I need unbiased opinions on strating up a business in Ohio?

Question

How would you go about starting a concierge business? Would you begin part-time (for the sake of keeping you full-time job and salary in the beginning) or how else would you go about doing this (credit cards and bank loans are not an option)?

Answer 1

You are never given a dream or possibility without the equal capability of making it happen. Your concierge business sounds fun.

My unbiased opinion, is that it depends upon your social style, your finances and your needs. I have launched a staffing business in Ohio while working my full time job, because for me, that is the most sane way to "BUILD" a business that does all the good that my "not for profit" job leads network did, and do it in a way that REPLACED my income. Otherwise for me, the fear of failure would get in the way of my ability to be of service. Now I give my best to my job and my business, for me that works.

There are others that found giving themselves fully to the task at hand was successful. Interview others that have achieved what you aspire to do...

If you would like a local networking resource.. first go to LinkedIn.com and get a free business profile to search for others in your industry in your area and beyond.. Second to connect with other business professionals in the area, consider subscribing to LInkedIn Ohio Yahoo Group to connect with other professionals.

Answer 2

A concierge business involves performing routine errands for clients, such as picking up dry cleaning, buying the dinosaur cake for the little tyke, and so on. With the rise of two-income families, working people nowadays seldom have the time to do life’s little chores. If you do not mind performing these little tasks and enjoy doing something different each day, this is a business with excellent growth potential.

The problem with doing this type of business PART TIME is that you miss out on customers and assignments during the weekday. Personal concierges are typically hired when the client is at most harassed and unable to do the tasks at hand -- which is often during weekdays during working hours. You have to find out what types of tasks people need to do on weekends (where you are available).

Creativity and flexibility are the key qualities to establish a successful concierge business business -- more so if you have no resources given that credit cards and bank loans are not an option. Good news though -- this is a business that does not require a huge start up capital. If you already have a telephone, a cell phone, a car or a computer, your only major expense would be marketing and the initial business setup. Another possible start-up expense includes the cost of bonding and insurance to protect you in the event of accident, theft or mishap. You don't want to be in a situation where you are working in your client's home arranging their files and be accused of theft.

The most important component of this business is finding your target audience, which often consists of busy executives and working people. You have to think of your limitations and what you possibly can do in your spare time to service your clientele.

You can charge clients with a variety of membership fees based on the nature of service and number of requests per month. You can charge for family or individual membership, a corporate membership for companies to give their employees, and a one-time service fee. Remember though, that whatever you purchase for your clients are billed to them.

I recommend that you check the following articles, books and websites:

Entrepreneur Magazine's book "How to Start a Personal Concierge Service" http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1891984713/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
How to Be a Personal Concierge
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,287025,00.html
How to Start and Operate an Errand Service (Revised 2nd Edition) by Rob Spina
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0965703150/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
Sound Startup Strategies For a Personal Concierge http://www.startupjournal.com/columnists/ideafile/20010905-pink.html
National Concierge Association http://www.conciergeassoc.org

As for prices, check on the web for website of personal concierge businesses and check if they publish their prices. One such site is Parris Concierge http://www.parrisconcierge.com whose services include such routine (and time-consuming) tasks as returning items to the store, picking up your prescriptions or obtaining annual automobile license renewal stickers. Prices for Parris Concierge run from $40.00-$50.00 per hour and a 10 hour package is $400.00.

Another concierge service is Sisters http://www.sistersx2.com/ and their hourly fees range from $40.00-$75.00 per hour and packages can be built to suit any request.

As for your business setup, since you are doing this part time you can start off as a sole proprietor - and you only need to register your business and your business name (if you're going to use a name for your business other than your name). Ohio has a 1st Stop Business Connection http://www.odod.state.oh.us/onestop/index.cfm where you can learn everything you can about starting a business in your state