Key Takeaways

  • A concierge business offers flexible, high-demand personal services ranging from errands to lifestyle management.
  • Legal documents such as service contracts and NDAs are essential to protect your business and clients.
  • Niching down and choosing the right clientele—corporate, senior, or luxury markets—can boost business viability.
  • Marketing strategies, pricing structure, and tech tools (e.g., CRM, scheduling software) are key to scalability and professionalism.
  • Certification isn’t required, but building credibility through testimonials, referrals, and reliable service is crucial.

What Is a Concierge Business?

How to start a concierge business - also referred to as a personal assistant business can be accomplished in a few easy steps. It is a popular and lucrative business that provides a variety of personal services to customers/clients. 

Types of Concierge Niches

Concierge services can be tailored to various niches depending on your skills and target market. Popular niches include:

  • Corporate Concierge: Offers office errand services, meeting arrangements, and business travel coordination.
  • Lifestyle Management: Focuses on affluent individuals or families needing ongoing personal assistance, like gift shopping or event planning.
  • Senior Concierge: Helps aging individuals maintain independence by running errands, providing companionship, and coordinating appointments.
  • Real Estate Concierge: Assists agents or landlords with staging, cleaning, and managing showings.
  • Travel Concierge: Plans itineraries, secures reservations, and handles logistics for business or luxury travelers.

Choosing a niche can help define your brand, streamline marketing, and attract clients who value specialized services​.

Pros

Several of the benefits of starting a concierge business include:

  • A personal concierge has the option of working from the comfort of home.
  • Providing different concierge services and the number of clients you work for determine your potential annual income. A personal concierge can earn an estimated $60,000 annually by offering a wide range of services to a large client base.
  • Getting started as a personal concierge is a career choice that does not require an individual to have prior experience, certifications, or special training.
  • A person providing concierge services is in the position to receive gifts and tips from their clients, which is a boost to your income. 

Cons

There are several non-beneficial aspects of starting a concierge business to consider that include:

  • A personal concierge may encounter clients that are considered high-maintenance and difficult to work with that requires working hectic schedules including weekends and holidays.
  • Due to demanding clients, time-consuming projects, and unforeseen situations it's necessary to regulate your personal schedule to accommodate "on call" or "last minute" situations.
  • If accessing a client's home, you will need to have liability insurance and be bonded.

Legal Documents You’ll Need

To legally protect your concierge business and maintain professionalism, consider drafting or obtaining the following documents:

  • Client Service Agreement: Outlines the scope of work, payment terms, and cancellation policies.
  • Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): Protects confidential client information, particularly with high-profile or corporate clients.
  • Independent Contractor Agreements: Necessary if you hire other service providers.
  • Liability Waivers: Useful for tasks involving physical risk, like pet sitting or home access.
  • Privacy Policy: Required if collecting client data through your website or CRM system.

Consulting an attorney to customize these documents ensures they align with your services and jurisdiction​.

Steps 

Step 1. Before starting a concierge business, you will first want to research, study, and learn the legal components and requirements of starting your business. These legal requirements can range from types of personal liability insurance to insurance covering the business itself. You'll also want to determine the type of business license(s) you'll need prior to opening.

Step 2. Research the demographics of the area you plan to focus your business on to learn what type of clientele you would be working with and what type of concierge services would be in demand. You do not have to focus on just one demographic. You can have clients ranging from large families and corporate accounts to the professional who works from home. 

Step 3. Decide what types of concierge services you want to provide to your clients. These services can range from pet services, such as dog walking, pet grooming, and pet sitting when clients are out of town to arranging travel itineraries for vacations or business trips. Some personal concierge services offer shopping for gifts as well as household items like groceries and personal items. 

Step 4. Create, design, and follow a well-defined business plan that highlights your future goals with your new business. Knowing your financial goals and working towards achieving these goals will help your business be successful and profitable. 

Step 5. Join a professional organization or association like The International Concierge and Lifestyle Management Network to meet other like-minded business owners like yourself.

Step 6. Register your business with your state. You will need to research to make sure no other business has already claimed the name you've selected. For information about starting a business, check the information at the U.S. Small Business Administration website. 

Step 7. Create a web presence by checking for domain names and creating a website to promote your business.

Use Technology to Streamline Operations

Investing in technology tools can elevate your efficiency and professionalism. Key tools include:

  • Client Relationship Management (CRM) Software: Track client preferences and communication history.
  • Scheduling Tools: Let clients book appointments online with calendar integrations.
  • Mobile Payment Systems: Accept payments via credit card or app to streamline billing.
  • Task Management Platforms: Use apps like Trello or Asana to manage recurring tasks and client requests.

Tech can also help you scale your concierge business and free up time for high-touch client interactions​.

Promote Your Concierge Business

Effective marketing strategies for your concierge business include:

  • Networking: Join local business chambers or real estate groups to build connections.
  • Referrals: Encourage satisfied clients to refer friends and offer incentives.
  • Google Business Profile: Helps with local search visibility and collecting reviews.
  • Content Marketing: Create blog posts or videos that demonstrate your expertise (e.g., “Top 10 Time-Saving Concierge Tips”).
  • Email Campaigns: Use newsletters to stay in touch with clients and promote seasonal services.

A mix of offline and digital marketing ensures you reach both professional and personal clients effectively​​.

Set Competitive Pricing

Your pricing should reflect the value of your time, the complexity of services, and local market standards. Consider:

  • Hourly Rate: Typically ranges from $25 to $75 depending on experience and location.
  • Package Deals: Offering bundled hours or monthly retainers can provide consistent income.
  • A La Carte Services: Set fixed prices for common tasks like grocery delivery or pet care.
  • Rush Fees or Premium Hours: Charge extra for holidays, last-minute requests, or night/weekend services.

Clearly outlining your pricing in client contracts and on your website helps manage expectations and build trust​​.

Equipment Needed to Start a Concierge Business

To launch a successful concierge business, you’ll need some essential office equipment. At a minimum, this includes a computer with a reliable internet connection, a printer, an answering machine or voicemail system, and a dependable phone—preferably one that supports multiple lines. These tools ensure clients can reach you easily and allow you to manage communication, scheduling, and marketing efficiently. Internet access is also critical for email correspondence, maintaining your website, and staying active on social media platforms.

Importance of Social Media Marketing

Building a strong social media presence is a valuable strategy for growing your concierge business. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow you to showcase your services, share client testimonials, and engage with your audience. Creating business profiles on these platforms helps establish credibility and can significantly expand your reach, attracting new clients who discover you online.

Startup Costs to Expect

Starting a concierge business typically involves some initial investment. On average, you can expect startup costs to range from $2,000 to $4,000. This estimate covers equipment purchases, business registration fees, marketing expenses, and basic operational supplies. The exact amount will vary based on the types of services you offer and whether you invest in advanced tools or branding efforts early on.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a business license to start a concierge business? Yes, most localities require a general business license. Check with your city or county government for specific requirements.

2. Can I run a concierge business part-time? Absolutely. Many entrepreneurs start part-time and scale based on demand and availability.

3. How do I find my first concierge clients? Begin by offering services to friends or family, networking locally, or listing your business on platforms like TaskRabbit or Thumbtack.

4. Is insurance necessary for a concierge business? Yes. Liability insurance and bonding are essential if you’ll be entering clients’ homes or handling valuables.

5. What’s the most profitable concierge niche? Corporate and lifestyle management services often command higher rates due to ongoing demand and clients’ willingness to outsource tasks.

If you need help with starting a concierge business, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.