If you’ve recently retired, you’re probably enjoying the freedom of retired life. No full-time job, no daily commute, the ability to set your own schedule, and all the other benefits that come from retirement.
At the same time, you might still want to earn some extra income, but still have a flexible schedule and not be tied down to a 9 to 5 routine at work. Plus, you’d like to help others too. Here’s an idea for you that meets all those requirements – starting your own senior concierge service.
You’ve probably heard the term “concierge,” but may not know exactly what it means. “Concierge” comes from the French “comte de cierges,” or keeper of the keys. Traditionally, a concierge worked in a hotel or luxury apartment building, assisting the guests or tenants with their every request.
Today, modern concierges help busy people or seniors do what their clients are too busy or unable to do by themselves. They help clients with whatever challenges come their way. Concierge services are a multi-billion dollar industry, with steady growth and great prospects for the future, especially in a recession-proof niche like senior concierge services.
There are 48 million seniors over 65 in America today – one out of every six citizens! While most seniors prefer to stay in their own homes as long as possible, they realize they simply can’t do it all, due to health and mobility problems. This creates a golden opportunity for those who can provide assistance to seniors who need help – in other words, a senior concierge.
That senior assistance covers a wide variety of tasks, like bill paying, computer help, daily check-ins, de-cluttering, grocery shopping, home care, home organizing, meal preparation, running errands, transportation, even taking the dog for a walk if the owner can’t.
Offering a senior concierge service is a great way for seniors to help other seniors. Not only is it a great way to make new friends, but it’s an easy way to put a smile on their face. A senior concierge can help them do something they no longer can do with ease, and by doing so, they’re easing their stress.
So how much can a senior concierge make? A typical senior concierge business charges between $18 and $35 an hour, depending on their location. More in big cities, less in smaller towns. Still, the national average is $26 per hour. Chances are you’re already doing many of these tasks for yourself every day, but this time, you could get paid to do it.
Say you just wanted to work 20 hours a week. How much money could you make? If you charge $26 an hour, the national average rate, you could make $520 a week, or over $2,000 a month, for part-time work. That would be nice.
Best of all, a senior concierge service can be started with very little money. If you have a car and a cell phone, you’re almost there. You’ll need to get a business license and order business cards, flyers and brochures, which are very affordable online at places like vistaprint.com.
Seniors often have lots of friends in the senior community. If you’re good, the word will spread rapidly, and you’ll soon have as much work as you want. In the beginning, a few flyers or brochures at the local senior center will get the word out quickly.
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Starting your own senior concierge business is a great way to make some extra cash in retirement, or even start a new career. It’s the perfect way to help others while getting paid to do it. There’s nothing better than putting a smile on someone’s face. By helping seniors, you could do just that. To learn more, read our free eBook: 4 Profitable Senior Service Businesses You Can Start On a Shoestring.