If you want to run errands and get paid for doing so, then you’re in lucky as there are quite a few companies/apps that can help you make that vision become a reality.  And, best of all, all of the companies I’m about to mention allow you to work on your own time.

That’s right. 

You can simply turn on an app and start working whenever you want to do so, making it the best side gig out there.

Whether it’s delivering food, grocery shopping or picking up a new piece of furniture, there are a lot of options.  It’s up to you to decide which one works best for you.

As always, I’m 100% honest and only promote what’s legit.  I can assure you that every company I mention below won’t scam you in any way.

Run Errands and Get Paid With These Options

NOTE:  Almost all of the apps below require you to be 18-19+ with an insured car.  Most companies don’t care what kind of car you drive, except for Uber.  Also, most require you to have a clean background check, both criminal and driving, in the past 7~ years.  Refer to the application page for each respective company for more information in regards to requirements.

DoorDash

Let’s start with DoorDash.  This is one of my favorite options, and it’s one I use all of the time.

As a “dasher,” you will pick up food and even shop at local stores, such as Walgreen’s, Walmart, CVS and PetSmart, to name a few.

While it focuses mainly on food delivery, it offers a variety of job tasks to keep you busy.

As an independent contractor, you can work whenever you want, accept any job you want and work wherever you want.  And, depending on your city/state, you can earn $15-$35+ per hour, no problem.  The better you get at using the app, as well as learning your area, the more you can make.   One thing to note is that DoorDash does offer an “instant pay” feature, wherein you can be paid after earning.

Out of all the options I mention, DoorDash, hands down, is one of my favorite options.

• Website:  DoorDash

Instacart

If you want to strictly shop for groceries, then Instacart is one to consider.

Just like DoorDash, you get to choose the hours you want to work and you get to choose the jobs that come your way.  Everything you need to know about the “batch,” as you can see in the graphic below, will be available before you accept.

Once you accept the job, then it’s your duty to show up to the retailer mentioned and then shop for the goods.  Once done, you will then deliver it to their doorstep.

Like DoorDash, how much you make will greatly depend on your geographical region, but it shouldn’t be too hard to gross $20+ per hour.  As mentioned, once you learn the market and how the system works, you can make much more.

• Website:  Instacart

UberEats

UberEats is solely delivering food as well as groceries in some cases.  If you sign up with UberEats, you can be assured you’re delivering food only and you won’t have to deal with any people in your car.  Of course, you can sign up with Uber if you want to transport people around, but this post is about running errands, right?

The nice thing about Uber is that they don’t work on a scheduling system like some of these apps.  It’s as easy as clicking the “Go” button and then accepting any jobs that make sense to you.  Yes, you’re an independent contractor, so you can accept any job you wish.  As long as the food/items get from point A to B, you’re good!

As you can see from that screenshot, Uber will give you everything you need to know, from the time it takes to do the delivery, the total cost, the distance as well as where the delivery will be dropped off at.

Since most of these apps are geographically dependent, it’s so hard to give you an hourly rate, but from what I have researched, it’s not too hard to average $15-$25+ per hour before expenses.   When you work can determine your average since working the dinner rush will make you much more than working 1-4 p.m.

To learn more about UberEats, follow the link below to sign up.  In most cases, you can be up and running in as little as a few days.

• Website:  Uber

Shipt

Shipt is another one like Instacart, only that it isn’t as popular.  However, don’t let this deter you as there are a lot of jobs available still, and it’s growing quite aggressively.  Heck, I recommend signing up for both so that you can double your job potential.

This app requires you to show up at the retailer specified, shop the list and then deliver it to the customer.  Here’s what an order screen may look like on your phone if you were to download it:

Shipt is another one where you’re presented with an offer, and it’s your opportunity to accept or deny it.  You’re an independent contractor, after all.

Shipt continues to grow and it’s one I recommend adding, especially if you like the idea of grocery shopping.

• Website:  Shipt

TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit is much more unique than the ones mentioned above as you can do just about anything.  And, what I mean by that is that anyone using the app can put out a request.

Whether it’s picking up a new piece of furniture or a can of paint at the local Home Depot, the options are endless.  It’s a great app to download, but I have found it not to be as easy as the other apps mentioned.  Unlike the other apps, where you can simply load it and start working, you will have to apply to the jobs mentioned on the TaskRabbit and then wait for the person requesting it to approve you.

And, how much you make will depend on your rates since you get to decide.  Most people from what I see will command $12+ per hour.

Aside from running errands, you perform just about any “handy” job on the app, from mounting TVs to yard work.  It’s a “task” app, after all.

If you want to help in any way, then it’s an app to highly consider downloading.  To qualify, you need to be at least 18+ years old with a valid social security number.

• Website:  TaskRabbit

Care.com

Care.com focuses more on finding a caregiver, but on occasions, you can find someone nearby who may need someone to run errands, and in some cases, offer caregiving services as well.

This is a pinch different as you won’t be able to turn on an app as you please.  Instead, you will have to commit to a schedule and usually interview with the family interested in you.  If you’re more interested in a job, per se, and want to add something to the apps, or maybe you want something more stable, then it’s one to consider.  Just keep in mind that you won’t be able to work whenever you please.  This can be a downside to some.

Again, 99% of the jobs on here deal with babysitting/caregiving in a way, but you can find errand jobs here and there.

Sign up for an account, create your profile and then browse the job listings to see what’s available in your area.

• Website:  Care.com

Craigslist Gigs

The last option relies upon checking Craigslist.  And, yes, while Craigslist receives a bad reputation, it does have good work available, you just need to know how to filter it out.

Head to the gigs section and then search for “errands.”

Depending on where you live, you may find a variety of people who need your help, from grocery shopping weekly to maybe picking up medications.  Like TaskRabbit, it can vary.

Of course, if you do go this route, please do your homework before agreeing to the work as, yes, there are a lot of scammers, so make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.  Usually, it’s best to ask for at least half the payment up front or even a contract of sorts.

• Website:  Craigslist

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are so many apps/companies that will pay you to run errands, and the great thing is that you can sign up for all of them.  No matter where you live, one of these apps should work for you.  If you’re lucky enough to live in a larger metropolitan area, then you will be in luck as most of them will allow you to sign up.  That just means more earnings.

Since every area is so different, I recommend you sign up for all of them (it only takes a few minutes) and test them out.  Eventually, you will learn which options work best for your area.

For now, follow the links to sign up.  When you do, go out, learn your area and figure out how to maximize your earnings.  There are a ton of YouTube videos out there that can help you make more money and learn how to take advantage of your area.  If you’re not averaging at least $15-18+ per hour during the busier hours (lunch and dinner rush), then you will need to freshen up on your skills.

That’s going to do it for now.

As always, check out the many money guides I have here as well as my YouTube channel.  I’m always honest, so you won’t find any scams here.  Thanks for stopping by!