My own business as an errand runner? Advice, Experience...?
814953
All kinds of legalities come to mind, as worded.  First if you are going to be giving rides in your own car, you need to have a Chauffers License, and applicable insurances.  Just think of the lawsuits that could pop out of nowhere should you have an injured client in your vehicle.  As errand runner, what happens if a package has to be delivered in x-time, and you get in to an accident and can't get it there because you are layed up by the law, or the hospital, etc.  Shopping for people is okay, as long as you know exactly what they want.  Let's say they send you to pick up a gallon of milk, and then you find they wanted 2% because they are lactose intollerant.  You either pay it out yourself or return it for the right product, but either way costs you another trip to the market.  Otherwise, please don't be discouraged by this.  If you have a plan in place, and friends who are willing to help in a pinch, you could do well in this type of adventure.  Fed-Ex, DHL, and most of the other large carriers started out as delivery services and just got really big.  Something else to take into consideration, is what happens if you have an elderly person who dies while a passenger in your car for other than age related reasons?  The liability would be fully placed on your shoulders, and that could wipe out everything you are working to attain.  Hope this helps
1096214
I own my own commercial cleaning service and yes, there is great money in it, let alone you are your own boss. I got started with an ebook that you can find on this site under the service business. It helped me with bidding jobs, how to secure a contract, some great cleaning tips and lots more. It may be what would help you. \n\nI went from cleaning one office once per week to now, cleaning them as well as an industrial account or two, every night of the week and sometimes on the weekend.\n\nCongratulations on making a decision to start your own business.
676558
I have bartended for over 20 years... owned a floral shop for 15, but am currently working to replace both incomes with a home based business.  If you are interested in getting into any of these fields I can show you how I did. (I would reccommend the home business above the others- Why?)\n\nThere are many different work from home businesses that you can get into... Many offer a way to promote them on or off line.\n\nI know our company can be done successfully either way (or using BOTH if you prefer)  I love the versitility of it all.  If you would like more details on what we do you may visit my site: http://learn2.momsmakemore.com \n\nTo help you in your search here is a little advice you should consider:\n\nWhat should you look for in an "ideal" internet/home business? \n\n- No or minimal start-up fees (Our business start-up is $29.00)\n- A product or service you feel good about (Consumable products used in every home… safer, more effective, less expensive, things people use and need on a daily basis)\n- A duplicable system (work FOR yourself- NOT BY yourself… we are a TEAM of individuals working to help others… “Enhancing the lives of those we touch by helping others reach their goals from Home!!!”\n- Residual income (Residual Income PLUS bonuses for helping others!!!)\n- Customizable web sites to promote your business (Free website for ALL Members)\n- Free training and support (Free Company and TEAM Training… we will work with you to reach YOUR GOALS!!!)\n- Free marketing materials and ideas (Our support team has 70 members who are there to help you every step of the way… Training and support from people who have been there and done that. Training provided via email, internet, or telephone)\n- Company in business at least 18 months and in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (Inc 500 Company in business for over 20 years with over 700 Million in annual sales. As for the Better Business Bureau: “The Eastern Idaho and Western Wyoming division of the Better Business \nBureau recently presented Our Company AND CEO with its 2005 "Hall of Fame" award. This prestigious award honored Our Company for its example of ethics and integrity in \ndealings with customers, employees, and the community. We have received many other Prestigious Awards.)\n\nContact me, through Yahoo360 or IM, for more information.
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.
1044033
have a physical center open and ready to receive incoming items.\nUse intenet as your media of publicity. its cheap and effective.\nSet up your own webpage, talking about recycling and your business in that webpage. You don't need many page, 5 pages is more than enough. Remember to get a nice domain name that your clients and prospects can remember easily.\nPreferbly, your webpage can also help you to make money at the same time like the system in domain registeration of this site:\n\nhttp://www.website.ws/powercontrol\nTry
261822
Hello:\nIf you are sure that this would be a viable businesses in your area. I would create fliers and business cards (links below for lost cost options) and target families that have 2 working parents.  Give them a cost analysis of using your services to complete ironing for them as opposed to taking it all to the dry cleaner or hiring a housekeeper.  Also the elderly may be a target market, you could also possibly approach your local coin-op laundry's, ask them if they offer this service and if not ask them if perhaps they can include your card or flyer with their customers bill.  My local coin ops have a pay per pound service to have my laundry done for me, but the only one that will iron is the one that is attached to a dry cleaner (very expensive).\n\nYou may want to add other services as well (if you cant do them, maybe you can co-op with other people in your area) like sewing, alterations, laundry, errands etc.\n\nCheck out the other links, one is a forum of small business owners, they have a lnk on the left to ask questions and you can look through or post.  The other is Inc magazine, many many great articles on business. Click on "small business" "Start ups" or typr in your business and see if any articles come up.\n\nGood luck
1108446
Just start knocking on doors and making phone calls. One tip is to focus on locally owned businesses. Very often in large chain stores or multibranch companies the manager has little control over the money or over donations and trying to get anything out of them is a hassle.
983200
Yes, in fact one of the largest is Merry Maids and there are several franchise janitorial opportunities and they make excellent money and they're very profitable.\n\nIf you are looking to start a janitorial business, the business rules are always the same and actually, they are quite simple. Here's my advice about starting ANY business!\n\nA business can offer three things to their prospective new customers. The three things are; quality, service or price.  However a business cannot give all three, so, a new business must chose which two out of the three they are going to market.  Keep in mind that service (providing a service or product) when the customer wants it is going to cost something. Providing quality service or products costs something too!\n\nTake Wal-Mart for example.  Their choice is price and some quality.  Think about it; try to find a person in a Wal-Mart department that is available to help the cutomers and also think about the long check-out lines.  Typically these types of "box" store such as Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Target go after the price and some quality market and stay away from service.  On the other side are the stores that offer quality and service and then charge more for their goods, such as; Macy's, Lord & Taylor, Bloomingdale's, etc. Go visit a BMW or Porsche dealer then go to a Ford or Chevrolet dealer and you'll see the contrast.  The Porsche or BMW dealer will offer you a glass of champagne while you MIGHT get a cup of coffee at a Ford or Chevy dealer.  The sale guys at the BMW or Porsche dealer will be wearing  three piece Armanni suits, they guys at the Ford or Chevy dealer will probably be wearing slacks and a pull over golf type shirt!  The difference is that one car will probably cost $30,000 more, so , they sell quality and service!\n\nA successful business decides by way of a business plan which two pieces of the pie they are going to offer and then tailors their sales and marketing efforts towards that market.  For example, let's say you're going to start a janitorial service business.  I would go after the people and clients that want and need quality work such as doctor's offices, dentists offices, banks, etc. and are willing to pay a bit more for it.  In other words, adding value to your service goes a long way in getting and keeping good customers. Price customers usually will always be the ones that will leave when a better price comes along and this is usually not the case when selling and providing quality workmanship and service at a fair price.  There is an old adage in business that goes something like this; "The sweetness of low price is forgotten long after the bitterness of poor quality is remembered."\n\n  Businesses that typically fail are those that try to offer all three items (quality, service & price) and in business  it cannot be done since quality and service come with a price which must be paid by the customer.\n\nTo sum up, pick which two items you're going to offer your prospective accounts and go after the market that fits the two you've picked and don't waste your sales or maketing efforts on the inappropriate type of account or market you are seeking and by all means write a good business plan before you pay out the first dime!  If it doesn't look good on paper, it's not going to look any better after you've spent your money trying to get your business going and remember this phrase as well; If you don't know where you're going, chances are you'll never get there!  Good luck and I hope this helps you!
309163
This is a great idea!! Way to go fella!! It is so nice to read of young men (and women) who are enterprising in how to obtain money. I say go for it. \n\nHowever, it may be difficult to find a handy spot to do this in. You will need a spot on a major road where you can get noticed. You will need to approach the property owners of various differant sites which look promising. Don't allow a few no's to get you down. Keep looking and asking untill you get a yes. Don't be afraid of a little rejection. Those who perservere will get ahead much faster and better than those who give up in the face of advercity. \n\nAlso consider the price you will charge. Realize that you may wind up getting paid less than the national minimum wage per hour of work you do. This is due to the fact many people have access to the automated car wash services out there which provides a full wash and vacumn for around $10.00. So, consider offering a lower price in order to attract customers. It needs to be made worthwhile for somebody to chose your service over another. While there are those who will use your service in order to provide teens with the experiance of being in business and learning how to earn money, others will not and in order to get those you will need to provide incentive for them to use your service instead of the one they currently use. \n\nI think this is an exellent way for both of you to make money and learn a lot about the business world. You could even put this on a resume' later in life! Prospective employers like to see inititive in their employees. By showing you started a business which was successfull or even not so successfull you are showing true inititive and spunk!! You are demonstrating even more than that, but it would take too long for me to write it all here. However, you are demonstating an "out of the box" thinking, critical thinking, perserverance, willingness to work hard, a solid work ethic, understanding life does not provide hand outs, and a willingness to go after what you want in a positive and creative way. Plus many other positive things as well. This is all I should really write here.\n\nI am just really thrilled to read of teens who are williing to be creative and take inititive in finding ways of abtaining needed finances, other than just asking parents or doing crime to gain income. Good for the both of you and please do not give up!!\n\nI would wish you luck, but with the attitude you have you really don't need it as you will create your own luck by being so willing to work hard and find ways to acheive your goals.
926470
odd job man, bin cleaning, driveway cleaning, rubbish removal, decorating, joinery/DIY type jobs for people,  plumbing, life coaching!, home tutoring, carpet fitting, gutter cleaner/painter.. just some ideas.\nIf you are serious about doing something as a business venture, have you considered a business planning course? check out the website below for one you can do from home around your other commitments...
396754
I have been selling home decor items online for about 6 months, with a friend's help (she does most of the work, I do the books & finances).  We have experienced several frustrating situations: many damage claims with UPS and FedEx, even though we have researched best way to pack our product; ebay has been making many changes to their site, which always affects the listed items in some way; and also the fees incurred to list items and to have a store is really ridiculously high. There is a fee for everything!\nOverall, we have enjoyed it-the shopping for inventory is the best! After 6 months, we are finally beginning to show a profit. We hope to expand to other auction sites soon.  Next will come a "brick & mortar store." My friend  just dreams of having a "real" store!
107986
Excellent choice! Becoming a travel agent also give you a open door for other services. And nope... 2 Businesses are not too many for that amount of poeple.\n\nFirst, see if you can get some information about your competitor, like: Customers service rating, prices, marketing strategies, and any other service that he may provide. Do this by asking people around your town and look in newspapers for their ads.\n\nAfter you do this, you need to work on your business plan, go to Entrepreneur.com for some tips and samples. Also, you need to wright at least 3 things that you can do better or cheaper than them (But keep your word and do it for your customers). \n\nNow a good Grand Opening "Open House" will be the best start up marketing strategy I recomemd. get some cheap but good looking invitations and give them out to the Mayor, City Hall workers, Police, Fire Department, Factories, and every other business in town. Try to get the Mayor to go to your open house, this way reporters will be there, too. That's free newspaper advertising...\n\nOh! if you have the resources see if you can advertise your grand opening sale on your local newpapers. Also put a banner outside your office with big letters about your grand opening and leave it their for at lease 3 month. This can get you some extra traffic...\n\nAnother thing. You need to have coupons for all those people at your Grand Opening, because the next time they think about traveling they will call the one they have a discount coupon from, and that would be you.\n\nOther services that you can offer are:\n\nTax Services\nAirport Transportation\nTelecommunication Services\nCar Insurance\n\nAnd you don't even have to do all this for yourself. Just partner with someone that prepares taxes for a percentage of the sale, or even better if they give you a wholesale rate, so you can charge your own price...\n\nHope this help, Sorry But I'm a little sleepy...\n\nGood Luck!\n\nYours truly,\n\nLuis Galarza, Business and Telecommuncation Consultant\nat: http://www.cogni360blog.co.nr and http://luisgalarza.blogspot.com
380227
Wow! tough question! I am a businessman since 12 years and I am still looking for the answer. There are thousands of book about that subject which would describe it better than me.\nFirst be sure that your idea is genuily OK. BE SURE YOU HAVE THE KNOW HOW. I STARTED 3 businesses in retail with my partners. We lost LOTS of money of the chain of pahramcies, now it is profitable. then 2 years ago, we started with optics and children stuff things and we are still loosing money. Why? we subestimated the real costs, not adpated products, too expensive, supplliers with delays (so we get winter baby clothes on 15th december) etc etc etc. you've got the know how, do it! otherwise, RUN!\nSecond, I would say organisation \nThird: be sure you have a minimum of financial backup and and be original by providing services! people love to be treated nicely.\nAll I said also depends on the country and the business size
257428
I am with Arbonne, and I LOVE it! Do you want to "sell" it, as in retail it or have home parties? Many people have succeeded quite well by giving parties, but my team has chosen not to do that method, because we have found that most people don't have time for them these days. Also, my team has become the fastest growing team in Arbonne's history, doing it this way! \n\nArbonne itself has some wonderful training tools, and my team can supplement what they have to offer, with our own calls, webcasts, etc.\n\nHave you been using the products, and have you already signed up with somebody? I will be more than happy to talk at length with you, if you'd like. Feel free to contact me at the site below!\n\nGood luck with whatever you decide. Arbonne is a wonderful option for anybody!  :-)
588353
Many people today are looking into the home based businesses to suppliment or even replace their income.\n\nIn a survey performed by Microsoft bCentral, internet sales and marketing was listed at the #1 home based business. Its ranking was based on high ease of entry, relatively low cost, high future demand and potentially high return.\n\nWhat should you look for in an "ideal" internet business? \n\n- No or minimal start-up fees (Our business start-up is $29.00)\n- A product or service you feel good about  (Consumable products used in every home… safer, more effective, less expensive, things people use and need on a daily basis)\n- A duplicable system (work FOR yourself- NOT BY yourself… we are a TEAM of individuals working to help others… “Enhancing the lives of those we touch by helping others reach their goals from Home!!!”\n- Residual income (Residual Income PLUS bonuses for helping others!!!)\n- Customizable web sites to promote your business  (Free website for ALL Members)\n- Free training and support  (Free Company and TEAM Training… we will work with you to reach YOUR GOALS!!!)\n- Free marketing materials and ideas (Our support team has 70 members who are there to help you every step of the way… Training and support from people who have been there and done that.  Training provided via email, internet, or telephone)\n- Company in business at least 18 months and in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (Inc 500 Company in business for over 20 years with over 700 Million in annual sales. As for the Better Business Bureau: “The Eastern Idaho and Western Wyoming division of the Better Business \nBureau recently presented Our Company AND CEO with its 2005 "Hall of Fame" award. This prestigious award honored Our Company for its example of ethics and integrity in \ndealings with customers, employees, and the community. We have received many other Prestigious Awards.)\n\nIf you would like to get all the details on how myself and many others are working towards securing our financial future... contact me through yahoo 360 or IM.  \n\nMy websites: http://learn2.ownanewbusiness.com\nhttp://learn2.momsmakemore.com
439632
There are several women in my church who are in business for themselves cleaning homes and offices.  Their best advertisement is word of mouth.  I have not used their services, mainly because I don't know what they cost.  I don't like haggling or even rejecting people because their fees are too high, but it's something I definitely would like to take advantage of.  Perhaps you can offer some 'first time customer' and referral specials.  Because the person will be coming into my home, I wouldn't hire someone without a personal recommendation from someone I trust.\n\nAnd for the record, I strongly recommend NOT putting flyers on people's cars.  First of all, there are local laws that sometimes prohibit that (I know - I campaigned for one in my town).  Secondly, I get VERY annoyed when someone takes the liberty of touching my car.  That is a surefire way  to get me riled up enough to not only NOT use the services being advertised, but to make sure all my friends know how inconsiderate the business is as well.  My car is one of the prizes I've worked hard for - don't mess with 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!!!