Household help and errands service

Older adults living on their own, their out-of-town family, busy parents and people recovering from an injury.

Hourly rate or small visit packages, with a monthly retainer for regular clients. Once you hire helpers, you earn the margin between your rate and their pay.

• Dependable and trustworthy
• Organizing and time management
• Friendly, patient manner
• Driving, if you offer errands

• Check whether your state treats your services as regulated home care. Hands-on personal care or medical tasks may need a license
• Check that your personal auto insurance covers business driving, since many policies do not
• Before hiring helpers, learn how your state and the IRS classify workers, and what payroll and workers' comp you owe
• Handling clients' cash, cards and house keys carries risk. Keep clear records and receipts
• Check HOA or lease rules if you run admin from home

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $600 to $3,000, depending on your transportation needs, insurance, marketing and supplies. You can begin by doing the work yourself before hiring any part-time helpers.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many clients you take on and how many hours you or your helpers work. These are estimates and will vary by area.

Check whether your state treats your services as regulated home care, since hands-on personal care or medical tasks may need a license. Also confirm your auto insurance covers business driving and learn how workers are classified before hiring.