Errand running/concierge shopping services

[sammyc]

Sometimes I want to buy stuff that is only available in London if you go in person, I don't live in the South (& don't currently know anyone in central London that I can ask favours of) - has anyone used errand running services & how do you find them? The kind of 'queue up for a ticket for you' type of service - quotes don't seem OTT expensive, but does it work out that way in practice/are there pitfalls? If anyone's had any experience, ta much.

[flearider]

i really don't know what your asking for ?? you want someone to queue for tickets for you or go to the shops ? why because you can't as some sort of disability or you can't be arsed ?
i find this a very disturbing request ?

[TeePee]

I have that as a service through one of my credit cards. I don't use it much apart from restaurant reservations.

[sammyc]

i really don't know what your asking for ?? you want someone to queue for tickets for you or go to the shops ? why because you can't as some sort of disability or you can't be arsed ?
i find this a very disturbing request ?

lol I just don't live near enough to make it practical or economical to shop in London myself whenever I want. sorry to disturb you.

i must make my posts clearer
i must make my posts clearer
i must make my posts clearer

[Zak33]

[/B]

lol I just don't live near enough to make it practical or economical to shop in London myself whenever I want. sorry to disturb you.

i must make my posts clearer
i must make my posts clearer
i must make my posts clearer

no you don't need to make it clearer.. I understood entirely

[peterb]

[/B]

lol I just don't live near enough to make it practical or economical to shop in London myself whenever I want. sorry to disturb you.

i must make my posts clearer
i must make my posts clearer
i must make my posts clearer

No, I got it too, but wasn't sure what you might want to buy that can't be bought online. But I guess there are some services/retailers that don't have an online presence.

[sammyc]

No, I got it too, but wasn't sure what you might want to buy that can't be bought online. But I guess there are some services/retailers that don't have an online presence.

A fair number of items, books, magazines, arty stuff, are often only available in person.. in limited numbers at launches, signings, or certain locations/little niche shops/galleries. Must make a point of coming back as a hip London/Paris/Milan dweller in the next life.

& thanks (you & Zak) ..I am a little wordy at times when cutting to the point would be better tbh, so the original was a bit borderline, to be fair.

[big_hairy_rob]

Same with Beer launches (for us tickers). I'd be surprised if this errand service wasn't already an option. Pay someone to wait, collect and post (or safely leave) somewhere? Pay by the hour (based on weather, circumstances) or block book them for a duration? I suppose that you could try a 'handyman', a 'man with van' or a cycle courier?

[sammyc]

I'd be surprised if this errand service wasn't already an option.

There are services out there, & as I say don't seem tooo expensive.. but costs could escalate.. & I don't want to find I'm suddenly paying 10 times the price of the item.

The ones I've looked at do seem upfront in their quotes but even with hourly charges & minimum charges, might be hard to keep a cap on & control what you are paying. Ok for a one-off I suppose but it would soon rack up if you did it more than as a rarity.

I should just improve my networking and make more useful contacts guess that's the price you pay for avoiding social FB type things like the plague.

[TheAnimus]

Have you tried looking on https://www.taskrabbit.co.uk/ ?

[sammyc]

Thanks unfortunately that's app-based & I don't do apps (call me Saracen v2.0) - it does look good though. Currently looking at web-based companies that look broadly similar, reviews & experience would tell if there's much to choose between them I suppose.

[peterb]

...I am a little wordy at times when cutting to the point would be better tbh, so the original was a bit borderline, to be fair.

Thanks unfortunately that's app-based & I don't do apps (call me Saracen v2.0) -

Hmm - I sense a pattern emerging