I want to start an errand service but I currently have a 9-5 job. How can I start this service while keeping my job until business picks up? My current employers are very flexible but I'm scared to quit my job and then the business does not take off. I would love to hear from current errand business owners and learn how you started your business. What are the do/dont's?

I am in the same situation!
One think I am additionaly targeting ( when I do start this) is SENIOR CITIZENS. For a special rate of course.
And...
of course business professionals.

What State are you in?
I am in CT

I had my own business in Fl and I am going to start another one in GA...If you need ideas just let me know.

I think that's a great idea for a business and that you are smart for not quitting your 9-5.... yet anyhow. I suggest that you either run the errands after your job and on the weekends, or if you job is flexible enough to let you work Sunday through Thursday, start your errand business on Fridays. See if you can actually fill a day with it.

Good luck

i am interested in starting a errand business can you give me some tips to start

I agree with doing it on the weekends and just pack every available hour (like lunch hour). It will be rough at first not having any free time, but most businesses are like that in the beginning. And this way you can really tell if it is something to keep you busy enough to make money.

Laura
http://www.westayhome.com

If you're running errands for businesses - then weekends are not going to work and Friday's will probably be bad too because you know - no one wants to really work on Friday and a lot of of people take off early and things like that

If anything, you may want to see if you can work from say from 6am - 2pm or even 8 - 3 (with the 3 - 4) being your lunch hour. This way you could get off work early enough to run errands for people.

You would also want to get a cell phone that you would use as your business phone. This is something you could have on you at all times and then return the phone calls during your breaks while you're at work

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Another thing I would suggest is to search online for other errand businesses - whether in your area or not.

Read their website - see what information they have, how they do things and their rates. This will just give you some ideas If you can't find such a reasource then maybe your calling to actually develop the reasource rather than do it yourself

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Hello, first of all I just want to tell you that you have a great idea.With the fast pace of this world now it seems as if people forget that there is only 24hrs in a day and everything can't be done by one person in one day.I think that you should keep your 9-5 until your business gets to the point where you can earn a full income to cover your expenses.I think that you should start small because you have to get people's trust,because when you run an errand for somebody they are trusting you to do something with something or someone that belongs to them.The best way to sart this type of business is to first present yourself as a professional at all times no matter where you are especially if you are using your personal vehicle for business too, because you don't want anyone to doubt your responsibility level.You want to make sure your car is well maintained and updated with the proper insurance and clean at all times.You should satrt off small by doing some errands for the people at your job during your lunch break,if you build a good relationship with them they would promote you by word of mouth.You should also think about getting some inexpensive flyers made and put them in places where your target market is likely to be,Like at local schools,grocery stores,resident.You should also look into getting a banner for your car describing exactly what you do and the number.Make sure that your prices reflect the increases in gas prices.If you thought that I gave you good advice feel free to e-mail me at miltonjsnyelle@yahoo.com, I can help you with whatever you may need help in.

There are several associations for errand services. If you do an internet search using terms like "concierge service," "errand service," and "messenger service," you should find them. They offer quite a bit of useful information for getting started.

I too, am just in the early stages of starting an Errand business. I have found a lot of info on the web by googling "errand business". I was able to view other errand business websites with all their services and fees. It was very helpful. I live in South Texas and do not think there are any down here. I'm hoping it's an untapped market not a dud market! I plan on targeting doctors, lawyers & senior citizens as well as businesses. Good luck to you!

This may be of interest to the group:

http://www.iceaweb.org/mc/page.do