How to Make $18-$35 an Hour Running Errands

By Kimi Clark

If you like being on the go, maybe you should consider the possibility of earning money by running errands for other people.

Whether you'd like to go into business for yourself or use one of the helpful online services out there, being able to make money while helping others is a great way to earn a living.

These sites can help you make money running errands:

Instacart

As an independent contractor, you can become a driver and deliver groceries to customers, or you can become a shopper and shop for the groceries and deliver them as well. You will, of course, need a vehicle, but the hours are flexible, and you set your schedule. Their application process is simple! Apply in less than five minutes, attend an in-person training session, and start work within a week.

Postmates

With Postmates, you can work when you want and set your schedule around your life. It's a delivery service that allows you to use your car and sign up to make deliveries to people in your area. You can earn as much as $25 an hour. To learn more, visit their website.

Task Rabbit

You can deliver items such as groceries, dry cleaning – even furniture. You can pick up items at the store or pharmacy, drop off donations, and more. Signing up through Task Rabbit means that you will be connected with people in your neighborhood. To learn more about Task Rabbit, check out this post.

You might want to own and operate your own personal concierge business. If so, consider these options to make money running errands.

Make Money Running Errands for Seniors

Some seniors have long since given up their drivers license, and others have limited mobility. Simple trips out of the house to the store or other errands become burdensome and hard to manage. Because of this, they appreciate having someone to run errands for them. You can do things like go grocery shopping, pay bills, and go to the Post Office or pharmacy – just to name a few.

Running Errands for Small Business Owners

This is something I've contemplated doing myself. When you think about it, most small business owners are consumed with their businesses and have very little time to run errands for themselves. Whether they own a restaurant, a retail store, or even a home-based business, their daytime hours (which is when errands, like going to the Post Office and picking up prescriptions and dry cleaning, have to be done) are usually consumed with work. Retail store owners are typically at the shop during business hours and can't leave to do their shopping, so offering this service is a good option no matter what size community in which you live. 

Running Errands for New Moms

This is another venture I've considered doing myself as a way to help new moms take a little of the stress out of those first few months. There were times having all four of my kids that I would have gladly paid someone to do a quick errand or two for me if it meant I didn't have to take all the kids out to the store. (Sometimes it's easier just to stay home!)

You can even offer discounts if you can get several new moms to use your services at once. For example, having three moms that need you to buy groceries at the same store would mean you can shop for all of them at once, then they can split the hourly charge, saving them all money in the long run.

How Much Can You Earn?

Most people charge by the hour for this service. You can include a small stipend for mileage if you choose or even a per-mile surcharge if your drive time varies from week to week. The pay range also can vary depending on where you're located. You can expect to make from $18-$35 an hour, with the national average being about $25 an hour.

Being able to make money running errands will help you be in charge of your schedule and have the flexibility that comes with it. You control your potential earnings, which is a great feeling. Almost as good as the positive feelings you'll have when you know you're making a difference in someone else's life.

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Kimi Clark is a career stay at home mom turned writer and blogger for hire with a passion for business. She specializes in posts about writing, blogging and entrepreneurship, as well as all things parenting and motherhood. Owner & Founder of The Mom Shopping Network, you’ll find her there writing, hosting giveaways, and supporting moms in both their business and motherhood journey. She’s also a devoted wife and mother of four who loves the beach and her early morning coffee.