Neighborhood Shopping Service

There are some people who cannot handle a shopping trip because of their health or because they are unable to carry large amounts of groceries back into their home. These people will then make several weekly or daily trips to the local grocery store, buying small amounts of the items that they need at a much higher cost.

(The smaller the product, the higher the cost will be, generally.) There are also those who simply loathe trips to the grocery store, period. A neighborhood shopping service could help both groups of these people out in a major way.

What type of background is needed for the business?

A background in being a helpful, caring individual with an eye for a good bargain and exceptional organizational skills is necessary. So is the ability to handle buying items that you may not necessarily agree with because this is not your shopping that you are doing, but that of your client.

How is it green and why would people want to use your service?

It is green because you are eliminating a number of needless trips to the grocery store and saving the resources for those trips. In addition, your service can make use of recyclable, reusable bags, eliminating thousands of plastic or paper bags during each year.

What licenses and registrations would your business need?

If you are driving frequently, you might need to have a CDL and professionally rated automobile insurance. There may be a need to be bonded because you will be in and out of people's homes on a daily basis.

Who is the competition?

In a larger area, you may have competition from others in similar companies. In smaller areas you might be competing with home health agencies that provide a similar service in addition to other care they provide.

Who is the target audience?

Those who cannot handle large shopping trips because of their health or inability to lift things would be the main audience. In addition, those who do not like to shop or are too busy may benefit from this service as well.

What are the risks?

You would be putting yourself in major financial trouble if you are shopping first and then asking for payment later. You are also going to have to set your prices low enough to make it likely that you will get company, but not so low that you do not make a living.

What is needed to get started?

Advertising materials would be a necessary first expense as would a phone so that clients can call you. As your company grows you may need to add additional staff including a secretary.

What is the market potential?

The more people who would be likely to need this type of service (i.e., older or disabled people) in an area, the larger the market potential for this type of service.

Green Entrepreneurship Resources