Red Flags When Choosing an Errand Running Service
Hiring someone to handle your to-do list sounds convenient—until you hand over cash or access to your home and regret it. Knowing what to watch for before you commit saves you time, money, and stress. Here's what separates reliable errand runners from ones you should skip.
Lack of Transparent Pricing
A service that won't give you upfront costs before you book is a red flag. Legitimate errand runners provide clear pricing structures: hourly rates (typically $25–$60 depending on location and complexity), per-task fees, or mileage charges. If a company says "we'll let you know after," walk away.
Request a written estimate for your specific errands. Good providers will ask questions about locations, traffic patterns, and task complexity, then give you a range with what's included. Hidden fuel surcharges or surprise fees shouldn't appear on your invoice later.
No Background Check or Insurance Information
This matters most if the errand runner will have keys to your home. Legitimate services run background checks on employees and are happy to provide proof. Ask directly: "Have you completed a background check on this individual?" Listen for hesitation.
Insurance is equally critical. If a runner damages your property or gets injured on your behalf, you're liable without proper coverage. Ask for proof of general liability insurance and worker's compensation. If they're independent contractors, they should carry their own insurance; if they're employees of an agency, that agency should cover them.
Vague or Nonexistent References
A service offering zero client references is suspicious. Real errand running companies have worked with other customers. Ask for at least two recent references—ideally from clients with similar needs (grocery shopping, medical appointments, bill payments, whatever applies to you).
When you contact references, ask specific questions: Was the service on time? Did they handle sensitive tasks (banking, pharmacy) with care? Would you use them again? Generic praise without specifics is itself a red flag.
Poor Communication or Slow Response Times
Text back and forth with the service before hiring. Do they respond within 24 hours? Are they professional but personable? Errand running requires coordination—schedule changes, store closures, unexpected traffic happen.
A runner who ignores messages or only communicates through an impersonal app isn't someone you want handling time-sensitive tasks. You should have a direct line to a human, not a chatbot maze.
Red Flags in Initial Conversations
Watch for these warning signs when you first contact a service:
- Pressure to pay upfront for multiple errands without a contract
- Unwillingness to discuss what they won't do (some runners won't handle banking or pharmacy pickups due to liability)
- No written agreement outlining scope, pricing, and cancellation policy
- Reluctance to provide their legal business name or claim they operate "cash only"
- Guarantees that sound too good to be true ("Same-day service anywhere, anytime" with no exceptions)
Negative Online Reviews With Specific Complaints
One bad review doesn't disqualify a service. But multiple recent complaints about the same issue—lost items, missed appointments, poor handling of valuables—point to systemic problems.
Read between the lines. "Very rude" is subjective; "didn't show up for three confirmed appointments" is concrete. Trust patterns over isolated incidents.
No Clear Cancellation or Change Policy
Life happens. Your appointment reschedules, or you realize you don't need that errand run after all. A reputable service explains upfront how much notice you need to give (typically 24–48 hours) and whether there's a cancellation fee.
If the policy is buried in fine print or doesn't exist, you're dealing with inflexibility. That matters when you're paying someone for convenience.
Comparison and Next Steps
Finding a trustworthy errand runner takes vetting, but it's worth the effort. Platforms like Mercoly help you compare and find trusted errand running service providers in one place, making it easier to spot these red flags side-by-side.
Before you hire, create a simple checklist: confirmed background check, current insurance, written estimate, clear terms, and positive recent references. If a service ticks all boxes, you've likely found a keeper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's a typical hourly rate for errand running services, and how do I know if a quote is reasonable? A: Expect $25–$60 per hour depending on your location, with urban areas trending toward the higher end; get 2–3 quotes for comparable services to spot outliers.
Q: Should I use a larger company or an independent errand runner? A: Larger companies offer better insurance coverage and oversight, while independent runners may offer flexibility and lower costs—verify insurance and references either way.
Q: What documents should I request before hiring an errand service? A: Ask for proof of background check results, current general liability insurance, written pricing and terms, and at least two client references you can contact directly.
Find a reliable errand runner who meets these standards, and book your first service today.