Some people have a passion for shopping, which makes it more than just a necessity. While most people’s bank accounts don’t back up from constant shopping, becoming a personal shopper can allow you to make money while you buy.
A personal shopper assists clients who lack the time, desire, or ability to shop for themselves by doing it on their behalf. A personal shopper helps clients choose clothing and other items, offering both style advice and budget management. It’s a great career for people who know how to shop well and want to share their talents with others.
If you’re interested in becoming a professional shopper, here are some tips may help you.
Table of Contents
1. Determine Your Niche
The first step to becoming a professional shopper is to determine your niche. Are you interested in helping people shop for everyday items, or are you more interested in special occasions?
Do you want to work with individuals or businesses? There are many different niches within professional shopping, so it’s important to figure out which one is the best fit for you.
Professional personal shoppers are not limited to the fashion industry, there are professional personal shoppers outside of the fashion sector. Some focus on a certain niche like business suits, women’s apparel, or shoes. While some provide assistance for the elderly or other members of the community for food shopping or buying others in the grocery store.
2. Get Educated
There are many different ways to get educated in the field of professional shopping. You can take courses at a local college or university, or even get a degree in fashion merchandising, marketing, or business if you want to further your career.
3. Start Networking
Networking is essential for any professional, but it’s especially important in the shopping industry. Get connected with other professional shoppers in your area, and attend industry events. This will help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends, and you’ll also get to meet potential clients.
4. Build Your Portfolio
Your portfolio is one of the most important tools you have as a professional shopper. This is what you’ll use to showcase your work to potential clients. Start by putting together a lookbook of your previous shopping trips, and be sure to include photos and details of the items you purchased.
5. Market Yourself
Once you’ve got your portfolio put together, it’s time to start marketing yourself. Create a website or blog to showcase your work, and be sure to include your contact information. You can also distribute business cards and flyers in local businesses.
6. Learn About Fit And Tailoring Your Service
As a professional shopper, your job is to help your clients find something that fits them. Tailoring your service to each individual client is an important part of being a professional shopper.
Not everyone is the same size, so it’s important to know how to adjust your shopping trip to each individual client. This includes knowing how to communicate with a client about their sizes, and also knowing how to find the right items for their body type.
7. Provide a VIP Shopping Experience
Making your customers feel comfortable is vital because shopping can be a vulnerable process. Providing a VIP shopping experience for your clients is one of the best ways to stand out as a professional shopper.
This includes things like how you can get ready for your client beforehand, organizing a shopping route, contact with helpful salespeople in advance to receive good customer service, helping them find items in the store, giving them advice on what looks good, and offering a simple and comfortable changing room experience.
Going above and beyond for your clients will help you build a strong reputation as a professional shopper.
8. Set Your Rates
Last but not least, you’ll need to set your rates. This will vary depending on your location, experience, and the services you offer. Meanwhile, do your research to find out what other professional shoppers in your area are charging.