How to Start an Errand Business: Step-by-Step Overview

Start an Errand Service with Clear, Simple Steps Today

Starting an Errand Business: Is This Path Right for You?

It is exciting to think about getting paid to run errands you already do every day. Still, running an errand business is more than driving around and ticking off lists. You are responsible for other people’s time, money, and belongings. That level of responsibility is a big shift from having a job.

Before you go any further, take a quiet moment and ask yourself if owning a business really fits your life. It is tough when you give up a steady paycheck and step into uncertainty. If you want help thinking that through, see Points to Consider Before Starting Your Business. It walks you through the bigger life issues, not just the paperwork.

Passion matters here. When a delivery goes wrong, traffic is a mess, or a client complains, passion keeps you looking for better answers instead of looking for the exit. If you are not sure how much you want this, read How Passion Affects Your Business and be honest with yourself about why you want to start.

Check Your Motivation and Readiness

Ask yourself if you are moving toward something or running away from something. If you only want an errand business because you hate your job or feel trapped by debt, motivation may fade when the work gets hard. If you enjoy helping people, organizing details, and being on the road, the work is easier to stick with.

Think about what changes for you when you become the owner. You may work long hours at first, take fewer vacations, and carry the risk if something goes wrong. Your family should understand and support that shift. You also need at least basic skills in driving, time management, and recordkeeping. You can learn missing skills or bring in help later.

A powerful shortcut is to talk to people already running similar services in other areas where you will not compete. Use the ideas in How to Get an Inside Look at a Business to ask the right questions and get a real view of their day, their stress, and their rewards.

Solo Service or Something Bigger?

An errand business usually starts as a lean, solo operation. You can run it from a home office with your own car and a phone. You do not need investors or a large staff to get going. Later, if demand is strong, you might add a second car, a helper, or a small office. For most people, starting small is the safer path.

Decide early if you plan to work alone for a while or if you want partners, investors, or staff from the start. That choice affects how you set up your business, how much funding you need, and what kind of legal structure makes sense. If you do grow, you can always review when to add people using ideas like those in How and When to Hire.

Next, think about how you will charge. Your business model is simply how you get paid for the errands you do and how you handle your time.

Charge by the hour with a minimum time block per visit.
Charge a flat fee per trip or per errand, with extra for long distances.
Offer monthly packages for seniors or offices that need regular errands.
Mix and match: hourly for mixed jobs, flat fees for common errands.

Understand Your Market and Demand

You only have a business if there are people willing to pay for what you offer. It is not enough that you like the idea. You need proof there is enough work and enough profit to pay your bills and your own paycheck. That means simple, practical research.

Start by looking at who lives and works in your area. Seniors, busy professionals, and small offices often need help with errands. Then look at who already offers similar services. This helps you see if there is room for your business and where you can stand out. For a deeper look at this basic issue, see Supply and Demand.

Your goal here is to test your assumptions, not to create a perfect report. You just need enough real-world input to adjust your idea before you spend money.

Search online for errand services, personal concierge services, and task services in your city.
Note which neighborhoods they serve and what they charge.
Talk to seniors, busy parents, and small office owners and ask what errands slow them down.
Check if there are gaps: evenings, weekends, senior focus, pet-related trips, or office runs.
Look for signs of solid demand, not just polite interest.

Define Your Services and Your Customers

Now turn what you learned into a simple service list. You do not have to do everything. It is better to offer a small set of clear services that fit your skills, your area, and your risk comfort. You also want to be clear who you serve so your marketing is focused.

Errand services are about trust. People may hand you keys, bank deposits, prescriptions, and private documents. Only offer services where you feel confident, where you understand the rules, and where you can follow safe routines.

Start with a service menu like this and adapt it to your area.

Grocery shopping and delivery based on a client list.
Prescription and pharmacy pickup, following pharmacy rules and client authorizations.
Dry cleaning and laundry drop-off and pickup.
Post office errands: mailing parcels, picking up held mail, buying postage.
Bank deposit drop-offs where banks allow it and with clear instructions from the client.
Personal shopping for gifts, household items, and supplies.
Pet-related errands, such as picking up pet food or taking pets to the groomer with owner consent.
House checks and light house sitting: mail collection, light rotation, basic visual checks.
Document delivery to accountants, attorneys, schools, or offices.

Then list the customer groups most likely to use those services.

Seniors who live at home and need help with shopping and errands.
Busy professionals with long work hours and long commutes.
Families with young children or heavy schedules.
Small offices and medical or dental practices needing regular mail, bank, and supply runs.
Property managers and real estate professionals needing key handoffs and unit checks.
Out-of-town homeowners who need someone to check their property.

Estimate Startup Costs and List Essential Equipment

Even a simple errand business has real startup costs. You may already own a car and phone, but you still need to budget for fuel, maintenance, insurance, and basic office needs. Estimating these costs now helps you avoid surprises later.

Make a complete list of what you need before you open. Then research pricing for each item. The size of your operation will decide how much you spend. For help building that list, you can use the ideas in Estimating Startup Costs.

Below is a detailed, organized list of equipment and tools to consider for an errand business.

Transportation
- Reliable car, van, or small vehicle suitable for your climate and roads.
- Valid driver’s license and required vehicle registration documents.
- Vehicle insurance that allows business use as permitted by your insurer.
- Basic vehicle emergency kit (jumper cables, tire tools, warning triangle).
Navigation and Communication
- Smartphone with a reliable data plan.
- Navigation app with the option to save routes offline.
- Calendar and scheduling app for appointments and recurring errands.
- Hands-free phone setup that complies with state driving laws.
Carrying and Delivery Gear
- Insulated bags for groceries and temperature-sensitive items.
- Reusable shopping bags and totes.
- Small bins or organizers in the vehicle for receipts and small items.
- Foldable cart or dolly for heavier loads when needed.
Security and Safety
- Lockable container or pouch for client keys and access cards.
- Key tags or coded labels that do not show client names and addresses together.
- Basic first aid kit for the vehicle.
- Flashlight and reflective gear for early morning or evening work.
Office and Administration
- Computer or laptop with internet access.
- Printer and scanner or a scanner app for receipts and documents.
- Bookkeeping software or a spreadsheet system for tracking income and expenses.
- Physical files or secure digital storage for agreements and records.
Payment and Documentation
- Mobile payment solution for cards and digital payments.
- Invoice templates or invoicing software.
- Receipt book or digital receipt system for reimbursements and purchases.
- Service agreements and authorization forms to be reviewed by a legal professional.
Branding and Marketing
- Simple logo files for use on your website and documents.
- Business cards for local networking.
- Basic website or landing page.
- Optional branded clothing or vehicle decals.

You can always add more tools later, but this list gives you a solid baseline for what you need to open your doors.

Choose a Name, Brand, and Online Presence

Your business name should be easy to say, easy to spell, and fit the tone you want. Something clear like “City Errand Help” or “Helping Hands Errand Service” lets people know what you do at a glance. Once you have a few options, check if they are in use in your state and online.

Next, check for a matching domain name and basic social media handles before you print anything. A simple, clear website is often enough for this type of service. If you want a step-by-step approach, see How to Build a Website for planning and building your site.

Branding does not have to be fancy at the start. Aim for a clean logo, readable fonts, and a consistent look across your website, business cards, and any signs. For more on this, see Corporate Identity Package Considerations and What to Know About Business Cards.

Choose a business name and check state and local databases for conflicts.
Check domain name options and pick one that matches or fits your brand.
Draft a simple logo and color scheme.
Build a basic website with your services, service area, contact details, and simple story.
Create or reserve social profiles where your customers spend time.

Handle Registration, Legal Structure, and Compliance

This part can feel overwhelming, especially if you have never registered a business before. The good news is you do not need to know every law yourself. Your job is to know which offices to contact and when to ask for help. Many owners start as a sole proprietorship and decide later if forming a limited liability company makes sense as they grow.

In most areas you will deal with three levels: state, city or county, and federal. At the very least you will pick a structure, register your name if needed, decide how you will handle taxes, and check if you need a local business license. The article How to Register a Business walks through these pieces in more detail.

You do not have to handle all this alone. An accountant, business attorney, or other professional advisors can save time and reduce mistakes. For ideas on who to bring into your corner, see Building a Team of Professional Advisors.

Decide on your legal structure: many start as a sole proprietorship; some choose a limited liability company for added protection.
Check with your Secretary of State or business filing office to see if you must register your structure.
If you use a trade name, file a fictitious or assumed name where required (often state or county level).
Apply for an employer identification number with the federal tax agency if your structure or bank requires it or if you plan to hire employees.
Ask your state’s tax or revenue department if your services are subject to sales or use tax and register if needed.
Check with your city or county for a general business license or tax registration.
If you run the business from home, ask about home occupation rules and whether you need a permit or a Certificate of Occupancy update.

Insurance is another key part of risk control. To understand common policies and why they matter, see Business Insurance. You can then speak to a licensed insurance agent about coverage such as general liability, vehicle coverage for business use, and workers’ compensation if you add staff.

Plan Your Money: Business Plan, Pricing, and Funding

A short, clear business plan helps you see if your idea makes financial sense. It does not need to be fancy. It should simply explain what you offer, who you serve, how you charge, what it costs to run, and how you will find customers. Even if you never show it to anyone else, it keeps you on track.

If you are new to planning, follow the guide at How to Write a Business Plan. It can help you avoid gaps and think through each part. You can always ask a professional or trusted advisor to review your plan.

Pricing is another big decision. You need to cover fuel, time, vehicle use, insurance, and your own pay. For a step-by-step view, see Pricing Your Products and Services.

List your services and estimate average time and distance for each.
Decide on hourly, flat-fee, package, or mixed pricing.
Check competitor pricing to make sure you are in a realistic range.
Test your prices against your estimated costs and your income needs.

Funding for an errand business is often simple. Many owners use savings or a small personal loan. Some may use a line of credit or a small business loan, especially if they want to start with multiple vehicles. If you need outside funding, How to Get a Business Loan explains what lenders look for.

Skills You Need (and How to Fill the Gaps)

You do not need to be perfect at everything to start. You do need enough skill to keep clients safe, protect their property, and run basic business records. Anything else you can learn or eventually hire out. It is better to be honest about your limits than to pretend you can do it all.

Think of your skills in three groups: driving and logistics, customer service, and basic business management. Rate yourself in each area. Where you are weak, plan to take a short course, ask for help, or work with professionals.

Here are the core skills for most errand business owners.

Safe, confident driving and comfort in local traffic and weather.
Strong time management and route planning.
Clear communication by phone, text, and email.
Reliability and punctuality for time-sensitive errands.
Attention to detail with lists, addresses, receipts, and instructions.
Basic bookkeeping and recordkeeping for income, expenses, and mileage.
Discretion and respect for client privacy and property.
Simple problem-solving when items are out of stock or plans change.

If you dislike bookkeeping, you can hire a bookkeeper. If you worry about legal forms, you can work with an attorney. You do not have to do every task yourself forever.

Set Up Your Home Base and Workflows

Because an errand business is mobile, you may not need a storefront. Many owners use a small home office as their base. You still need an organized space where you keep records, track appointments, and manage keys and equipment.

Make sure your home setup follows local rules. Some cities require a home occupation permit. Some limit parking or signage. Check with your local planning or zoning office so you know what is allowed before you start.

Next, set up the simple systems you need to operate from day one.

Create a client information sheet and service agreement to be reviewed by a legal professional.
Set up digital folders for client records, receipts, and invoices.
Decide how you will store and label keys and access codes.
Set up your bookkeeping system for tracking income, expenses, and mileage.
Choose your invoicing and payment tools and test them with small sample transactions.

This is also a good time to prepare basic templates: shopping lists, task checklists, and visit summaries. Keeping things simple and consistent will help when you get busy.

Pre-Launch Marketing and First Customers

You do not need a huge marketing budget to start an errand business. You do need a clear message and a way for people to find you. Start with the people who already trust you, then work outward into the community.

Your early goal is to get a few real customers, do excellent work, and collect honest feedback and testimonials. Those real experiences will help you improve your services and your message.

Think about how you will introduce your business and keep your name in front of the right people.

Tell family, friends, and neighbors exactly what you do and which areas you serve.
Share your website and contact details in local online groups that allow business posts.
Visit senior centers, community groups, and small offices and leave business cards where allowed.
Ask early clients if they are comfortable giving a short testimonial you can use on your site.
Consider small promotional offers for first-time clients in a limited time frame.

If you plan a small launch event or joint promotion with another local business, Ideas for Your Grand Opening can give you practical ideas. For general thoughts on attracting first-time customers, see Considerations for First Time Customers.

A Day in the Life Before You Open Fully

It helps to picture a real workday before you start. This mental picture can show you if the pace of an errand business fits you. It also helps you see where you need better tools or routines.

Below is a sample day for a solo errand business owner once you start taking bookings. Your hours and mix of tasks will vary, but the flow will be similar. Think about how this would feel in your life.

Notice how much of the day is active driving and how much is quiet desk work. You need to be comfortable with both.

Early morning: Check messages and confirm the day’s appointments. Review any special instructions for pharmacies, banks, or key handoffs.
Morning: Do grocery runs and pharmacy pickups for seniors and busy clients. Drop off items and get signatures when needed.
Midday: Handle post office trips, office supply runs, and document deliveries for small businesses.
Afternoon: Finish remaining errands, such as pet-related trips or house checks. Confirm the next day’s tasks with clients.
Early evening: Record mileage, organize receipts, send invoices, and update your schedule for the next day.

Common Risks and What to Watch For

Every business has risks. Your goal is not to remove all risk but to see it clearly and handle it early. This protects you and your clients and can prevent costly problems later. It also makes you easier to insure and easier to trust.

Errand work involves driving, handling money and goods, and entering other people’s spaces. Pay special attention to how you protect property, avoid confusion, and stay within the rules. For a general view of issues new owners overlook, you may find Avoid These Mistakes When Starting a Small Business helpful.

Here are key areas to watch as you plan.

Licensing and zoning: Confirm you have any required city or county business license and that home-based work is allowed in your area.
Tax handling: Clarify with your tax agency whether your services are taxable and how to handle income and expenses.
Vehicle use: Make sure your vehicle insurance allows business use and that you follow all road rules.
Prescription and finance errands: Follow pharmacy and bank rules for third-party pickups and deposits. Always have clear written instructions from clients.
Key and access management: Use coded labels and lockable storage. Never keep client identity and address on the same tag.
Scope of services: Do not agree to tasks that require professional licenses you do not hold, such as medical care or legal advice.
Recordkeeping: Keep clear records of time, mileage, payments, and reimbursements to support tax filings and resolve client questions.

Pre-Opening Checklist

Before you announce your business to the world, pause and review your progress. It is better to delay by a week than to open with missing permits, unclear pricing, or no way to take payments. A simple checklist helps you see what is done and what still needs work.

Use the list below as a starting point and adapt it to your situation. Add any local requirements you discovered during your research. If anything feels confusing, ask a professional advisor for help.

Once you can check off most of these, you are ready for a careful, confident launch.

You have decided that owning a business fits your life and you understand the trade-offs.
You have spoken with at least one or two errand business owners in other areas.
You have chosen your service list and main customer groups.
You have estimated startup costs and listed essential equipment.
You have selected a business name and checked for conflicts and domain availability.
You have chosen a legal structure and completed required registrations and licenses.
You have opened a separate business bank account.
You have set up basic bookkeeping, invoicing, and payment systems.
You have discussed insurance needs with a licensed agent.
You have prepared client agreements and key procedures, reviewed by a legal professional if possible.
You have created a simple website and have printed or ordered business cards.
You have tested your pricing with sample scenarios and adjusted as needed.
You have a short list of first potential clients to approach.

Take a breath and review your answers and notes. If you see gaps, that is normal. Tackle them one at a time. The goal is not perfection. The goal is a solid, honest start that you can build on.

101 Tips for Running Your Errand Business

Running an errand business can be a practical way to turn your dependability and driving time into income. At the same time, you are dealing with other people’s time, money, and property, so you need more than a love of helping. These tips give you concrete ways to plan, operate, and grow your service without feeling lost. Use them as a checklist and pick a few to act on each week.

What to Do Before Starting

Clarify why you want to run an errand business, and write it down so you can check that reason when work gets stressful.
Ask if daily driving, carrying other people’s belongings, and handling their money fits your personality, energy level, and family life.
Talk with two or three errand business owners in other areas to learn what their typical day really looks like and which tasks drain them the most.
Define the neighborhoods you will serve based on drive times, parking conditions, and where your ideal clients actually live or work.
Decide which services you will offer and make a separate list of tasks you will never accept, such as heavy lifting, childcare, or medical decisions.
Research how many seniors, busy professionals, and small offices are within your service area to gauge whether there is enough demand.
Estimate how much income you want to earn each month, then roughly calculate how many billable hours or trips you need to reach that goal.
List every startup expense you can foresee, including vehicle preparation, insurance, phone, software, and initial marketing, so you know your minimum funding target.
Choose your basic pricing model—hourly, per trip, or package—and sketch example jobs to see how well each model covers your time and costs.
Decide if you will start as a solo owner or bring in partners or employees, because this choice affects your legal structure and funding needs.
Check your state, county, and city websites to see what registrations, licenses, and permits apply to a home-based or mobile service business.
Draft a simple business plan that describes your services, customers, pricing, costs, and marketing so you can spot gaps before you launch.

What Successful Errand Business Owners Do

Plan each day the night before, grouping errands by location and deadline so you spend more time serving clients and less time stuck in traffic.
Arrive a little early to every appointment, because showing up on time builds trust faster than any marketing message.
Record every errand with time started, time finished, miles driven, and money spent so you can track profitability accurately.
Protect client privacy by limiting who sees their addresses, access codes, and routines, and by storing that information securely.
Keep your vehicle clean and orderly so clients feel comfortable when you transport their items or ride along for certain errands.
Build friendly relationships with staff at pharmacies, dry cleaners, post offices, and small shops, because they can make your errands smoother and refer new clients.
Review which clients, routes, and services produce the best margins, and focus your schedule on the work that sustains the business.
Regularly trim or adjust your service list when you see that some offerings are rarely requested or consistently unprofitable.
Protect your health with reasonable work hours, meal breaks, and days off so you can stay dependable over the long term.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

Create a simple checklist for onboarding new clients that covers contact details, service needs, key handling, and payment method before you do the first errand.
Write step-by-step procedures for your common tasks, such as grocery runs or post office trips, so you do them the same reliable way each time.
Set a standard method for labeling, storing, and returning keys, and log every key movement to reduce the risk of loss.
Use a digital calendar with alerts for all appointments and recurring errands so nothing falls through the cracks.
Track mileage for each day you drive for the business to support tax deductions and to understand your true travel costs.
Choose simple accounting software or a spreadsheet system and update it weekly with income and expenses instead of waiting until tax time.
Decide when payment is due, which methods you accept, and whether you require deposits, then share those terms clearly before you start work.
Ask a legal professional to review your service agreement so you and your clients both know what is covered and what is not.
Build buffer time into your schedule between errands so that unexpected delays do not ruin the rest of your day.
When you add staff, write specific job duties and performance standards so everyone knows what a successful shift looks like.
Train new team members using ride-alongs, written procedures, and practice runs before you let them serve clients alone.
Hold a short weekly planning session to review upcoming appointments, special requests, and any risks that need attention.
Keep spare insulated bags, pens, phone chargers, and basic tools in your vehicle so you can handle surprises without cancelling jobs.
Schedule regular vehicle maintenance based on mileage and manufacturer guidance to reduce breakdowns during busy days.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

Learn whether your state and city classify your work as a general service business that still needs a license or registration.
Check if your state taxes services like yours and factor any required tax collection into your pricing and bookkeeping.
Ask local pharmacies and banks what documentation they require when you pick up prescriptions or deposit items on behalf of clients.
Plan for seasonal patterns such as holiday shopping rushes, vacation house checks, and winter driving conditions that may change your workload.
Talk with an insurance professional about coverage for business use of your vehicle, general liability, and any employees you may add.
Understand that you may be responsible for damage or loss if client property is harmed while in your care, and build your policies around that risk.
Develop safety rules for entering homes alone, such as checking in with a trusted contact and leaving if something feels wrong.
Watch how changes in fuel prices affect your costs and consider fuel-efficient driving and route planning habits.
Keep an eye on delivery and task apps operating in your area to see how they influence customer expectations for speed and price.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

Create a short, clear phrase that explains who you help and what you do, such as helping busy families stay on top of errands.
Build a straightforward website that lists your services, service area, contact details, and a short story about why you started the business.
Claim your business profile on major search and navigation platforms so local clients can find you when they look for errand services.
Ask happy clients to leave honest public reviews and make it easy by sending them the exact place to post.
Introduce yourself to senior centers, retirement communities, and care managers, and explain how your errands can support their members.
Leave business cards or small flyers at community boards and local venues that allow promotional materials.
Join local business associations or networking groups so other owners think of you when their customers ask for help with errands.
Offer a limited introductory package for first-time clients to help them try your service without a large commitment.
Share short stories or tips on social media that highlight how you solve everyday problems for clients, without revealing private details.
Create simple case examples that describe a busy day you handled for a client so prospects can picture how your service works.
Track every new client back to a specific marketing source so you can invest more in what works and drop what does not.
Partner with complementary local businesses, such as house cleaners or pet sitters, to exchange referrals and occasional joint offers.
Support local events or causes that attract your ideal clients, such as senior fairs or neighborhood festivals, to build name recognition.
Use the same logo, colors, and tone on your vehicle signs, cards, and website so people recognize you at a glance.

Dealing with Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)

During the first conversation, explain clearly what your service includes, what it does not include, and how you work.
Ask new clients about their routines, preferred stores, and communication style so you can serve them in a way that feels natural to them.
Summarize complex instructions in a brief written message and ask the client to confirm before you start the errand.
Set realistic timing expectations during busy weeks so clients know when you will complete each job.
Describe how you protect keys, codes, and private information so clients understand the safety steps behind your work.
Offer recurring weekly or monthly schedules for clients who need regular help so they can stop worrying about rebooking each time.
Check in with new clients after the first few visits and ask what you can adjust to make the service even more helpful.
Keep a private note for each client with details such as parking quirks, pet names, and preferred contact times.
Encourage clients to request non-urgent errands at least a day or two ahead so you can plan efficient routes.
Show appreciation to loyal clients with simple gestures such as thank-you notes or small seasonal cards.

Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback)

Write down the maximum time it should take you to respond to calls, texts, and emails, and treat that as a promise to yourself and your clients.
Create a clear cancellation policy that covers time limits, fees, and emergencies so both sides know what is fair.
Decide in advance how you will handle late payments, including reminders and possible service pauses, so you are not improvising under stress.
Set up a simple way for clients to report concerns, such as a dedicated email address or form, and check it daily.
When something goes wrong, acknowledge it quickly, explain what happened, and outline the steps you will take to correct it.
Ask clients specific questions about how their last errand went instead of a vague request for feedback.
Keep a log of feedback themes and review it monthly to decide which parts of your service need improvement.
Set personal targets for customer satisfaction, such as a certain rating average, and track whether your changes move you toward those goals.
Plan in advance what you will do for a client when you cause a problem, whether that means a discount, redo, or added service.

Sustainability (Waste, Sourcing, Long-Term)

Group errands that are in the same area so you drive fewer miles and spend less time on the road.
Use reusable shopping bags and sturdy containers instead of disposable ones whenever you can.
Schedule errands for multiple clients in the same building or neighborhood back-to-back to reduce trips.
Maintain correct tire pressure and vehicle tune-ups so your car uses fuel efficiently and stays safe.
Save clean boxes and packing materials for non-fragile, non-confidential deliveries instead of always using new supplies.
Invest in durable carts, bags, and tools so you are not constantly throwing away broken equipment.

Staying Informed (Trends, Sources, Cadence)

Pick one day each week to scan local news for stories that might affect your clients, such as road projects or store changes.
Follow a few trusted small-business education sites and read their key articles on money, law, and marketing.
Check your state tax and business registration websites every few months for any updates that might affect your obligations.
Pay attention to pricing changes and new features on major delivery and task platforms to see how client expectations are shifting.
Attend occasional workshops or webinars on topics like customer service, recordkeeping, or time management to sharpen your skills.
Join at least one online community for errand or personal service owners and observe what issues come up repeatedly.
Keep a notebook or digital file where you store ideas and lessons, and review it twice a year when planning changes to your business.

Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)

Plan for higher demand around holidays by offering limited extra slots and explaining any special policies upfront.
Create a simple severe-weather plan that covers which errands you will delay, how you will notify clients, and when you will reschedule.
When a new competitor appears, study their offer, pricing, and strengths and look for ways to stand out instead of cutting prices blindly.
Watch for patterns in client requests and add new services only when you see steady demand that fits your skills and risk level.
Test new apps or tools with a small piece of your work first so you can evaluate them without disrupting your whole schedule.
Build and protect a modest cash reserve so you can handle slow periods, repairs, or regulatory changes without panic.
Review your overall strategy at least once a year and decide whether to narrow your focus, expand your area, or adjust pricing.

What Not to Do

Do not promise every errand will be done the same day, because unrealistic promises are hard to keep and damage trust.
Do not accept tasks that feel unsafe, unclear, or beyond your training, even if a client pressures you.
Do not ignore the signs of exhaustion, such as constant irritability or mistakes; instead, reduce workload or get help before quality drops.
Do not handle client cash, cards, or financial documents without written guidelines and a reliable system for tracking every step.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Oregon Secretary of State, Nebraska Department of Revenue, Washington State Department of Revenue, City of Merced, City of Harrisonburg, Taskrabbit, Entrepreneur