Transport and delivery

Local delivery and errand runner

Deliver food, groceries, parcels and medicine for local shops, takeaways and households, and run errands such as queues and collections.

Thin evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

Reliable people with a scooter, motorbike, bicycle or car who know their area well.

In South Africa: Strong in townships and towns.

What you need

  • A phone is enough to start
  • Works on everyday data
  • No camera needed
  • No cold selling
  • At least 10 hours a week · age 18+

The money

What it can earn

  1. Pocket money
  2. A top-up
  3. A second income
  4. Can become a full income

Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.

What people charge

No reliable SA figure yet

We found no published South African price list we trust for this, so we do not quote a rand figure. Ask three sellers near you what they charge before you set yours.

Costs to plan for

Start-up
R0 to R3 000
Every month
Fuel, data, maintenance.
Payment fees
Cash or EFT per trip; weekly for shops.
Margin
Fuel is the main cost: price trips by distance.

How it is paid: Fee per delivery or errand, or a weekly rate from a shop. Our viability score for it: 55 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

  1. Test it cheaply Before you spend

    • Ask five takeaways and spazas if they need deliveries and what they would pay
    • Price trips by distance after fuel
    • Success signal: two shops using you every week

  2. First week Days 1 to 7

    • Set your prices by distance
    • Visit five local shops with your offer
    • Post your rates in community groups

  3. First month Days 8 to 30

    • Keep a trip log: date, from, to, fee, paid
    • Ask regulars for referrals

  4. By three months Days 31 to 90

    • Agree weekly rates with your best shops
    • Consider app delivery work for quiet hours

Work can start as soon as one shop uses you. First income usually takes 2 to 30 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

Local delivery and errand running: from your first paid errand to regular customers

23 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Spaza shops, takeaways, pharmacies and busy households.

Things delivered when people cannot get there.

Is there demand?

Delivery apps such as Uber Eats operate in SA and set their own pay. We found no published rates for independent local runners, so agree yours per trip.

Deliveries for local takeaways and spazasGrocery and pharmacy runs for older peopleParcel drop-offs at PAXI or Pudo points

Getting customers

Ask local shops directly and post your rates in WhatsApp groups.

Word of mouth and referralsPartnerships with other businessesDirect messages

Risks and rules

Watch out for

  • Road accidents: wear a helmet and do not rush
  • Carrying cash: use EFT where you can
  • Lost or damaged items: agree what you are responsible for

Competition: Moderate.

Room to grow: Grows with regular shop contracts and more riders.

Legal and tax in South Africa

  • You need a valid licence for your vehicle (Code A or A1 for a motorbike).
  • Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start local delivery and errand runner in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R0 to R3 000. Recurring costs: Fuel, data, maintenance.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 7 days, and between 2 and 30 days. Work can start as soon as one shop uses you.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

You need a valid licence for your vehicle (Code A or A1 for a motorbike). Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Sources (3)

Free tools for this

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Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy