A personal shopper is someone who buys things for other people who don't have time or ability to go out themselves.Retail stores may hire personal shoppers to help individual customers find items that work for them.You don't need a degree or certification to take courses to get the skills you need for the job.You can start shopping for other people with a little bit of work.
Step 1: Pick what type of shopping you want to do.
Pick an area of focus that you want personal shoppers to focus on.Some people buy household needs while others buy clothes for their clients.Determine what type of shopping you want to do and offer that as your main service.Buying groceries and household necessities is a part of personal shopping for the elderly.Individuals who don't have time to shop can be selected styles and clothes by other personal shoppers.If you want to shop for fashion items, look for tops or shoes.Selecting an entire wardrobe can be overwhelming.
Step 2: Help build your customer service skills.
Personal shoppers need to work closely with their clients to give them the best experience.Stay attentive to people's needs and communicate clearly with them.You should be patient with them so they feel comfortable working with you.If you want to develop a personal connection with people, you need to give them your full attention.
Step 3: Understand how to manage a budget.
Personal shoppers need to work with their clients' budgets to get the most out of their money.You can easily make budget charts if youFamiliarize yourself with programs like excelIf you pay attention to prices and the things a client wants, you can give them the best experience.If a friend or family member will give you a budget and things they want, you can practice shopping for them.
Step 4: Work hours can be flexible.
Many personal shoppers work after normal work hours on Saturdays and Sundays.If you manage your time well, you can meet with your clients and still shop for them on short notice.You should be able to easily get around in a timely manner if you go between multiple stores.Your clients can rely on you to get the job done if you are always available.
Step 5: To see what styles are popular, follow fashion trends.
Look through magazines and lookbooks to see what the trends are.You can be familiar with the products if you visit stores frequently to see new items.If you want to be a personal shopper for groceries or other household goods, you don't need to pay much attention to fashion.
Step 6: Business and math classes should be the focus of the school.
If you are still in high school, you should take business and marketing classes.If you study hard and pay attention, you can learn how to run a business.Take notes so you can reference them later.If you are out of school, look for online courses.
Step 7: If you want a degree in marketing or communications, try it.
Colleges that offer 2- or 4-year degrees are ideal for personal shoppers.If you want to work well with your clients, you need to take courses in financial management, business, and communication.It is possible to learn how to manage your own business if you have a degree.
Step 8: If you want to be a personal shopper, you need a degree in fashion.
Fashion management and design degrees are offered by many universities.Don't forget to focus on classes that discuss fashion trends and styles.Take some time to read and study so you can pass your exams and know how to manage your business.It is possible to become a personal shopper without a fashion degree.
Step 9: You should get a certification from the Association of Image Consultants International.
Personal shoppers are certified by the Association of Image Consultants International.The certification requires you to take an online exam that asks questions about fashion trends and how to communicate with others in a personal shopping setting.You must submit an online portfolio of your work if you pass the exam.You are certified if your portfolio is accepted by the AICI.If you want to be a personal shopper, you don't need a certification, but it will look better on your resume.
Step 10: Look for retail jobs in stores with personal shoppers.
Personal shopper services are offered by some larger department stores.You can find open positions at retail stores in your area.If the retail store doesn't have personal shopper positions, you can communicate with customers to see if they want to be your clients.There are personal shopper positions in some big box stores.
Step 11: Look for a mentor or internship.
You can search online for personal shoppers in your area.If they are offering internship or taking any mentors, reach out to them.They can help you out if you let them know your career goals.If there aren't any private personal shoppers in your area, you should look at a nearby department store.
Step 12: For your service, create a website and social media accounts.
Since personal shoppers run their own businesses, they need to brand themselves.People can find you and follow you on social media.You should post regularly so others can see what you are doing.Potential clients can easily contact you and learn more if you use a website designer to make your own site.If you want to include updates on trends or styles you like to get clients excited about them, try writing a blog.
Step 13: Business cards should be hand out to potential clients.
Business cards can be created using editing software or online templates.If you include your name, phone number, email address, and website, others will be able to find you.Give your card to your clients so they know how to reach you.Business cards should not be on public bulletin boards.
Step 14: If you talk to potential clients, you can see if they want your services.
If you are working in a retail store, talk to the customers to see if they are interested in personal shopping.If you don't work in retail, talk to people you already know.To find out if you would work well together, ask them to meet with you.If you want to reach out to more people, ask your first clients if they can be references.
Step 15: You get paid hourly if you set your fees.
Since they need to go to multiple stores, many personal shoppers work for an hourly fee.If you want to work with your clients, choose a starting rate of $25-$30 per hour, and meet with them to discuss what they expect.You can charge more for every hour you spend shopping.The average yearly salary for personal shoppers is between $30,000 and $57,500.You can start charging more for your services as you get more experience.Don't take a percentage of the amount that your client spent because they might think you're finding expensive products to make more money.