Shopping is often compared with mindless spending and is an expensive pastime. But no one knows that with this habit of yours, you can become a professional and earn a substantial income in the future. If you don’t know what we are talking about, let us enlighten you with the profession of a personal shopper.
Believe it or not, a personal shopper is the best profession for those who love to shop and have a keen interest in buying perfect things for someone like elderly people who cannot go out for shopping. It is not just spending money and buying stuff, but purchasing the right outfits and accessories as a person’s style and budget.
Shopping is a necessity and can extend and transform into a passion. You simply need to understand the thin line of difference between these two terms and determine your career path as a personal shopper. It is very trending business idea in USA, UK, Canada, South Africa and Australia. Personal shopper for wedding, birthday, anniversary and for some special events are growing very rapidly.
Imagine a CEO of a massive multinational corporation who has tight schedules and does not have time to shop. Even if he has time to shop for apparel and accessories, he does not believe in his preferences. He wants to buy the right tuxedos and belts for himself but is unaware of the current brands and styles. Here, you come to the rescue and assist him in his purchases. You help him determine his style, go through his budget and buy all the necessary things for him.
In return, you are paid for your useful services, traveling, and miscellaneous expenses. Many of you might not be aware that personal shopping services are not limited to the fashion industry. You can even run errands for an elderly couple or a household and call yourself a personal shopper. But let us know how to get into this business.
Steps to become a personal shopper are:-
1. Find out your calling
Simply because you love to shop is not a sufficient reason to become a personal shopper. If you have a taste for outfits, you can specialize in any of the niches such as women’s sportswear or shopping for businessmen. You should know about brands in general before you even get into the training aspect. The more you know about shopping for the best deals and brands, the more passionate you are about this profession.
Your clients will approach you because they are tight on time. Hence, ensure that you have proper time slots for these clients and help them buy the best. Even if they can afford to buy expensive items, they will prefer to stick to a budget. Your job is to find sustainable and exquisite clothing for them as per their budget.
2. Train yourself in the respective field
We do not undermine your eagerness and talent to work in the fashion industry as a personal shopper. But if you have relevant training in the fashion industry or as an image consultant, your chances of seeking good and reliable clients are higher. A fashion degree will certainly help and add to your resume. When you seek training as an Image Consultant, you understand several aspects of fashion as per body shape and other personality aspects.
The right kind of clothing helps a person to look taller, slimmer, and smarter. If you understand the physical traits of your client and shop for clothes that flatter his or her physique, you will do your job much better. Let us be more specific – contact The Association of Image Consultants International, and you can attend a few workshops or sign up for their training programs. In this journey, you will learn several aspects of image development and enhancement apart from shopping for clients.
Along with certification, it is better if you seek real-life experience under a fashion designer or a firm. Although, it is okay if you do not get to work as an assistant personal shopper, you will surely seek the basics of this profession.
3. Provide services to your friends and acquaintances
If you have just started this small business as a personal shopper, it must be challenging to get regular clients. In the meantime, you can opt for the micro-level and assist your friends in finding the right outfits for their first job or a wedding. Hey, we do not say that you shouldn’t charge them and provide your services for free. However, you can surely explain to them that you are doing this to seek experience and credibility in the business.
No doubt you can charge much lower rates, no problem at all. But you have to confirm with them that this is a part of your profession and not just a friendly gesture. If you have true friends, they will surely understand this arrangement. Similarly, you can utilize word-of-mouth publicity to provide personal shopping services to people in the job industry or participating in a beauty contest.
4. Advertise and promote your services appropriately
The more digital you make your presence, the better it is for your business growth. Start a YouTube Channel and provide tips and insights about the best shopping practices. No need to reveal all your secrets to the viewers. Just give them the basic ones, and they will approach you for professional assistance.
If you are good at writing and not in video-making, you can write about your insights and knowledge in a presentable manner. A website is a must; we just cannot get enough of explaining to you the benefits of a self-owned web portal. Social media handles are another way of spreading your talent. You don’t have to be too promotional; you can be authentic and still portray yourself as a personal shopper. Whoever lands on your website and acquaints with your name will surely check your Instagram handle. Yes, ensure that you are active on social media with unique content.
5. Become a Personal Shopper on Instagram – Use Instagram Smartly
Create an Instagram profile and be active in there. Post regular content about you shopping for your client and grow your followers. Instagram is a best place to get clients for your business. Many people in the personal shopping industry are using Instagram to grow their business and believe me.. they are successful.
6. Participate in fashion events and shows
You have to be active whenever possible in fashion shows, networking events, and seminars. Even if it looks like a comfortable work-from-home job (with a little traveling), you have to show up at these events to collaborate with like-minded people. You never know an organization might contact you for an interesting project. So, go out and attend these events and make yourself presentable.
7. Learn additional skills
If you are an introvert, learn how to communicate well without tampering with your personal space. If you lack digital skills, know how to market yourself through social media without showing off. You ought to know more about digital photography, use tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom. This will help you send better quality photos to your clients, and they will be happy that you utilize upgraded technology.
In short, the above steps will help you to become a personal shopper and establish your presence in this field. Take one step at a time, and you will soon be a professional.
FAQs
Qualifications to become a personal shopper vary according to the company, but generally you must have strong people skills, a knowledge and understanding of fashion and current trends, and a passion for helping clients find the perfect look.
Personal shoppers typically charge an hourly rate or flat fee, with the potential to earn additional commission and bonuses. Average hourly rates or flat fees usually range from $20-$50 per hour, and personal shoppers can make up to several hundred per day.
Generally, personal shoppers have flexible schedules and are able to work around family and other obligations, making the work-life balance quite manageable.
Yes, although some experience with fashion and customer service can help, experience is not necessary to become a personal shopper.
Personal shoppers typically connect with clients through referrals, networking groups, and social media marketing.
Personal shoppers typically serve clients from the fashion, entertainment and entertainment industries.
To be successful as a personal shopper, you should have strong people skills, understand fashion and trends, be organized and detail-oriented, and have knowledge of online shopping.
A good network of industry contacts and mentors can help you to find clients and build a successful business as a personal shopper.
Before becoming a personal shopper, make sure to do thorough research on the industry and potential clients. In addition, consider obtaining insurance and registering your business with the local government.
As a personal shopper, you should strive to maintain an excellent level of customer service by remaining organized, listening to your clients’ needs and desires, being patient and courteous, and offering honest advice.