I am in the process of starting an Errand Service, however, while I am working on my business plan, making call after call to insurance companies for quotes, doing online research, etc., I am also thinking of doing something in the meantime until my business is offically a "business".

I was told by an insurance agent that he personally knows a woman who does grocery shopping for elderly. She didn't get insurance, just started by word-of-mouth, and basically goes to Giant Eagle about 10 times a week, then delivers groceries to the elderly, and gets paid for it.

What if I placed a notice at some local senior citizen complexes and centers, offering to do this same thing? I would not even have to enter someone's home or apartment, just pick up orders, deliver the goods to the door, and get paid.

Input?

Thanks :)

"What if I placed a notice at some local senior citizen complexes and centers, offering to do this same thing? I would not even have to enter someone's home or apartment, just pick up orders, deliver the goods to the door, and get paid."

You could do that, that will definitely make your service a lot easier. Be sure to coordinate with the center owners or heads, if they give you a go then that's it, you're on business.. ;)

Just wondering out of the blue, would you still need a business permit while doing these things? I mean what you offer is somewhat just like doing favors and helping out but with tips.. hehhe.. ;)

Good Luck!

Not sure what you mean by "is this legal"? Getting groceries for people? I sounds fine.

You should get a general business license - it just makes you look more reputable.

You would want to get permission for from the coplex owners - they're pretty picky about stuff like that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Go to your township and register you many night need a license but to register covers you as legit. Example I do marketing consulting from my home. My township only requires that I register with the county ($35) and I need no licenses as it is out of my home. Generally unless people are coming to your home there is no issue.

Keep in mind you can easily get accused of stealing or other bad things deliverying to the elderly. Bonding is the safest avenue.

Joanna Swank
info@jswank.com