Best Apps to Hire Someone for Errands Near Me
Life gets busy. Between work, family, and trying to maintain some semblance of sanity, errands pile up. The good news? There's an app for that—actually, several apps.
Here's your comprehensive guide to the best apps for hiring someone to run errands in 2026.
What Errands Can You Outsource?
Before we dive into apps, let's clarify what's possible:
Common Outsourced Errands:- Grocery shopping and delivery
- Package pickup and drop-off
- Dry cleaning runs
- Post office tasks
- Prescription pickups
- Return items to stores
- Wait in line (DMV, tickets, etc.)
- Bank deposits
- Pet supply runs
- Last-minute shopping
- Waiting for deliveries/repair people
- Assembly pickups (furniture, etc.)
- Gift shopping
- Research and price comparison
- Event ticket pickup
- Plant/pet care check-ins
Top Apps for Hiring Errand Runners
1. RentAHuman — Best Overall
Why We Like It: RentAHuman stands out with the lowest fees in the industry (8% vs competitors' 15-20%) and coverage across all 50 states. The platform was built for flexibility—post any task, not just predefined categories. Key Features:- 8% service fee (lowest major platform)
- All 50 states coverage
- Background-checked workers
- $1M liability insurance
- Same-day availability
- AI-powered matching
- API access for automation
2. Instacart — Best for Groceries
Why We Like It: If your errands are primarily grocery shopping, Instacart is purpose-built for this. Shoppers are experienced with store layouts and substitutions. Key Features:- Same-day delivery available
- Shop from multiple stores
- In-app communication with shopper
- Prescription delivery (some areas)
3. TaskRabbit — Established Player
Why We Like It: TaskRabbit pioneered the category and has strong name recognition. Good for errands in major metro areas. Key Features:- Established reputation
- Background checks
- Insurance coverage
- Review system
- 15% service fee + $7.99 Trust fee
- Limited to ~80 metro areas
- Higher overall costs
4. Shipt — Target & Grocery Focus
Why We Like It: If you shop at Target frequently, Shipt offers seamless integration. Also works with other major grocery chains. Key Features:- Target integration
- Multiple store partnerships
- Same-day delivery
- Membership model ($99/year for free delivery)
5. DoorDash — Beyond Food
Why We Like It: DoorDash now offers general errand services in many markets, leveraging their massive delivery network. Key Features:- Huge dasher network
- Fast availability
- Familiar interface (if you use for food)
- Package pickup/delivery
- Still primarily food-focused
- Errand capability varies by market
6. Amazon Flex/Key — Prime Members
Why We Like It: If you're deep in the Amazon ecosystem, various Amazon services can handle certain errands:- Amazon Fresh for groceries
- Whole Foods delivery
- Amazon Key for in-home delivery
Comparison Table: Errand Apps
| App | Service Fee | Coverage | Best For |
|---|
| RentAHuman | 8% | All 50 states | General errands, low fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instacart | 5%+ delivery | Major markets | Grocery shopping |
| TaskRabbit | 15% + $7.99 | 80 metros | Established brand |
| Shipt | $99/yr or $10.99 | Target markets | Target shoppers |
| DoorDash | Varies | Major markets | Quick pickups |
How to Get the Best Errand Runner
1. Write Clear Instructions
Poor Task Description:"Need some errands done tomorrow"Good Task Description:
"Need 3 errands completed Saturday between 10am-2pm:
1. Pick up dry cleaning at ABC Cleaners (ticket #1234)
2. Drop off Amazon return at UPS Store on Main St (prepaid label in package)
3. Buy specific grocery list (~15 items) at Whole Foods
I'll provide addresses, prepaid labels, and a $100 prepaid card for groceries. Estimated 2-3 hours."
2. Check Reviews and Ratings
Look for:
- High completion rate
- Reviews mentioning reliability
- Experience with similar errands
- Good communication scores
3. Communicate Proactively
Before they start:
- Confirm timeline and availability
- Share all necessary info (addresses, access codes)
- Provide payment method for purchases
- Give your phone number for questions
4. Set Realistic Expectations
Add buffer time to your estimates:
- Store shopping: Usually longer than expected
- Waiting errands: Unpredictable
- Multiple stops: Add 15 min per location
How Much Should You Pay for Errand Running?
Hourly Rates by Market:| Market Size | Typical Rate |
|---|
| Small City | $18-$25/hr |
|---|---|
| Medium City | $22-$32/hr |
| Major Metro | $28-$45/hr |
- Platform fees (8-20% depending on app)
- Reimbursement for purchases
- Tips (15-20% customary for good service)
- 3 hours of errands at $30/hr = $90
- 8% platform fee = $7.20
- $80 in purchases (reimbursed) = $80
- Tip (20%) = $18
- Total: $195.20 ($80 reimbursed = $115.20 for the service)
Safety Tips When Hiring Errand Runners
Your Safety:
- Use platforms with background checks
- Don't share sensitive personal info unnecessarily
- Pay through the app (avoid cash when possible)
- Meet in public for first-time pickups
- Trust your instincts
Protecting Your Stuff:
- Don't hand over original important documents
- Use prepaid cards for purchases (not your main card)
- Keep receipts/tracking for valuable pickups
- Take photos of items before handoff
- Use insured platforms (RentAHuman includes $1M coverage)
When to DIY vs. Outsource Errands
Outsource When:
- Your time is worth more than the cost
- Tasks are routine and don't require you personally
- You're overwhelmed or burned out
- Multiple errands could be batched efficiently
- You're traveling or unavailable
DIY When:
- Tasks require personal judgment you can't delegate
- It's a one-time thing that takes 10 minutes
- You enjoy the activity (some people like grocery shopping)
- Sensitive matters requiring your presence
- The errand is on your regular route
Getting Started with Your First Errand Runner
Here's a simple first task to try:
Beginner-Friendly Errand: "Pick up my dry cleaning and drop off a pre-labeled return package at UPS. Two stops, about 30-45 minutes of work."This is:
- Low-stakes (nothing irreplaceable)
- Simple instructions
- Easy to verify completion
- Quick turnaround
The Bottom Line
The best app depends on your specific needs:
- For general errands with lowest fees: RentAHuman
- For groceries specifically: Instacart or Shipt
- For major metro convenience: TaskRabbit
- For Target addicts: Shipt
Questions about outsourcing errands? Contact us — we're happy to help you get started.