A personal shopper helps individuals shop by giving advice and making suggestions to facilitate the buying process. These professionals typically focus on shopping for clothes, although some also offer services for non-clothing items. Department stores and boutiques often employ personal shoppers, and there are no formal educational requirements for the occupation. Some stores provide personal shopper services free of charge, while others might ask for a small fee.
Job Responsibilities and Skills
Personal shoppers must have a keen understanding of their clients’ needs, which can be ascertained through consultations that cover aspects like lifestyle, professional requirements, fashion preferences, budget considerations, and body type. They should be adept at picking up nonverbal cues that indicate a client’s likes or dislikes and possess a strong knowledge of products, trends, and services in the industry to meet client expectations effectively.
Key Duties Include:
- Identifying client needs through consultations.
- Recommending appropriate products based on client preferences.
- Purchasing items requested by clients.
- Attending to customer service needs, including handling returns and exchanges when necessary.
Salary Insights
The salary of personal shoppers can vary based on location, experience, employer, and the level of service provided. The average annual income for personal shoppers in the United States is typically between $32,875 and $35,086, with hourly wages around $16 to $17. Top earners can make over $47,000, while those starting out or at the lower end of the pay scale may earn less than $25,000 annually.
A professional shopper, often interchangeably used with the term personal shopper, provides a specialized shopping service. They help clients purchase a wide range of products by leveraging their expertise in market trends, product quality, and price to offer tailored shopping experiences.
Responsibilities of a Professional Shopper Include:
- Assisting customers in finding the perfect items for various needs, including professional attire or event-specific clothing.
- Collaborating with store teams and working well with other staff members.
- Providing exemplary customer service and creating personalized shopping experiences to build a loyal client base.
Steps to Enter the Profession
For those interested in becoming a professional shopper, it’s important to understand the marketplace and network within the desired industry segment. No specific degree is required, but retail experience and solid sales and communication skills are beneficial. Mystery shopping can also be a suitable gateway into the profession.
Compensation Structure:
- Personal shoppers employed by stores may receive a salary supplemented by commissions.
- Freelance professional shoppers might charge by the hour or per shopping trip.
- Annual earnings can range from $30,000 to $48,000, with top professionals making up to $85,000.