Asking the LJ brain trust - Would you use ...?

[make_your_move]

I've been debating the merits of starting my own business, specifically an Errand/Task Mgmt/Concierge type service

Comments

[kimberlogic]

My dad just found help like this in his neighborhood in Falls Church. It appears to be someone like yourself - independently operating - and she does all sorts of things as needed (takes in the mail when he's away, runs errands, let in repair folks, etc.) - let me ask him a bit more about it. I know that she has a lot of business because there's good word-of-mouth in his area and they have a resident mailing list (even though it isn't a "planned community"). I think she may have gotten bonded so as to reassure folks who were giving her keys to their houses but I'm not sure. I'll try to find out more. He pays her an hourly rate for most of the things she does though I paid her more to surprise him with a xmas tree (we got the flu and couldn't get down there as planned over thanksgiving but i still wanted him to have a tree).

[matthew_g]

At a previous job the president's Admin Assistant quit to start her own similar business (https://www.linkedin.com/pub/gina-hall/a/6a0/146).

If you're interested I can introduce you and she'd probably be glad to talk about the experience with you.

[make_your_move]

Yes please. An exchange of email addresses would be lovely, if she's willing. Of course if you would like to come down to DC and do it in person, that would be even better ;)

[russell_moore]

I can see the merit in what you're proposing, but this service is something I would only use for the jobs I didn't want to do myself or can't do (like trimming the upper reaches of the trees on the homestead) ... so I guess that would put me in the rarely use category

[bluejai]

One of the services my department is trying to branch into is concierge service for homeowners who do not have time to do things like schedule repair/maintenance appointments and then wait for the repairman. There's actually a pretty good demand for it. We've only tested it in the McLean/Tyson's/Vienna market though.

I imagine offering that in your list of services might get a good reaction.

Not in your target demographic, but pitching in 2 cents anyway

[soubrettic]

One of the services my department is trying to branch into is concierge service for homeowners who do not have time to do things like schedule repair/maintenance appointments and then wait for the repairman. There's actually a pretty good demand for it.

Actually, that was one of the first desirable services that came to mind... I'm currently riding herd on a renovation for someone who's out of range and she would be so, so, SO very screwed without me.

[make_your_move]

Are they looking it at for the local (your/our) office? I'd be interested.

I might use such a service, but rarely

[drwex]

Taskrabbit does operate in my area and I've thought about it. Some friends have used it for things like "help me assemble this DIY piece of furniture" or "help clean up this vast pile of yard waste" or "OMG the tenant moved out and left a pigsty - I need help to get the place ready to rent." Many of these activities involve physical tasks that are too hard for the person to do or really want four hands.

Another source of inspiration might be looking at the local Craigslist help wanted - what do people seem to be asking for?

Personal concierge services often cater to upper-income folks; not sure what the demographic is where you live. These services often do things like "pick up kids from school, take them to afterschool activity" or "get dry cleaning". If you think about things that the stereotypical 50s or 60s housewife would do, many families where both parents work still need those things done but one parent can't stop doing her or his job to do them.

Hmm, that was kind of random. Hope it's of some help.