What is a personal shopper?
A personal shopper has the potential to positively impact someones life in many ways. Essentially, they help people shop. Groceries, furniture, electrical appliances – where there is a product to be bought a personal shopper can help. However, undoubtedly, personal shoppers usually help people shop for clothing and accessories. This is particularly useful for people who lack confidence in their personal style, don’t know the right places to shop , or, we dare say, hate shopping.
As a personal shopper you can help people find the style, cut and fit of clothes to suit their needs. You have the opportunity to provide them with an experience that they wouldn’t otherwise get shopping on their own. You are also in a unique position to encourage your clients and boost their confidence. But maybe you want to help those who don’t have the time, energy or ability to shop for their groceries. This too can be extremely fulfilling.
What skills will you need?
Whether you want to shop for specific items or you want to be a generalist, knowledge of the products available is essential. You’ll also need to have good time management and interpersonal skills to create a trusting relationship with your clients.
If you are going to buy clothes, having a basic knowledge of fashion is desirable. Moreover, be prepared to accept clients of various ages, body types and lifestyles. Industry experience or qualifications in styling is favourable but not essential. Your interests and skills should include:
- Finding the perfect gift, deals, or outfit
- Awareness of clients own personal preferences
- Awareness of current trends but also timeless pieces
- Sensitivity to your clients personal situation and budget
How do you want to work?
There exists opportunity to be employed as a personal shopper, but you might want to be your own boss and start up a business. If this is the case, you’ll have to register your business name and ABN.
Market your business
Like all new small businesses, your success depends on how well you can convince your prospective customers of your value. For personal shopping, you’ll need to develop clever marketing strategies to get people talking and interested in your work.
A good place to start is listing how your service will benefit your consumer. If this is tricky, think about why you would hire yourself as a personal shopper. If you’re buying clothes, you’re key selling points are experience or your affiliations with brands and stores that offer you deals and discounts.
Social media is definitely your friend and you should use it as a tool to expand your network and promote your services. Get innovative with your marketing strategies both online and offline. Think about client referrals, special gift packages or free initial consultations to get you going.
If you need some more information, particularly on business logistics and the legal side of things, get in touch with a business lawyer.
