Learn how to start your own errand-running service with these simple steps covering business naming, licensing, vehicle maintenance, bonding, and marketing.
Starting your own business is not as hard as it sounds, especially when you are creating a service-oriented business instead of a product-based one. Starting an errand service business can be quick and easy. With a little startup capital and some effective advertising, you will be successful in no time. Here is how to start an errand-running business:
- First, you must choose a catchy name for your business—something that sounds professional yet friendly. Remember not to pick too long of a name, because people remember short, catchy phrases (think eBay). Once you have decided on a name for your company, check with local authorities to see if you need any special licenses or permits to offer your service. You will also need to check with the sales tax authority to determine if you must charge taxes on your services, and apply for an FEIN if you want to hire employees.
- Your next step is to make sure you have reliable transportation. Tune up your vehicle, and have the tires and brakes inspected. Make sure all your lights and signals work. Call your car insurance carrier to see if you need extra coverage to perform this job. If you do need extra coverage, purchase it immediately so you can proceed with your business.
- Once these two items are established, you may wish to consider becoming bonded. A surety bond is a policy issued by a third party that guarantees you will perform your duties as described. It acts as protection for your customers against your performance. Should you fail to comply in any way with your agreement, they have legal recourse to get their money back. This is a simple and fairly inexpensive process. Bonding is rather quick, and the company should issue a bond certificate in a matter of days. Having a bond certificate will also add extra credibility to your business.
- Once you have done all these things, create a service menu and pricing structure. Compile a list of errands you will perform for customers and the cost for each. This menu of services will not only establish exact prices for the services performed, but it will also help you fine-tune your business. Services that are not being used can later be removed, and new service requests not currently on the list can be added.
Once you have done all this, you will need to get the word out. Run ads in the local coupon book, distribute flyers, and hand out as many business cards as you can. Target retirement communities and high-end neighborhoods to distribute your advertising, as both of these demographics are likely to use an errand service.
How to Start a Business Running Errands
Learn how to start your own errand-running service with these simple steps covering business naming, licensing, vehicle maintenance, bonding, and marketing.
Starting your own business is not as hard as it sounds, especially when you are creating a service-oriented business instead of a product-based one. Starting an errand service business can be quick and easy. With a little startup capital and some effective advertising, you will be successful in no time. Here is how to start an errand-running business:
- First, you must choose a catchy name for your business—something that sounds professional yet friendly. Remember not to pick too long of a name, because people remember short, catchy phrases (think eBay). Once you have decided on a name for your company, check with local authorities to see if you need any special licenses or permits to offer your service. You will also need to check with the sales tax authority to determine if you must charge taxes on your services, and apply for an FEIN if you want to hire employees.
- Your next step is to make sure you have reliable transportation. Tune up your vehicle, and have the tires and brakes inspected. Make sure all your lights and signals work. Call your car insurance carrier to see if you need extra coverage to perform this job. If you do need extra coverage, purchase it immediately so you can proceed with your business.
- Once these two items are established, you may wish to consider becoming bonded. A surety bond is a policy issued by a third party that guarantees you will perform your duties as described. It acts as protection for your customers against your performance. Should you fail to comply in any way with your agreement, they have legal recourse to get their money back. This is a simple and fairly inexpensive process. Bonding is rather quick, and the company should issue a bond certificate in a matter of days. Having a bond certificate will also add extra credibility to your business.
- Once you have done all these things, create a service menu and pricing structure. Compile a list of errands you will perform for customers and the cost for each. This menu of services will not only establish exact prices for the services performed, but it will also help you fine-tune your business. Services that are not being used can later be removed, and new service requests not currently on the list can be added.
Once you have done all this, you will need to get the word out. Run ads in the local coupon book, distribute flyers, and hand out as many business cards as you can. Target retirement communities and high-end neighborhoods to distribute your advertising, as both of these demographics are likely to use an errand service.
How to Start a Business Running Errands
By Howtodotips
Learn how to start your own errand-running service with these simple steps covering business naming, licensing, vehicle maintenance, bonding, and marketing.