service basis, or by an hourly rate.
When you begin, word-of-mouth advertising will play a big role in marketing the business.
Advertising your services and company in the classified ads and and distributing your business cards will also help market your business.
It is important that you always make your customers happy as they are bound to send a lot of repeat business as well as referrals your way.
