Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Ferry trips to mainland for errands are expensive and time-consuming
• •Busy professionals value time over money—your service is the answer
• •Vacation homeowners need someone to handle tasks while absent
• •Limited delivery options on islands make your service more valuable
• •Seniors without transportation need reliable errand support

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Define the services you're willing to provide

   • •Clear boundaries prevent overcommitting or scope creep
   • •Some tasks have liability implications—know what you're comfortable with
   • •Defined services make quoting and marketing easier
2. 2
   Set up reliable transportation

   • •Most errands require driving—reliable vehicle is essential
   • •Fuel costs and mileage affect your pricing
   • •Vehicle condition reflects on your professionalism
3. 3
   Create systems for tracking tasks and receipts

   • •Clients need accountability for their money spent on their behalf
   • •Organized systems prevent errors and disputes
   • •Good records build trust for ongoing relationships
4. 4
   Build trust through consistent, reliable service

   • •You're handling money, keys, and personal matters—trust is everything
   • •Consistency builds the habit of clients relying on you
   • •Reliability is your competitive advantage over casual helpers

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Batch errands for multiple clients in the same area
• •Use free task management apps rather than paid services
• •Fuel-efficient vehicle reduces per-mile costs
• •Partner with other service providers for referral exchanges
• •Combine errand service with other complementary services you offer

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Collect advance for expenses; hourly or flat rate for time
• •Recurring clients provide predictable weekly income
• •Expense reimbursements should be handled promptly with receipts
• •Payment on completion is typical for errand work

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Document all expenses with receipts and provide summaries
• •Never comingle client money with your own
• •Get clear authorization for purchases over a certain amount
• •Handle sensitive items (prescriptions, legal documents) with extra care
• •Maintain professional boundaries—you're a service provider, not a friend
• •Have backup plan for when you're sick or unavailable

Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Ferry trips to mainland for errands are expensive and time-consuming
• •Busy professionals value time over money—your service is the answer
• •Vacation homeowners need someone to handle tasks while absent
• •Limited delivery options on islands make your service more valuable
• •Seniors without transportation need reliable errand support

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Define the services you're willing to provide

   • •Clear boundaries prevent overcommitting or scope creep
   • •Some tasks have liability implications—know what you're comfortable with
   • •Defined services make quoting and marketing easier
2. 2
   Set up reliable transportation

   • •Most errands require driving—reliable vehicle is essential
   • •Fuel costs and mileage affect your pricing
   • •Vehicle condition reflects on your professionalism
3. 3
   Create systems for tracking tasks and receipts

   • •Clients need accountability for their money spent on their behalf
   • •Organized systems prevent errors and disputes
   • •Good records build trust for ongoing relationships
4. 4
   Build trust through consistent, reliable service

   • •You're handling money, keys, and personal matters—trust is everything
   • •Consistency builds the habit of clients relying on you
   • •Reliability is your competitive advantage over casual helpers

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Batch errands for multiple clients in the same area
• •Use free task management apps rather than paid services
• •Fuel-efficient vehicle reduces per-mile costs
• •Partner with other service providers for referral exchanges
• •Combine errand service with other complementary services you offer

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Collect advance for expenses; hourly or flat rate for time
• •Recurring clients provide predictable weekly income
• •Expense reimbursements should be handled promptly with receipts
• •Payment on completion is typical for errand work

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Document all expenses with receipts and provide summaries
• •Never comingle client money with your own
• •Get clear authorization for purchases over a certain amount
• •Handle sensitive items (prescriptions, legal documents) with extra care
• •Maintain professional boundaries—you're a service provider, not a friend
• •Have backup plan for when you're sick or unavailable