Personal Shopping Assistant Service

Provide personal shopping for clothing, gifts, and special purchases

Startup Cost
$2,000-$8,000
Difficulty
Beginner
Time to Profit
3-6 months
Profit Potential
$3,000-$17,000/month

Overview

Personal shopping services generate $40,000-$200,000 annually with 70-90% margins.

In 2025, people outsource shopping for efficiency and expertise.

Revenue from hourly rates ($40-$100 per hour), per-project fees ($150-$600), percentage of purchases (10-20%), styling packages, and gift shopping services.

Services include wardrobe and clothing shopping, gift shopping and wrapping, special occasion shopping, product research and recommendations, returns and exchanges, and style consulting.

Successful shoppers understand client preferences and budgets, provide curated options, save client time, offer styling expertise, and handle all shopping logistics.

Busy professionals and gift-givers as clients.

Marketing through professional networks, personal stylist referrals, corporate gift services, holiday shopping season, and social media.

Required Skills

  • Shopping & Retail
  • Style & Fashion Sense
  • Customer Service
  • Research
  • Communication
  • Organization

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Low startup costs
  • High hourly rates for expertise
  • Can specialize (wardrobe, gifts, etc.)
  • Seasonal demand for gift shopping
  • Referrals from satisfied clients

Cons

  • Project-based variable income
  • Time-intensive shopping trips
  • Client indecision extends projects
  • Returns and exchanges time-consuming
  • Building client base takes time

How to Get Started

  1. Define shopping specialties and services
  2. Set pricing structure and packages
  3. Build knowledge of stores and products
  4. Market personal shopping services
  5. Consult to understand client needs
  6. Curate and present shopping options
  7. Complete purchases and deliveries

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