Help with errands and shopping in Switzerland
Sometimes you just need someone to do the shopping, take a parcel to the post office or collect a prescription. It helps after an operation, when you can't drive or when family lives far away. Here you'll find what to agree, how to handle money safely and the rules for households. On Workpop you post your errand for free.
If you pay someone for household work, you are usually their employer: AHV from the first franc and accident insurance. Workpop doesn’t do this for you. Guide: AHV for side jobs and household work
Free to post, no commission: get offers and choose at your own pace.
Typical errands
Errands are small jobs outside the home that take time and energy. They can be one-off, like a trip to the post office, or regular, like the weekly shop. Some errands are a good reason to go out together: the helper carries the bags, and you choose the products yourself.
- Weekly grocery shopping
- Taking parcels and letters to the post office
- Collecting items from the pharmacy
- Taking bottles, glass and cardboard to recycling
- Bringing shoes or clothes for repair or cleaning
- Going shopping together
How to describe the errand
Say what needs doing, where, when and how often. For shopping, write a list with brands and quantities, and say what the helper should do if something is out of stock. Mention heavy items such as drinks, and whether a car is needed. To collect a registered letter or parcel for you, the helper may need a written authorisation – ask at your post office.
You can write in English: other users can translate your job into their language with one click.
Paying for purchases safely
Agree beforehand how the shopping is paid. Common options are cash in advance, with the receipt and change afterwards, or paying the helper back against the receipt – for example by TWINT or bank transfer. Keep the receipts.
Never hand over a bank card with its PIN, and never share your e-banking passwords. For regular help, a small shopping budget in cash is often the simplest solution.
Price and how Workpop works
We have not found a reliable Swiss price survey for errands, so we do not quote one. Agree a price per hour or per errand, and whether travel costs or car use are included. You set the price, in line with minimum wages.
Posting on Workpop is free and there is no commission. People nearby send you an offer; you can ask questions in the chat and choose at your own pace. When you agree, you both get a digital contract, and you pay the helper directly.
AHV and accident insurance
If you pay a private person for errands, you may count as their employer for AHV/IV/EO (Swiss old-age, survivors', disability and income-compensation insurance). The compensation office decides case by case.
In general, a private household that pays someone for household work – such as cleaning, babysitting, gardening, homework help or helping older people – is their employer and must settle AHV/IV/EO contributions from the first franc.
The CHF 2'500 per year and per employer limit does not apply to work in private households. Exception: young people up to 31 December of the year they turn 25, if they earn no more than CHF 750 a year from that household.
Households must insure their staff against accidents with an approved insurer (not Suva). Workpop does not do this for you: check your obligations with your cantonal AHV compensation office.
What to agree on first
- What, where, when and how often
- Shopping list and substitutes
- How purchases are paid, with receipts
- Car or public transport
- Price per hour or per errand
- Never share a card PIN
- AHV and accident insurance: check with your compensation office
Time of year
Errands come up all year. Plan ahead for winter, when snow and ice make heavy shopping harder, and for the holidays, when family members may be away.
Help with errands in your area
Places with recent requests
Canton of Geneva
Odd jobs in major cities
Frequently asked questions
How much should I pay for help with errands?
We have not found a reliable price survey for errands. Agree a price per hour or per errand, including travel or car costs, in line with minimum wages.How should the helper pay for my shopping?
Agree it beforehand – for example cash in advance, or paying the helper back against the receipt. Never hand over a bank card with its PIN.Do I have to pay AHV for help with errands?
You may count as the helper's employer; the compensation office decides case by case. For household help in a private household, contributions are in general due from the first franc, and the CHF 2'500 limit does not apply. Exception: young people up to 31 December of the year they turn 25 who earn no more than CHF 750 a year from your household. Check with your cantonal AHV compensation office.
Free to post, no commission: get offers and choose at your own pace. You set the price, in line with minimum wages.
Post a job: errands