Im starting a business doing shopping service for elderly.

Question

Some clients have said they would like to be able to come along and browse around the shops themselves and just have the extra help to carry groceries. What insurance would I need for my vehicle, and would I need a psv license?

Answer 1

I dont know. But that is a VERY good idea. However, there are many stores now that do Online shopping anyway, but I am sure you could do really well in it if you advertise the service well and make it different from any other shopping services. Good luck!

Answer 2

Good luck with that but you might have a lot of competition!!!!

Answer 3

Insurance for your business would be tricky... you have the exposure of transporting clients around.

Be prepared to have to go to specialty markets (like a Lloyd's of London).  I've worked with a few types of companies like yours, where they transport clients, and it's not the cheapest thing in the world.

WITHOUT committing fraud, you need to spin your business in the right light... How often are you actually taking someone to the store?  (ie hopefully not very often, more incidental than planned).

Let me know i

Answer 4

You will need employers and public liability insurance, if you are driving a minibus you will need a PSV if you have passed your test after 1998, before that date you are automatically allowed to drive a minibus, but it would be a good idea to get a MIDAS certificate.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minibus_Dri...

If using your own car you will need to inform your insurers and will probably have to pay higher premiums.

How much will you be charging? Too make any money out of this you will need to provide shopping to a lot of people. Say you manage 10 shoppers a day (allowing them to 'browse' will take a lot of time) and charge £5 each you are only making £50 a day. Take out your public liability and employers insurance, increased car or minibus insurance and petrol you will not have much left to pay yourself. Also businesses have to provide accounts, so you will have to pay for someone to 'do the books' as well(Income tax and NI).

Most stores provide a home delivery service as a loss leader for around £5, but the elderly are the least technological adapt so many can't access this service.