Personal concierge and errand runner
Run errands, pick-ups and household tasks for busy people and busy families in your area.
- C$300-2k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A hands-on service where you handle everyday tasks for clients: grocery and pharmacy runs, dry cleaning, parcel returns, waiting for deliveries or tradespeople, and picking up gifts.
Your first three steps
- Choose your service area and set an hourly rate after checking what local errand and helper services charge
- Get commercial general liability and business auto insurance, and set up a simple client agreement and invoicing method
- Offer a trial month to a few busy neighbours or local professionals and ask for referrals and reviews
Who pays
Busy professionals, working parents, older adults and people recovering from illness or surgery.
How it makes money
Hourly rate plus mileage, or a monthly retainer for a set number of hours. Clients usually cover the cost of any items you buy.
Skills that help
- Organized and reliable
- Good time and route planning
- Trustworthy and discreet
- Friendly, clear communication
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, and check your auto policy covers business use of your vehicle
- Check whether your municipality requires a business licence
- Handling clients' money, cards and house keys: keep receipts and clear written records
- Check whether you need to register for GST/HST once your revenue passes the small supplier threshold
- Winter driving and weather can disrupt your schedule, so plan buffer time
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start an errand running business in Canada?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on insurance, how much you spend on marketing and whether you need to set up your vehicle for business use.
What should I check before starting a concierge or errand service?
Check that you have commercial general liability insurance and that your auto policy covers business use of your vehicle. Also check whether your municipality requires a business licence, and whether you need to register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold.
How much can a personal errand runner earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $600 to $3,500, depending on how many hours you work, how many clients you have and your rates. Winter weather can disrupt schedules, so plan buffer time.
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