Does anyone know where I can get free (online or off)  information about HOW TO START AN ERRAND SERVICE?
148476
You can search titles of "how to start an errand business" books at AMAZON or on Yahoo then go check them out for free at the library.  You can visit small business magazine websites and read articles on other people that have done it already and are successful and get some ideas that way.  You can visit Business Owners Cafe, go to the "ask questions" link on the left and ask for help. They are great there,  I use them all the time.\n\nGood Luck
868503
You can draw up a flyer and take it to the copy shop and make a few copies for all the houses on your street.  Do not place the flyers in the mail box as it is illegal to use the mail box for anything but US mail.  On the flyer introduce yourself, name and phone number and list the services you are available to perform.  Babysitting, cleaning baseboards and windows and mini blinds.  Sweeping washing and waxing floors and polishing, if necessary, mowing the lawn, weeding, general cleaning vacuuming, dusting, scrubbing (yes) the bathtub.  Washing the cars, walking the dog, caring for the pets while people are out of town.  Cleaning and organizing the tools and items in the garage (with the assistance of the owner).  Shoveling snow.  You name it, you might be surprised just how many people need and want some extra, affordable help.  Check with your parents about the area in which you offer your services, what you offer to do, and how much you charge.  You can also visit each neighbor and talk to them about your services.  Above all, always let your parents know where you are (phone number also) and just what task you will be performing.  Remember you are 13 years old and some tasks may not be appropriate for your age and stamina, such as moving around really heavy furniture.  Good luck in your endeavors!\nRemember to keep your prices very reasonable, i. e. $5.00 for cleaning bathtub.  I mention this task because for many older peope it is hard to do this task.  A SOS soap pad makes fast and easy work of cleaning the tub with a little dishwashing soap.  Don't use any dangerous chemicals.  And remember to always wear goggles for your eyes when mowing the lawn.  Keep safe and be happy!  And, oh, believe it or not, if you save the money, it'll end up being much more exciting than if you spend it.
357829
I would develop a shopping/errand contract for you and your customers.\n\nThis contract can keep track of the deposit, the list, and the allotted time for the shopping and errands. I would allow 2 hrs per customer depending on how much they need done.\n\nAnd you should also have a flat fee of $8.95-$15.95. Your fees should be based on time, which day, and the work load.\n\nAnd I would shop for more than one person at a time, that way you kill 2 or 3 customers at a time and save time and money.\n\nMaybe hire you kid or someone part time to help you. You should market to parents and the elderly. \n\nAnd have your customers write/print out detailed list. With brand names, amounts/sizes, quantities, and which store they would like for you to shop at.\n\nAnd get your money first and then you can give them the receipt and change later. That way you don't risk paying for someone else groceries.\n\nAnd make sure you put your customers on mailing list so that you can always promote your business and any new offers to them.\n\nI hope this helps you and if you need help with coming up with a contract I'd be more than willing.\n\nGOOD LUCK!!!
933266
You Can Start Your OWN online businees... It is free but many will ask you to pay fo that... i'll help you
566532
Have you tried www.freecycle.org? Check out the website. It's not exactly 'recycle' by the purest sense of the term but once you check the website you'll be sure to like it.
803820
Ask the lady at the site below she is amazing with this type of stuff,plus it's a free service!
783518
try checking the freecycle in your area.
1087411
i cant name a place right off of my head but heres a very good website. it places organizations with volunteers and its free \n\nvolunteermatch.com
275966
You can do a community website....people can post things for sale, giving things away for free, lost pets, announcements, important phone numbers.\n\nIt's somewhere all your neighbors can check for important information all the time.
720169
For the time and effort you would spend in something like stuffing envelopes, you might as well go around picking up aluminum cans and recycling them for the cash. Seriously, the work is not rewarding at all. \n\nI knew some folks in Oklahoma who did hand-assembly of electrical parts at home. Hardly paid anything. Greeter at Walmart makes more. \n\nThere may be other home-based businesses that do make money, to check them out try the Better Business Bureau or Google seach on their name.\n\nDo not try things like Amway or other multi-level marketing companies. They too are scams.
916360
If you're in the U.S., try Craig's List or your local Freecycle group, both on the internet.\n\nFor refurbished, contact manufacturers and ask -- some have charity programs.
788456
you could start with flyers for volunteers in public access areas, eg grocery stores, public offices etc you could use the same technique for donations. website could be another source of gathering volunteers and donations, a volunteer could make the website too, good luck
1047772
You can start by reading the article "Starting a Janitorial and Cleaning Service Business" at http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol95/janitorial.htm The article contains information on startup strategies, operational considerations (prices, manpower, finding suppliers), and marketing the business. \n\nFrom the article, here are some tips to help market your business:\n\n1. The first step to marketing your business is deciding who your potential customers are and determining the types of services you could offer. \n\n2. The best way to market this business is through cold calling. Drive through the area to look for newly opened businesses, buildings or facilities. Then introduce yourself to the landlords ­ your potential clients ­ and request for an opportunity to bid on their cleaning contract. \n\n3. Draw up a better and more professional proposal by learning firsthand the needs of the potential customer, as well as the layout of the facility (e.g. type of carpeting, etc.)\n\n4. Networking is another effective strategy to get ahead in the janitorial business. Aside from newly opened buildings, get a list of companies that are downsizing or laying off cleaning staffs.\n\n5. Word of mouth is another effective form of advertising a janitorial service. It can be generated through favorable feedback from your existing clients that will hopefully filter to other building owners or entrepreneurs in your area.\n\n6. If you decide to embark on advertising, you can try placing an ad in newspapers or trade journals in your area. \n\n7. You can also try direct mailing to potential customers, sending them information and brochures about your business.\n\nFor more in-depth information about the business, we have compiled a list of books on the topic and you can either purchase the book or borrow them from your library. The list of recommended books on starting a cleaning business can be found at http://www.powerhomebiz.com/bookstore/homecleaning.htm\n\n- Commercial and Residential Cleaning Services: A Resource Guide to Developing and Maintaining Your Own Janitorial or Home Cleaning Business (Author: Walter Fenix)\n- Janitorial Service Businesses : Strategies for Promoting, Estimating, and Bidding Cleaning Services \n- The Janitorial Contractors Bible \n- Introduction to Janitorial Service Contracting : How to Succeed in Your Own Cleaning Business \n- Cleaning Up for a Living: Everything You Need to Know to Become a Successful Building Service Contractor \n- Introduction to Janitorial Service Contracting : How to Succeed in Your Own Cleaning Business
584959
wow, I feel for you. I hope you have found a mentor somewhere. perhaps you could call a recycling center nearby and they could point you in the right directions, like a salvage yard that gives people money for recycling...
319101
Try doing a search on www.dogpile.com.  Look for free business proposal that fall under the category you're working on.  that should be a start.  It will at least give you a backbone...topics to start write about or include.
184962
Here is just one site that can help.\nhttp://www.allposters.com/-sp/Red-Hat-Society-Posters_i1208539_.htm\n\nCall the classified ad section of your newspaper for help.  They can tell you what they need, and their policy for charity events.  My daughter used to work in the classified section, and she spent all day, every day helping people.
331979
Lots of good reading at the Small Business Administration:\nhttp://www.sba.gov/\n\nThere is also SCORE, an organization of retired business professionals offering free help for people getting started:\nhttp://www.score.org/