Ways2Raise

What is it?

Grocery Shopping Delivery is a practical and helpful fundraising idea where you assist neighbours, especially elderly or busy families, by doing their grocery shopping and delivering it to their doorstep. It’s beginner-friendly and builds trust in your community while earning you money steadily over time.

Why does it work?

This works well because many people appreciate the convenience and personal touch of someone they know helping with essential errands. Customers are happy to pay a small fee for your time and effort, and word-of-mouth referrals often increase your orders. Plus, it helps you build valuable community connections.

What you'll need

A reliable bike or access to public transport/walking routes
A smartphone or notebook to take orders and keep track of deliveries
Reusable shopping bags or a sturdy backpack
Permission from a parent or guardian if under 16
A basic knowledge of local supermarkets and their opening hours

Step-by-step plan

1

Talk to neighbours, family friends, and community groups (like your local church or scout group) to let them know you’re offering a grocery shopping and delivery service.

2

Set clear terms: agree on a delivery fee (typically £5-£10 per trip) and decide which supermarkets or shops you will use.

3

Create a simple ordering system, such as a WhatsApp group, a shared Google Doc, or a paper order form to organise requests clearly.

4

Plan your shopping trips efficiently to combine orders from the same area or shop to save time and travel costs.

5

Shop carefully, checking items off the list and ensuring quality and freshness, then deliver groceries promptly and safely.

6

Collect payment at delivery or arrange online payment methods like PayPal or bank transfer, and keep a record of your earnings.

7

Ask satisfied customers for referrals and consider offering a loyalty discount or small freebies to encourage repeat business.

How to advertise it

Create flyers to distribute in your local area, especially around community centres, libraries, and noticeboards.
Post on local Facebook groups or community WhatsApp chats.
Ask your school to include your service in newsletters or on noticeboards.
Tell family and friends to spread the word for you.
Use social media like Instagram or TikTok to share short videos explaining your service and benefits.

Realistic earnings

Most teenagers can expect to earn between £5 and £10 per delivery trip, depending on distance and order size. With consistent effort, it’s realistic to make around £50-£100 per week, especially if you build a regular customer base.

Top tips

✅ Always communicate clearly with customers about delivery times and any item substitutions.

✅ Be punctual and polite – great customer service leads to repeat business.

✅ Keep a small stock of hand sanitiser and wear a mask if required to reassure customers.

✅ Consider partnering with a friend to cover more ground or handle larger orders.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Taking on too many orders at once and failing to deliver on time.

⚠️ Not confirming payment method in advance, leading to missed earnings.

⚠️ Ignoring customer preferences or allergies, which can damage trust.