How to Start a Personal Shopper Service Business in 2024

Pro Business Plans
6 min readJul 21, 2023

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Last Updated: 12/17/2023

Starting a Personal Shopper Service

Launching your own personal shopper service can be an exciting and rewarding venture in 2023. As online shopping explodes, more people need help navigating endless options and making stylish purchases. If you love fashion and have an eye for what looks good, a personal shopping business could be perfect for you. Follow this guide to get your service up and running.

Define Your Ideal Client

Get crystal clear on who you want to serve. Busy lawyers? Suburban moms? Senior executives? The more specific your target client, the better you can tailor offerings to them. Consider demographics like age, gender, income, lifestyle and fashion needs. Become an expert in dressing your niche.

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Build Your Fashion Expertise

Immerse yourself in fashion. Follow trends, designers, and influencers. Shop endlessly yourself to learn products andsizing. Study style techniques like mix-and-match outfits and color coordination. Get trained in body type and color analysis. Expertise is everything in this business.

Create Your Service Offerings

Determine which services you’ll provide, like wardrobe editing, personal shopping, styling consulting or ongoing closet management. Will you shop online or in-stores for clients? Cost out your time and value. Typical rates range from $50–150/hour. Offer packages for bulk purchase discounts.

Fund Your Business Startup

You’ll need some startup capital for things like marketing, website, equipment, professional attire and transportation. Create a budget and explore options like small business loans, personal savings or crowdsourcing. Many personal shoppers bootstrap at first.

Build Your Brand

Create a polished brand that oozes style expertise, with branded colors, fonts, logo and collateral. Invest in business cards, letterhead and other materials. Build a website to showcase your services, rates and portfolio. Email and social media should align with your brand.

Leverage Social Media

Promote yourself on Instagram, Facebook and more. Share styling tips, brand partnerships and behind-the-scenes of your business. Use relevant hashtags and geo-tags. Run targeted Facebook ads. Post high-quality photos consistently to build your following.

Network, Network, Network

Attend fashion and small business events to connect with potential partners and clients. Introduce yourself to local boutiques for cross-promotion. Partner with businesses to host shopping nights or talks. Word-of-mouth will be your best marketing.

Offer an Initial Consultation

Meet new clients in-person or virtually to assess their needs and share your offerings. Use a worksheet to capture details like lifestyle, problem areas, patterns and wish list items. Provide initial recommendations so they see your expertise right away. Book the first shopping trip or project.

Deliver Exceptional Service

Listen closely to each client’s unique needs and specifications. Find items aligned with their budget and style. Give honest, constructive feedback balanced with positivity. Send style tips and outfit ideas between appointments. Provide an amazing experience that keeps them coming back.

Continue Growing Your Knowledge

Fashion constantly evolves, so never stop learning. Take advanced certifications, follow stylists on YouTube, read up on emerging trends. Expand your knowledge of brands, products and techniques. Become the top expert in your region.

Launching a personal shopper service takes dedication, savvy marketing and immense style knowledge. But helping clients look and feel their best is so fulfilling. Follow this guide and infuse your unique flair to get your business booming in 2023!

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Personal Shopper Service Financial Forecasts

Startup Expenses

Example Startup Expense Breakdown for a Personal Shopper Service

Monthly Operating Expenses

Example Personal Shopper Service Operating Expenses

Revenue Forecast

Example Personal Shopper Service Revenue Forecasts

FAQ

What qualifications do I need to become a personal shopper?

While there are no formal educational requirements, having a keen eye for fashion, knowledge of brands and trends, and experience styling others is ideal. Certifications in fashion consulting, color analysis, body typing, and stylist courses can help give you expertise. Retail experience is also useful. Most importantly, you need to have a passion for fashion and working with clients.

Do I need to have my own inventory or purchase items for clients?

No, most personal shoppers do not carry inventory. You are purchasing items on behalf of clients based on their needs, budget, and preferences. Some shoppers may choose to have a small selection of accessories, undergarments or basics on hand as part of their service. But the majority of items are sourced from retailers and boutiques specifically for each client.

How much can personal shoppers earn?

It varies based on your experience level and clientele, but anywhere from $50-$150+ per hour is typical. Many shoppers also offer packages like full wardrobe makeovers, seasonal closets edits, or subscriptions which can increase overall earnings. As you build your reputation and client base, your income earning potential increases.

What kind of insurance or licensing do I need?

No special licensing is required, though you should have standard business insurance for liability and theft coverage. If you are transporting clients in your vehicle, commercial auto insurance is a good idea. For working in clients’ homes, bonding insurance can provide additional protection.

How do I attract clients as a new personal shopper?

Start with your own network and offer free consultations or discounts to build initial testimonials. Attend networking events to demonstrate your expertise. Partner with boutiques to offer services to their clientele. Invest in marketing materials and a strong web presence. Social media and digital ads also help connect you with potential clients looking for services.

How hands on is the job? Can I work remotely?

It depends on the services you provide. Wardrobe planning, styling consults or personal shopping can be done remotely. But most personal shoppers provide in-person services selecting items, managing fitting rooms, styling pieces together, and working in clients’ homes to overhaul their closets. You must be willing to be active and hands-on throughout appointments.

What kind of personality and skills make a good personal shopper?

You need to be outgoing, attentive, detail-oriented, patient, and possess strong communication skills. A passion for fashion along with knowledge of products, brands, and trends is essential. You should feel comfortable giving honest feedback and style advice in a warm sincere manner. Analytical skills to diagnose fit and styling issues plus identify solutions for clients is also important.

Does being a personal shopper require a lot of physical activity?

Yes, you need to be comfortable being on your feet for extended periods, lifting and moving clothing, putting items in fitting rooms, crouching, bending, and able to navigate busy stores. Transporting clothing, managing inventory, and handling multiple clothing changes can be physically demanding. You need mobility and energy to handle the active aspects of the job.

What tips do you have for providing great customer service as a personal shopper?

Listen closely to each client to fully understand their needs. Find items suited for their budget, lifestyle, size, and preferences. Offer honest feedback in a thoughtful manner. Educate clients on proper fit and styling. Provide ongoing style tips and outfit ideas between appointments. Follow up after purchases to see if any alterations are needed. Building trust and truly helping clients look and feel their best is key.

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