Made up my mind; gonna start a grocery shopping & errand business

[Judyhill]

I am now 52 and living all by myself. My income is low and is going to get even lower when my kids come off of my disability pension.

I decided (was thinking about it for a while) that I am going to get into a business of offering to do groceries and errands for people in my little city.

Right now my car is broke down with a bill of 1000.00 to get fixed that I don't have. I will borrow and I am determined to use my shopping skills and my car to my advantage.

It would also be my way of helping people.

If anyone has any idea's or knows of anything that will help me, I sure would appreciate it.

I do know a couple of things; I love to shop, I know the sales, etc. and if I can use that to help others, I will be so, so happy.

[Lavender Lady]

That is a wonderful idea! There are many people who are too busy to take care of something so mundane as shopping for groceries and would be happy to pay someone to do it for them. Put an ad on Kijiji and the local bulletin boards at the grocery store. Here in Calgary, there was an article in the paper about a unemployed man who was paid to wait in line for people who didn't want to line up to get their coffee. When you see a need for a service, offer a solution. You go girl!!

[iggysbabysitter]

I would like to do this too, but for now I'll stick to driving the seniors around (there are some old friends I drive a few times a month, who don't drive). I share a lot of the best deals with all of those folks. One is getting the hang of price matching
In return for driving, some give me gas money, and others give me goods that I could use (free range eggs and chicken from one with a farm, refurbished lawn equipment from another).

[Judyhill]

That is a wonderful idea! There are many people who are too busy to take care of something so mundane as shopping for groceries and would be happy to pay someone to do it for them. Put an ad on Kijiji and the local bulletin boards at the grocery store. Here in Calgary, there was an article in the paper about a unemployed man who was paid to wait in line for people who didn't want to line up to get their coffee. When you see a need for a service, offer a solution. You go girl!!

I would love that. I am always around the stores anyway; 52 and single, lol. I would love to help others since my kids are grown now. I know there must be seniors out there too, who would appreciate something like that.

Thanks so much

[DianneS]

Sounds like a great plan. My tip for you is to be sure you are realistic about gas costs, etc. i.e. Don't under-value the services you are offering.

[Judyhill]

My little city is not very big, so I was thinking a base cost of 8.00 and 15 % of their total purchases and 3.00 for each stop after the first one.

Do you think that would be reasonable?

[thriftygranny]

Great Idea but make sure you know how much you are allowed to make extra while being on disability. You would not want to jeopardise this income.You should also see if there are any grants for persons with disabilities to start a small business..Good Luck

[torontogal12]

Good for you! Call it "personal shopping" so you can charge more! Maybe that won't work in your town if its small, but worth a shot

[princesskimmi]

A person I once knew had a service simialar and called it a Personal Conceirge Service and it included a gazillion different services - Personal shopping, gift shopping, picking up drycleaning the list goes on and on.

[seylz_gurl]

maybe you could incorporate a house sitting service and pet sitting service with your business too.

[lshortt]

You could post a notice up in the Seniors Residences that might help get you started too

[Natalka]

Great Idea but make sure you know how much you are allowed to make extra while being on disability. You would not want to jeopardise this income.You should also see if there are any grants for persons with disabilities to start a small business..Good Luck

This is something you definitely need to take into account, about how it will affect your income.

I think it's a nice idea. Check to see if there are any resources available in your area for starting a small business. Also remember to check with your local council regarding home-based businesses, getting a license, regulations, etc.

[jasperandchar]

these services are great in small towns but do your homework with respect to your dissability pension, don't want to risk losing that! Awesome ideas!

[Judyhill]

Great Idea but make sure you know how much you are allowed to make extra while being on disability. You would not want to jeopardise this income.You should also see if there are any grants for persons with disabilities to start a small business..Good Luck

In my newsletters that I get from The Canada Pension Plan, it states that I can make up to $4000.00 in a year without needing to report it to them. If I make any more than this, I would need to report it.

[MomOfOne79]

I hope it works out for you! Great idea!!