With 48 million Americans over 65, and 7 million over 85, senior service businesses are booming for everyone from home care providers to senior taxis. One of the fastest growing senior services is a concierge business for seniors,providing concierge services for those in their 60s, 70s, 80s and even quite a few in their 90s.
Today’s seniors will live longer and have more money to spend, thanks to medical advances and an era of prosperity during their working years. As they age, they naturally need more help with daily activities that have become challenging, and that most younger folks take for granted, like household management, grocery shopping, pet care and running errands.
To provide that help to a growing senior population, (every day, 10,000 people in the U.S. turn 65!) requires a special person called a senior concierge. The term “concierge” comes from the French, and is just another word for personal assistant. Although many concierges help busy folks like corporate executives or couples with two incomes, but no free time, the senior boom has created a new niche for concierges – the senior concierge.
According to the latest statistics, personal concierge services have become a multi-billion dollar industry, with rapid growth in demand and great prospects for the future, especially in a recession-proof niche like senior concierge services. It’s a wonderful way to make a good living while making a difference in the lives of seniors.
WHAT SERVICES TO OFFER: Most senior concierge services provide the in-demand services like grocery shopping, home care, home organizing, meal preparation, computer help, running errands, pet care and transportation, such as driving clients to the doctor’s office. In addition, there are dozens of other services to offer, depending on the client’s needs.
COST TO START A CONCIERGE BUSINESS FOR SENIORS: Most of us have a dependable vehicle and a cell phone, which are the two must-have essentials for any senior concierge. In addition, you’ll need business cards to hand out to prospects and clients, and a simple brochure or flyer to leave at the local senior center. As there are no expensive franchise fees or equipment to buy, it’s possible to get started with just a few hundred dollars.
SKILLS REQUIRED: Being a senior concierge is all about people, so you’ll need to be a people person who enjoys helping others. Are you a good multi-tasker? Good, because that skill will come in handy on the days when you’re juggling projects for 2 or 3 clients. In addition, being well organized and able to manage your time effectively will help you make more money every day. If you’re a mature person – over 40 – you’ll find your work easier, as seniors tend to trust those closer to their own age than a much younger person.
MARKETING YOUR SERVICES: In the senior marketplace, trust is very important, as your clients will recommend you to their friends after you’ve gained their trust, and soon you will have all the clients you can handle. Pass out those business cards to everyone you meet. Contact your local senior center and over-55 communities. Many have a monthly newsletter with classified ads in the back pages. The cost of a classified ad is usually very low, so run your ad every month until you’re too busy to accept new clients.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS: Pick a legal form of business, such as a sole proprietor or an LLC, then pick a business name that best describes your new business. Be sure to choose a name that’s easy to spell and remember. Next, you’ll need a business license from your state, county or town. Finally, check with your insurance agent to find out what insurance coverage they recommend.
The rewards of being a senior concierge are great, not just in dollars and cents, but in helping seniors live better lives by helping them stay independent as long as possible. Who can put a price on that? To learn more about this fast-growing senior service business, read How To Start A Profitable Senior Concierge Service.