When you hire someone to handle your errands, a clear contract protects both you and the service provider. Without written terms, misunderstandings about pricing, scope, and liability can quickly turn a helpful arrangement into a costly dispute. This guide walks you through the essential contract elements and agreement basics you need before your first errand runner picks up groceries, pays bills, or handles time-sensitive tasks.
Why a Written Agreement Matters
A contract isn't just legal protection—it's a clarity tool. It documents exactly what you're paying for, when service happens, what happens if something breaks, and how either party can exit the arrangement. Even a one-page agreement beats a handshake deal. Most errand runner disputes stem from vague expectations about frequency, pricing, or what counts as "in scope."
If the errand runner damages your car, loses a receipt for reimbursed expenses, or cancels repeatedly, a contract gives you recourse. Similarly, if you suddenly stop needing services, the agreement should specify how much notice you need to give.
Core Contract Sections You Need
Scope of Services
Define exactly what the errand runner will and won't do. Examples:
- Grocery shopping (specify budget limits, dietary restrictions, preferred stores)
- Prescription pickups
- Bill payments (online only, or in-person checks)
- Dry cleaning dropoff/pickup
- Pet supply runs
- Appointment scheduling or attendance
Be specific. "Running errands" is too vague. "Weekly grocery shopping within a $150 budget and weekly pharmacy pickups" is clear.
Pricing and Payment Terms
Errand runner rates typically range from $18–$35 per hour, depending on your location and service complexity. Some providers charge per task instead ($8–$15 per errand). Specify:
- Hourly rate or per-task fee
- When you pay (weekly, biweekly, end of month)
- How reimbursement works for out-of-pocket expenses (groceries, parking, tolls)
- Whether travel time counts as billable time
If your errand runner uses their own vehicle, clarify whether mileage reimbursement applies and at what rate (typically $0.50–$0.65 per mile).
Schedule and Availability
Document the days and times the errand runner works for you. Include:
- Frequency (weekly, biweekly, monthly, or as-needed)
- Exact days and hours
- How far in advance you'll provide the errand list
- Cancellation policy (how much notice either party must give)
A typical arrangement might be "every Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m." with 48 hours' notice required for cancellation.
Liability and Insurance
Clarify who pays if something goes wrong:
- If the errand runner's car is in an accident while running your errands, does their auto insurance cover it, or is that your responsibility?
- If they lose a receipt for reimbursable expenses, how is that handled?
- If they accidentally damage a store item or your property, who covers the cost?
Most independent errand runners carry their own auto insurance but not liability coverage for the work itself. You may want to require proof of insurance before hiring.
Confidentiality and Access
Your errand runner will have access to your home, payment information, and possibly passwords for online shopping or bill pay. Include language about:
- Not sharing your personal or financial information
- Respecting the privacy of your home
- Not using keys or access codes for any other purpose
- What happens to those credentials if the arrangement ends
Termination Terms
State how either party can end the agreement and with how much notice. Standard notice is 2–4 weeks. Include whether there's a trial period (common: first 2 weeks) where either party can exit with no notice.
Before You Sign
Use Mercoly to compare trusted errand running service providers in your area—many have template agreements or standard contract language ready to customize. Once you've selected a provider, review their contract carefully, modify the terms as needed, and have both parties sign and keep a copy.
Ask the errand runner about their experience, references, and insurance status. If they seem resistant to a written agreement, that's a red flag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can an errand runner access my online banking to pay bills? Most financial institutions prohibit sharing login credentials. Instead, use bill-pay services where you authorize the runner to pay specific bills, or provide them with written checks and instructions.
Q: What if the errand runner loses a receipt for groceries I need to reimburse? Your contract should specify that you need original receipts for reimbursement; if lost, the runner covers the cost. Take photos of receipts as backup.
Q: Do I need to pay for time the errand runner spends waiting in lines? Yes—if you hire them hourly, waiting time is billable; if you're paying per-task, clarify upfront what "completion" means so there's no dispute.
Start your search for reliable errand runners on Mercoly to find vetted providers who understand contracts and professionalism.