I am interested in starting a personal shopping business..such as grocery shopping, Rx pickup/delivery,errands

Question

How much should I charge? Whats the going rate? Any suggestions and ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

i would charge milage say like 50 cents per mi or something + liek $10 per hour or per stop.

Answer 2

I think its really hard to figure something like this. I agree that your time is very valuable, and certainly worth whatever you choose for an hourly rate; you will be using your fuel, car, etc, but as someone suggested, $25/hr, well what if you go 2 minutes up the street for Mrs X who is 80 yrs old to pick up a $5 prescription? Do you think she'll want to pay $25, (or you will have to stipulate a pro-rated figure for 1/2 hr, 15 mins, etc). I have also thought about a business such as this but the pricing and such is what made me rethink. I think its easier to charge 'per hour' when you are actually doing a job for someone that will be a decent amount of time, errands are hard to document. Not trying to rain on your parade, if you can make it work, go get em..

Answer 3

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* How to Start and Operate an Errand Service (Revised 2nd Edition) by Rob Spina
* Start Your Own Personal Concierge Service (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Ups) by Entrepreneur Press
* The Concierge Manual, Second Edition by Katharine C. Giovanni

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 4

You need to start by figuring out your costs. Start with your car. Gas: gallons/mile, wear & maintenance (some companies use $0.10/mile), insurance (you can prorate your monthly premium by days worked), sales costs (you'll need to contact pharmacies, adul care facilities, nurcing homes, etc.). By the way, these costs breakdown will later help you at the end of the year to write off these costs. Once you have all your costs figured in add at least 45% as your profit margin including contingencies. This will give you and idea how much to charge. Now, go back to your clients and start feeling if this rate is right. Maybe it's too low or too high and you can adjust. Good luck

Answer 5

First get a fuel efficient car, the price depends on what area you are
in I'd say $25.00 an hour or so to start, but again that depends.

Answer 6

Yes but I start with B so I can go ahead and get the beer first. That way I can drink whilst I shop for Canker relief medicine and Dooshes.

Answer 7

A friend of mine does this. Her business is called "Two Places at Once" and she charges $25.00. Dallas area.

Answer 8

Do Market Research.
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Take small business course (least is important, or you will end up screwing yourself down the road)
Make sure for extra $$$ on the side for those rain day stuff/ it slows down & etc...
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Read or Listen (this better get more info faster) & also e-books
on time mangement, business in gernal, Susie Orman, Marketing, & etc....
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If you hate some thing ex) book keeping to be able find someone honest & as cheap as possible (You get what you pay for in life, there truly is no FREE lunch. (expect here of course!!!)