This question is for Hummer-GA.

Hey Hummer,

Here's another one for you. 

As you know, I've been considering moving back to Florida. A building
boom is going on in Florida especially with wealthier baby-boomers. An
idea came to me for a business that would be located in the wealthier
areas of the State.

Every so often, here in Dallas, and elsewhere, I'll see ads for
services that make all kinds of pick-ups and errands for either the
very busy, the wealthy and the infirmed. The small companies do not
appear to organized or franchised.

Among the services they provide besides picking up groceries,
cleaning, prescriptions are moving seniors, taking care of seniors,
picking up poop from their yards ( on person in an affluent are of
Dallas was supposedly making six figures from this service alone.)

Although I could do alot of these services, I would not want to
diversify too much and I would hire people who might have experience
in some of the more specialized services such as moving, relocating
older people.

Also, although, I would like to offer as many services as I possible
could, I would not overdo it and try to be everything to everyone.

Hummer, can you please help in this latest search and see if there are
franchises in this area? I know there are alot of groups that use
nurses' aids to take care of people, but I would probably exclude
this.

Whether there are francishes in this area or not, I feel quite
qualified to start my own operation, market it and participate in some
of the services.

Can you give me a feel for what is out there already in this area,
especially Florida? In Dallas, the services are out there but not
particularly organized and don't seem to operate multiple services
such as those I've already mentioned and , possibly, personal chefs as another.

Pleae contact me with any clarifications. I know you'll have some and
then I will be okay again. Ha, Ha, Ha.

Johnster :)

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Request for Question Clarification by hummer-ga on 16 May 2005 14:25 PDT

Hi Johnster!  Hang on, I've got just the thing for you (famous last
words, right?)! At first I was disappointed that you had apparently
given up on the mailbox idea, but now I am excited at this new
possibility. I'll try to post tonight if I can. I'm glad to hear you
are feeling better! hummer

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Clarification of Question by johnster-ga on 16 May 2005 16:01 PDT

Hi Hummer,

I haven't given up totally the mail box thing but it is not really
turning me on. One thing, I checked up on the sale in Wichita, KS, and
it has been closed for two years.

As for the other, I have plenty of experiencing doing errands, doing
fix it jobs and taking care of pets, that I feel this would be up my
alley , so to speak.

I'm OK again, so keep asking for clarifications again if you need them.

Also, I meant to ask in this last question , is the site "businesses
for sale" the best site for researching businesses and franchises for
sale? Are there others, other than the brokers' sites such as Sunbelt
brokers?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Johnster

Hi again, John,

I believe what you have in mind is a "personal concierge service" or
"errand service".  Here's the scoop...

>>> What is a Concierge"

The National Concierge Association (NCA)  [founded in Dallas!]:
What is a Concierge? (pronounced Kon-C-airz)
"Webster's dictionary defines Concierge as a French word meaning
"gatekeeper" or "keeper of the keys". The position has its origins
going back to the time of palaces and castles in ancient France. The
royal household employed a "Concierge" whose job it was to see to the
needs of VIP visitors as well as to hold the keys to the many castle
rooms. The "key" remains a symbol of the Concierge profession to this
day.
Carrying the position forward into modern times, Hotels throughout the
world have long known that having a concierge service on site lends
value as an amenity to hotel guests. In today's business world, that
ancient tradition of hospitality gives corporations a competitive edge
in terms of tenant retention and employee satisfaction. In recent
years Concierge services may be found in hotels and Class A Office
Towers, retail settings, and residential, civic, entertainment,
academic and medical properties as well as privately owned Concierge
services from which the general public may gain access to the service.
The National Concierge Association (NCA) defines the title of
Concierge as an individual whose principal occupational responsibility
is to facilitate, or to arrange for the facilitation, of any request
placed by a client, visitor, guest or tenant, providing the request is
legal, ethical and appropriate for the Concierge to do."
http://www.conciergeassoc.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=learn.history

"To qualify to hold an NCA Concierge Membership, the applicant must
have a demonstrable and provable title of concierge. The NCA defines
the title of concierge as a personal assistant whose principal
occupational responsibilities are to complete, or to facilitate the
completion, of any request placed by a client provided that the
request is legal, ethical and appropriate."
http://www.conciergeassoc.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=members.home

>>> How-to

How to be a Personal Concierge [7 pages]
"Make every client feel like the most important person in the world
with a personal concierge service."
February 22, 2001
Compiled by Laura Tiffany
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,287025-1,00.html

Services To Offer
"With the industry growing and developing the way it is, it's
impossible to give a complete list of services personal concierges
provide. Who knows what new service might be offered next week? But
this list of some of the services personal concierges can offer might
help you come up with a few ideas for services you can provide to your
clients:"
# Pet-sitting
# Light housekeeping
# Waiting in line at the DMV
# Car repairs, oil change, car wash
# Event planning
# Gift-buying
# Plant care
# Picking up dry cleaning
# Running miscellaneous errands
# Relocation services
# Making travel arrangements
# Mail pickup
# Meal pickup; some chef services
# Dinner reservations
# Interior decorating
# Landscaping
# Maid service
# Carpet cleaning
# Concert/movie reservations, etc.
# Grocery shopping
# Locating hard-to-find items and collectibles
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,287025-2,00.html

How to Start an Errand Service
   1. Section I: Taking Care of Business
         1. First Things First
         2. The Paper Work
         3. The Legal Stuff 
   2. Section II: The Basics
         1. The Necessary Equipment
         2. What Services Should I Provide?
         3. How Much Should I Charge?
         4. Deciding on Your Target Market 
   3. Section III: Finding Your Clients
         1. Advertising
         2. People & Organizations That Can Help
         3. Bartering Groups 
   4. Section IV: Keeping It Going 
http://www.errandinfo.com/membersframe.html

>>> Associations 

American Errand Runners Organization
http://www.errandinfo.com/

National Association of Professional Organizers
http://www.napo.net/

International Concierge and Errand Association
http://www.iceaweb.org/

 National Concierge Association
http://www.conciergeassoc.org/

>>> Franchises

My Girl Friday
"As the first personal concierge service to offer franchises, My Girl
Friday is also the first national concierge service designed for use
in the home environment. Committed to exceptional service and client
satisfaction, the My Girl Friday brand is quickly becoming the leader
in this emerging service industry."
Franchise fee - $31,500
Total investment required for initial startup - $47,000 - $86,000
http://www.bison.com/showcase/my_girl_friday_franchise.html

@WORK HelpingHands Services
"@WORK HelpingHands Services franchises offer a variety of service
programs including daily living assistance, senior assistance,
personal concierge, homemaker assistance and parent?s helper programs
under one complete franchise opportunity."
Cash Requirements: $20,000 - $24,999
http://careerbuilder.franchisesolutions.com/index.cfm/fa/adpage/job_id/14991/lsource/4_health-services-franchise-opportunities/

>>> Florida

ME2 - Your Personal Assistant - Gainsville & Alachua County
"People are always saying that they don?t have time to go to the
grocery store, pick up the dry cleaning, take the dog to the vet,
bring the car to the mechanic, pick up the kids from school, etc. The
list is endless.
But now there?s a solution for residents and businesses in Gainesville
and Alachua County. The answer is Me2, a personal concierge service
operated by Jill Acree."
?It?s really simple,? Acree said. ?I offer all those services that
people need and they don?t have time to do. It?s kind of like having
your own personal assistant. There may be one or two other people in
the area who offer services similar to mine, but not to the extent
that I do.?
http://www.gainesvilletoday.com/2002/05/me2-your-personal-assistant.html

Jacksonville Concierge Services, Inc.
"Let Jacksonville Concierge Services become your one-stop personal
assistance and concierge service dedicated to taking care of your
?to-do? list. From picking up and dropping off your dry cleaning and
arranging floral or gift basket delivery, to making restaurant
reservations or planning and executing your next lavish dinner party,
Jacksonville Concierge Services is a phone call away!"
www.jacksonvilleconcierge.com

Errands Around Town: Sanford:
Daily Errands
Elderly Care
Pet Services
Shopping Service
www.errandsaroundtown.com
 
The Errand Genie: Miami, Hollywood, Ft. Lauderdale:
Genie Express
Genie Savvy
Genie Shopper
Genie Sitter
Genie Planner
Genie Complement 
www.errand-genie.com

Tampa Concierge: Tampa
Errand Services
Personal Shopping
Travel Arrangements
Information Services
Business Services
House Sitting
Pet Sitting
Home Coordinator/Arrangements
Waiting Service
Special Occasion/Holiday Planning and Coordination
http://www.tampa-concierge.com/

Let Me Help U Errand Services: Deltona
* Pick-up and Deliver Dry Cleaning
* Prescription Pick-Up and Delivery
* Personal Shopper Grocery, Gift & General Shopping (find hard to find items)
* Waiting Services wait for Service Man (telephone, cable, appliance repair, etc)
* Mailing Services mail packages, pick up mail, write letters, etc.
* Notary at your home or office
* While you are away services water plants, pick up papers, pick up mail, etc.
* Bill Paying you write the check and we will drop it off for you
where it needs to go
* Administrative/Office Errands filing, deliver items to other
businesses or clients, file documents at courthouse, etc.
* Pick up vehicle tags at tag office
* Drop and pick up your film
* Return your video rentals
* Return your library books
* Schedule your doctor appointments
* Address Invitations
* Send Thank You cards
* Reminders Birthdays, Anniversary, appointments, etc
* Referral Services Babysitter, Pet Sitter, etc.
* Typing Services
* Gift Wrapping
* Make your Travel Arrangements
http://letmehelpu.tripod.com/letmehelperrandservice/id2.html

Skyline Concierge Inc.: Miami
http://www.skylineconcierge.com

Time Savers Concierge: Jacksonville
www.time-savers-concierge.com

Errand Services Portal International Directory: Florida
http://www.errandservicesportal.com/links/pages/USA/Florida/

Errand Services Portal Webring Services
http://www.errandservicesportal.com/webring.shtml

>>> Businesses For Sale
(as per your clarification)

It seems "Businesses For Sale" can't be that great if they don't keep
their listings up-to-date. Here are some more to look at.

BizBuySell
http://www.bizbuysell.com/

GlobalBX
http://www.globalbx.com/

Franchisegator
http://www.franchisegator.com/

Business Nation
http://www.businessnation.com/Businesses_for_Sale/

BixMarketFlorida
http://www.bizmarketflorida.com/

Florida Businesses for Sale
http://www.mergernetwork.com/static/indexes/states/Florida/

Do a Google search for "businesses for sale" or "franchises for sale"
and you'll come up with lots.

Thank you for referring your question to me, I hope my answer hits the spot. 

As always, I'll look forward to your response.
hummer

Google Search Terms Used: 

personal concierge services
concierge services
errand services

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Request for Answer Clarification by johnster-ga on 18 May 2005 08:58 PDT

Hi Hummer,

Sorry to get back to you so late, but I have a bad case of sinusitis
and bronchitis again.

As for your answer, are the businesses you listed the only ones you
could find or were they a sampling?

Also, did you get a feel for this business and whether they would be
successful and profitable, much like you gave me your thoughts on the
other industries?

Johnster

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Clarification of Answer by hummer-ga on 18 May 2005 19:42 PDT

Hi John, I've been out all day today, will get back to you Thursday. hummer

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Clarification of Answer by hummer-ga on 19 May 2005 10:19 PDT

Hi John,

"As for your answer, are the businesses you listed the only ones you
could find or were they a sampling?"

The franchises were the only ones I found for what I was looking for
(errand services in Florida) but I'm sure there are more. The business
list is just a sampling for Florida but again, I'm sure there are
more. Here are some that are listed on  "We Do It Errand Service" but
links to the individual websites don't seem to work for me.

We Do It Errand Service:
http://www.wedoiterrandservice.com/directory.htm  

1. Tricia Errand Service: Indian River and Brevard County.
    * pick up/drop off services
    * grocery shopping
    * post office/ups
    * cleaners
    * deliveries
    * elder care visits

2. Genie In A Bottle:  Bay County 
    * Providing Personal Errands
    * Pick Up / Drop Off  Service
    * Home Services
    * House Sitting
    * New Mom Service
    * Pet Taxi / Sitting

3. Concierge 4U: West Palm Beach 
We are a Concierge & Errand Services Company. Servicing the greater , FL area.

4. Precious Time Errand Service
Because your TIME IS PRECIOUS, we're always on the clock .

5. More Time For Prime Time!: Tampa Florida and it's surrounding municipalities.
"By taking your "to-do" list we help people be more productive by
eliminating some of the chaos in their lives.  PTC provides a wide
range of personal assistance for individuals and staff members, from
finding a landscaper to purchasing a gift to planning the perfect
vacation."

6. Concierge, Errand & Administrative Service: Miami Dade & Broward Counties

7. Majestic Concierge: Pembroke Pines
?Your wish our command?

I found this for sale in Florida, it's not a franchise but I assume
they pay monthly dues to Senior's Choice:

Personalized Home Care Services
"This business is recently established serving Lee and Collier
Counties. Highly qualified and trained caregivers are ready to assist
clients and their families with a variety of daily activites including
meal planning,preparation, transportation to
Doctors,shopping,church,or social functions, light
housekeeping,running errands,medication reminders and other non
medical assistance. Fabulous opportunity for someone to expand this
business in this rapidly growing area."
Asking Price:   	$25,000
http://www.ibba.org/listings/744817.html

The Senior's Choice
We are a national membership organization , not a traditional
franchise which means to you:
"...You pay no royalties on your hard earned revenue that penalizes
your success. You pay just a flat monthly due that goes down after the
first year."
http://www.smallbusinessopportunity.com/business_183324/theseniorschoice.asp

"Also, did you get a feel for this business and whether they would be
successful and profitable, much like you gave me your thoughts on the
other industries?"

Hmm, well, at first I was excited about the idea, but especially in a
region like Florida, I would think it would be highly competitive
unless you can specialize in something that others don't offer.  I
think you may inheritantly have something that the majority don't  -
you are a male!  In researching this project, I couldn't help but
notice that most of the errand businesses seem to be women-oriented. 
Perhaps you could find your niche by advertising the areas that you
have experience in, such as handyman projects or car care.  I like the
idea (I liked mailboxes too), and there seems to be a real need for
that sort of service.  Florida is swamped with senior-care type
businesses but perhaps well-rounded errand businesses which appeal to
a range of ages still has room for growth.

I hope I've been able to answer your questions, I've been thinking
about you all morning.  I reviewed previous questions that we've
worked on together and it's hard for me to come up with new material.
Every time I search and think I've found something useful for you, I
find that I've already given it to you.  One thought is, perhaps it
would be easier for you to find something in Dallas rather than trying
to relocate?

I hope you are feeling better.
Sincerely,
hummer

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Clarification of Answer by hummer-ga on 25 Jul 2005 17:23 PDT

Hi Johnster!

I happened to come across this little publication by the SBA and I thought of you.

EVALUATING FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES MP-26:   
Evaluate franchise opportunities and select the business that's right for you.
http://www.sba.gov/library/pubs/mp-26.pdf

I didn't recognize it as something we've looked at before.
Hope you're staying cool!
hummer

Hi Hummer,

Yes, I feel I could find a niche in Florida. Florida appeals to me
because of the climate and outdoor activities.

Dallas is a possibility because I wouldn't have to move and there's a
ton of money here.

As for your answer, you've done your ususally good job.

Thanks 

Johnster

Dear Johnster,

You are very kind, as usual. Thank you very much for everything, I do
enjoy working with you and I hope I've been of some assistance. Please
let me know what you decide to do!

Take care,
hummer

There is another site which lists businesses for sale, puts vendors in
touch with buyers without taking a fee or charging a subscription at:
http://www.business-sale.us