When you are willing to be a personal shopper, you need to think some things. The things are the job of the personal shopper, the problem solving, and the job’s plans. The personal shopper puts the emphasis on the personal, promising a sharp focus on the client’s needs and careful shopping to fulfill them. You will not succeed if you deliver the wrong items at the wrong price. Make sure you fully understand the needs and wants of your client. If you are asked to go to The Gap and buy a pair of size 8 cropped jeans, you can’t substitute relaxed-fit khakis from Wal-Mart. On the other hand, if you are asked to research and find the highest-quality set of kitchen knives, your client may ask you to present a list of recommendations with prices.
A third option would be for a client to give you a general description of a type of product and ask you to use your judgment in finding it and buying it without further consultation. Wear appropriate clothing for the stores in which you shop, and act professionally in all of your dealings, since you are representing someone else. In some situations, you may be given a key to a house and asked to deliver groceries and place them appropriately in the refrigerator, freezer, or cupboard. You will be in competition with shopping sites on the Internet, although not everyone feels comfortable (or has the time) for that exercise, and again, your pitch should emphasize the personal attention you will deliver.