Personal Shopper

Startup Costs: Under $2,000
Home Based: Can be operated from home.
Part Time: Can be operated part-time.
Franchises Available? Yes
Online Operation? Yes

THE BRIEF:

If you love to shop, you may be able to turn it into a business venture with a service for those who don’t have time (or don’t enjoy) doing their own shopping. Many people hire personal shoppers to select gifts for any number of special occasions, including holidays, birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. And it's not just new products they're after: Personal shoppers are also often hired by interior designers and collectors to rummage through flea markets, consignment shops, antique stores and garage sales for collectibles, art, books and unique decor. Corporations sometimes hire personal shoppers to purchase the perfect gifts for customers, prospects, business partners, investors, employees and executives, as well as to purchase products for gift bag giveaways at special events, ceremonies, and seminars. If you love to shop, are creative and don't mind networking with business owners, corporate executives, and people from all walks of life, you're likely qualified to become a personal shopper.

ASK THE PROS:

How much money can you make?

The average salary for a personal shopper nationwide is $32,808, according to Glassdoor, and PayScale pegs a personal shopper’s typical hourly pay at just over $11.50. 

What kind of experience do you need to have?

"It's just something I've always been good at--color, shopping, putting things together and knowing what someone else will like, what they can wear and what will make them look good and feel good," she says. -Maggie McQuown, VisibleEDGE Resources

What’s the most important thing to know about this business?

“You are at the mercy of the retailers. Even if a personal shopper made themselves available in the evenings for clients, there are not physical stores you can take clients to in order to get them their attire. Personal shoppers are personal, and that usually includes in-person shopping experiences.” -Amanda Sanders, image consultant and personal shopper