Part Time Errands Business

[John_Y]

A friend gave me this wonderful idea, since my day job hasn't been generating as much cash as I'd hope. While I eventually hope to start a media business, I was wondering if I could start a part time general errands job (e.g. pet walking, grocery delivery, etc), basically, anything other people may pay others do to. This doesn't have an intention of becoming a mega empire, it's partially for fun and partially for extra cash towards what I actually want to start (media).
Would you pay someone to walk the dog for you? Would someone pay someone else to buy groceries? Would someone pay another to clean their house?
Highly appreciate the advice!

[Jeewhizz]

I woldn't pay anyone to do my grocery shopping for me - that's what a wife is for.. oops, I mean, that's what tesco online is for

I would happily pay someone reasonable rates for ad-hoc stuff like clearing out the gutters, weeding the garden etc. I enjoy doing it, but time is very valuable!

[Indizine]

I would also pay for odd-jobs....I have a list stacked up now so i'm cutting a deal with my brother to do a website in exchange for his services!

[RobertB]

My wife runs a small company which takes on small jobs as you describe.
eg cutting grass, painting fences, ironing and also shopping for some OAP's. THe major disadvantage is that a lot of her customers are very lonely and will often phone at 9.00 pm on a Saturday night.
However, their is plenty of demand for this type of service.

[cmcsoft]

I would say there is plenty of demand for these kind of services once the rates are reasonable. Ideally it would be good to be living in a densely populated area so you don't have to travel long distances to complete errands. But yes I think it's worth a go!

[accountantpete]

I would also pay for odd-jobs....I have a list stacked up now so i'm cutting a deal with my brother to do a website in exchange for his services!

This will have to be declared on your 08/09 tax return.

[Indizine]

yes, I will be selling him a website for £50 + VAT.

[Dan Matthews]

There may be some demand for this kind of service, but people tend to cut out this kind of expense (cleaner, gardener, dog walker) when the economy goes off the boil.

I'm not certain that starting a business in order to finance the growth of another business is the right way to go about it.

Can you freelance in your primary capacity, or maybe work for someone on a part-time basis?

What happens to all those old grannies when your media empire takes off and you no longer have time to trim their hedges?

[accountantpete]

It can be a useful source of cash but you have to organise your customers so that they don't all ask for your services at the same time which given sods law is what often happens.

[John_Y]

There may be some demand for this kind of service, but people tend to cut out this kind of expense (cleaner, gardener, dog walker) when the economy goes off the boil.

I'm not certain that starting a business in order to finance the growth of another business is the right way to go about it.

Can you freelance in your primary capacity, or maybe work for someone on a part-time basis?

What happens to all those old grannies when your media empire takes off and you no longer have time to trim their hedges?

Thanks for the concern Dan.

None of these businesses cost me a penny to start (e.g. I have all the equipment already).

I got the idea because I have been job searching part time without any success. Sure, Harvey's wants to hire me for 5 hours a week. But that still gives me 75 free hours. Even 2 pounds an hour wouldn't be too bad (I'm pretty young living in a rented place with no family).

I don't even feel it is a "real" business, I'm basically doing errands for people freelance. I dunno if this will involve hiring yet.....

No one wants to hire 21 year olds to do marketing, I guess you have to start somewhere....oh well.

I'll have to call it quits, maybe we'll work something out, but my immediate answer is "we'll talk it over, but nothing for sure.