How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Errand Service?

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The average cost of hiring an errand service is $30 per hour. Depending on the area you live in, the type of service you need, and when you need it, you may spend just $15 per hour or as much as $100 per hour.

Hiring help for those everyday tasks can be a worthwhile investment if you’re a busy professional or parent, an older person, or have limited mobility.

On This Page:

1. Average Cost to Hire an Errand Service Professional
2. Errand Service Prices
3. Errand Service Cost Factors
1. Location
2. Timing
3. Frequency of Use
4. DIY vs. Hire an Errand Service Professional
5. FAQs

Average Cost to Hire an Errand Service Professional

Errand Service Prices

Errand service companies usually charge a flat hourly rate, which averages around $30 per hour. It’s rare for an errand service company to charge based on the task you need. Many pros only charge in full-hour increments, while some charge in 15- or 30-minute increments after the first 1 or 2 hours. Some professionals have a 2-hour minimum service time.

Errand Service Cost Factors

While errand-running professionals usually charge by the hour, the final cost varies depending on several factors.

Location

Depending on your location and the type of service you require, you might have to factor in mileage fees, which are around $0.50 per mile. Some errand-running service professionals only charge mileage if they have to travel over a certain distance (often over 20 miles), while others charge mileage for any services that aren’t in-house.

Prices for errand-running services can be higher in more populated cities. However, if you live in a remote location, you may struggle to find as many professionals offering this type of service, and the mileage surcharge may become prohibitive.

Timing

Out-of-hour rates—including evenings, weekends, and holidays—are often around 15% to 20% more than the standard hourly rate. Most errand-running professionals charge extra for working outside the traditional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday. Emergency or unscheduled appointments often include a surcharge or higher rate as well.

Frequency of Use

Some professionals offer discounts for loyal customers, which typically range from 5% to 15%. This could be a reduced rate for multiple bookings, a one-off referral discount, or a discount for a block of hours. Some also offer a discount for regular customers who are 65 and older.

DIY vs. Hire an Errand Service Pro

Of course, running errands yourself is more cost-effective than hiring someone else. Apart from the cost of public transport or fuel for your vehicle, there might not be any other costs.

But what you’re saving is time and convenience. For example, if you have a mile-long list of chores, a pro is much less likely to forget an essential item on the shopping list. Or if you have limited mobility, an errand service can be essential, especially when you can’t rely on family or friends to help. If hiring a professional can make your life easier and less stressful, it may be worth the investment.

FAQs

What types of tasks do an errand service cover?

Everyday tasks offered by professionals include grocery shopping, picking up and dropping off dry-cleaning, visiting the post office, and picking up prescription medication. However, errand services typically encompass a wide range of other duties, including:

• Absentee home checks, like watering plants, feeding fish, collecting mail, checking on property
• “Waiting services” for deliveries and appointments at your home
• Event planning
• Letter writing
• Appointment scheduling
• Gift shopping and wrapping
• Pet pickup and drop-off for appointments like vets or groomers

What happens if I no longer need to have the errand done for me?

Many errand service pros operate 12- to 48-hour cancellation policies. If you cancel an appointment after this time, you may be liable to pay the full amount or a percentage of the fee. Some companies request a 50% deposit to secure a booking. Check the terms and conditions for each company or individual before hiring their services.

How do I find a trustworthy errand service professional?

It’s great to get a personal recommendation, but due diligence is still essential since this is someone who might have keys to your house or access to personal data. Look for online testimonials and ask for references. Check how much experience they have, conduct an interview, and carefully review their terms and conditions.

All errand service professionals should have liability insurance and be willing to provide proof of their coverage on request. It’s worth noting that some house cleaning services near you or local maid services may also offer errand services as part of their business plan.

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