Hire a Personal Shopper
Personal shoppers act as aides to customers and are hired to help them make the right purchases. They offer expert advice and provide individual shoppers with guidance on products, services, and trends. By giving personalized attention, they become trusted consultants for buyers who want an enhanced shopping experience. Over time, personal shoppers develop a lasting relationship with their existing and new client base. They proactively and regularly communicate with the customers as a professional advisor. Usually hired by department stores and store warehouses, these consultants may also work at specialty and boutique stores. Today most of the larger retail chains have personal shoppers on their payroll, although some are freelance consultants. Personal shoppers earn compensation, including commissions and bonuses, in the range of $25,000–$100,000 per year. Though the starting base salary may not be much, with experience, shoppers can negotiate a better package that includes perks beyond those offered to standard retail employees. More and more individuals are opting for personal shopping as a valid and viable retail career option. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the sector will grow 16% by 2026.
Role of a personal shopper
As a personal shopper, the primary responsibility is to build a client base of loyal shoppers who make frequent purchases. The goal is to achieve higher sales ticket averages and ensure repeat visits and purchases. They are responsible for crafting a meaningful shopping experience for customers. They have to offer their expertise and guidance on products, assist with customer queries, process purchase orders and prepare deliveries. The consultants keep a note of product offerings and availability to guide the customers in the best way possible. They act as a single point of contact before, during, and after the sale for clients. If there are any issues about supply shortages or product quality, they consult with management and offer a prompt resolution. They collaborate with the various departments to ensure efficient service delivery.
Hiring requirements for the role
To work as a personal shopper, candidates must at least have a high school diploma. Hiring managers prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree in marketing or an equivalent qualification. Having prior retail experience is also advantageous. This job is well suited for creative individuals, who have extensive knowledge of the latest products and trends, have excellent customer service skills, and are comfortable with inconsistent work schedules. As this job is appointment driven, candidates should be open to working irregular schedules, including nights, weekends, and especially holidays, when shopping season is busier. The applicants must also demonstrate exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. They must have the ability to work independently or as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. Multi-tasking, time management, and organization skills are also sought by employers hiring for the role.
