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 Welcome Back To Side Hustle Weekly!

I’m excited to share with you another great side hustle you can start today! Today we will be discussing an errand running business you can start.

How To Start Errand Running Business

Disclaimer: This side hustle/business may seem boring or unique but it’s stuff like this that often makes the most money.

With people busier than ever, the demand for convenience is growing rapidly. From picking up groceries to standing in long lines, busy professionals, parents, and even seniors are willing to pay someone to handle their day-to-day errands. Starting an errand-running business is a low-cost, high-demand venture that can bring in significant income. This step-by-step guide will show you how to launch, run, and grow your errand service business into a thriving operation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting an Errand-Running Business

Step 1: Define Your Services

Start by deciding what errands you will offer. Think about the most common time-consuming tasks people need help with.

• Common Errands:

  • Grocery shopping and delivery.

  • Picking up dry cleaning.

  • Prescription pickups.

  • Waiting in line for tickets or government services.

  • Pet walking or drop-offs for grooming.

  • General shopping for gifts or household supplies.

Choose services that align with your skills and fit your local market's demand.

Step 2: Identify Your Target Market

Next, determine who you want to serve. Your target audience will dictate how you market your business and the services you prioritize.

• Potential Clients:

  • Busy professionals with demanding jobs.

  • Seniors or people with mobility issues.

  • Parents juggling kids and household tasks.

  • Tourists or out-of-town visitors who need local assistance.

Tailoring your services to meet the needs of a specific group can help you stand out.

Step 3: Register Your Business and Get Insured

To operate legally and professionally, register your errand-running business with your local government. Depending on your location, you may also need:

• A business license.

• Liability insurance to protect yourself against accidents or claims.

• A simple contract template to formalize agreements with clients.

Professionalism builds trust and ensures a smooth start.

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Step 4: Create a Pricing Structure

Decide how you’ll charge for your services. Most errand runners charge by the hour, per task, or offer flat rates for common jobs.

• Pricing Ideas:

  • Hourly rate: $20–$40/hour.

  • Flat rates: $10 for a single line wait or $25 for a grocery trip.

  • Subscription packages: Offer weekly or monthly plans for recurring clients (e.g., $200/month for 10 errands).

Factor in travel time, expenses like gas, and the complexity of the tasks when setting your rates.

Step 5: Market Your Business

Once your business is ready, focus on getting the word out. Use both online and offline marketing strategies to attract clients.

• Online Marketing:

  • Set up a professional website with your services, pricing, and contact details.

  • Promote your business on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

  • List your services on gig platforms like TaskRabbit or Thumbtack.

• Offline Marketing:

  • Print flyers or business cards and distribute them in busy areas like coffee shops or gyms.

  • Partner with local businesses like real estate agents or senior centers to refer clients to your services.

  • Ask satisfied clients to refer you to their friends and family.

Step 6: Invest in Tools for Efficiency

Streamline your operations with the right tools. From managing tasks to tracking payments, these tools can make your business run smoothly.

• Recommended Tools:

  • Scheduling Apps: Google Calendar, Trello, or Asana for organizing tasks.

  • Payment Processing: Venmo, PayPal, or Stripe for secure transactions.

  • Navigation Apps: Waze or Google Maps for efficient route planning.

These tools not only improve your productivity but also enhance the client experience.

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Step 7: Offer Excellent Service and Build Relationships

Providing exceptional service will earn you repeat clients and positive word-of-mouth. Be punctual, reliable, and professional. Stay in communication with clients to keep them updated on tasks. Over time, your reputation will become one of your biggest assets.

Maximizing Your Income and Growing the Business

1. Offer Subscription Plans

Encourage recurring clients by offering subscription packages for regular services. For example, busy parents might pay a monthly fee for weekly grocery runs or errand bundles.

2. Expand to Include Specialty Services

Add services like event planning, meal prep, or organizing homes to increase your income. Niche services can command higher rates.

3. Hire Additional Help

Once your business gains traction, consider hiring part-time employees or subcontractors to help you handle more clients. This will allow you to expand your service area and take on larger contracts.

4. Automate Booking and Payments

Set up an online booking system that allows clients to schedule tasks directly through your website. Automation reduces administrative work and ensures smooth operations.

5. Build Business Relationships

Collaborate with local businesses like florists, caterers, or pet groomers to create bundled services or referral deals.

Potential Monthly Earnings

Your income depends on the number of clients and the services you offer:

• Part-Time Operation: Completing 15 errands a week at $25 each = $1,500/month.

• Full-Time Operation: Completing 50 errands a week at $30 each = $6,000/month.

• With a Team: Hiring assistants and handling 100 errands weekly = $12,000+/month.

Subscription packages or high-demand specialty services can significantly boost these figures.

Pros and Cons of an Errand-Running Business

Pros:

• Low Startup Costs: Minimal upfront investment needed.

• Flexible Schedule: Work hours that suit your availability.

• High Demand: People are increasingly outsourcing daily tasks.

• Scalable: Easy to expand by hiring staff or increasing services.

Cons:

• Physical Demands: Requires mobility and endurance.

• Variable Income: Earnings depend on client demand.

• Time-Intensive: Traveling between tasks can be time-consuming.

• Competition: May face competition from gig apps like TaskRabbit.

Requirements to Get Started

• Reliable Transportation: A car, bike, or public transit card for getting around efficiently.

• Smartphone: For managing tasks, navigation, and client communication.

• Basic Supplies: Reusable shopping bags, a sturdy cart for large items, and a phone charger.

• Insurance: Liability insurance to protect against unforeseen issues.

• Marketing Materials: Flyers, business cards, or a website.

Suggested Products to Maximize Results

1. Gas Rewards Cards: Save money on frequent travel.

2. Smartphone with Data Plan: Essential for staying connected.

3. Organizational Tools: Planner or scheduling app for managing multiple clients.

4. Reusable Bags or Coolers: Useful for grocery runs or food delivery.

5. Portable Phone Charger: Stay powered up while on the go.

Conclusion

Starting an errand-running business is a simple yet profitable way to help others save time while earning a steady income. By offering tailored services, marketing effectively, and delivering excellent customer service, you can build a loyal client base and scale your business. With the potential to earn $6,000–$12,000 or more per month, this low-cost venture offers flexibility, growth, and financial rewards. Get started today, and watch your errand-running business flourish!