Love Shopping? Become a Personal Shopper and Get Paid for It

As a mom, you’ve probably mastered the art of shopping—whether it’s for groceries, back-to-school supplies, or birthday gifts. But what if you could take that skill and turn it into a flexible side hustle that works with your busy schedule?

Becoming a personal shopper lets you do just that. You’ll help others find exactly what they need while earning extra income on your terms.

From shopping for fashion to finding the perfect gift, personal shopping gives you the chance to make money while doing something you already enjoy.

Ready to learn more? Let’s explore how you can become a personal shopper and get paid for it!

What Is a Personal Shopper?

As a personal shopper, you’ll help clients with their shopping needs, whether it’s selecting gifts, picking out clothing, or doing grocery shopping. Your job is to take the stress out of shopping by finding exactly what they’re looking for.

Moms, in particular, are great at this because you already know how to find the best deals and make thoughtful selections. Personal shopping is ideal for moms who want to earn extra income without committing to a full-time job.

Whether you specialize in fashion, luxury items, or everyday essentials, this flexible side hustle allows you to work around your family’s schedule while helping others save time and feel confident in their purchases.

Why Becoming a Personal Shopper Is a Great Side Hustle for Moms

As a mom, you’re always balancing multiple responsibilities, from caring for your kids to managing household tasks. The beauty of becoming a personal shopper is that it’s a flexible side hustle that fits right into your busy lifestyle.

You can choose your own hours and work as much or as little as you like, which means you can still be there for your family while earning extra income.

Personal shopping allows you to use skills you already have—whether it’s finding the best deals, picking out the perfect gift, or knowing where to shop for specific items.

You can even specialize in areas that interest you, like helping other busy moms with grocery shopping or assisting professionals who need help revamping their wardrobe.

The best part? You get to help others while making money doing something you already enjoy.

How to Start Your Personal Shopper Business

Starting a personal shopper business is a great way to bring in extra income while working around your family’s needs. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for busy moms looking to start their own personal shopper side hustle:

1. Identify Your Niche

Think about what type of shopping you enjoy the most. Do you love picking out thoughtful gifts, organizing grocery lists, or helping people style their wardrobes?

Your niche could be anything from grocery shopping for other busy moms to sourcing luxury items for special occasions.

2. Create a Portfolio

You don’t need a big portfolio to start—just showcase examples of your work. Whether you’ve helped friends or family shop for events, groceries, or fashion, show off those skills.

You could even create a few mock projects to demonstrate your style and abilities.

3. Set Your Rates

Set your rates in a way that allows you to work around your family schedule. Some moms prefer to charge hourly, while others may set a flat fee per project.

As you grow your business, you can adjust your pricing based on demand.

4. Market Your Services

Start small by offering your services to friends, family, or other moms in your community. Use social media to promote your business—share shopping tips, great finds, and before-and-after results of your work to attract clients.

5. Find Your First Clients

Moms are often in need of help, whether it’s shopping for groceries or finding birthday presents for their kids. Reach out to your network, or consider offering special services for other moms to help them with their shopping needs.

Starting small and growing at your own pace makes personal shopping the perfect side hustle for moms with busy schedules.

Types of Personal Shoppers You Can Become

As a mom, you already know how to manage multiple shopping lists, whether it’s for groceries, kids’ clothes, or gifts. The great news is that there are plenty of personal shopper services you can offer based on your interests and expertise.

Here are a few options to consider:

1. Personal Shopper for Gifts

Busy moms and professionals often don’t have the time to search for the perfect gift. You can step in and offer gift-shopping services for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions, helping clients choose thoughtful, unique gifts that save them time and stress.

2. Personal Grocery Shoppers

Grocery shopping is something moms are already pros at! You can offer grocery shopping services for other moms or families who don’t have time to do it themselves.

It’s a great way to help others while doing something you already do every week. Partnering with grocery delivery services like Instacart or Shipt can expand your business.

3. Men’s Personal Shopper

Many men struggle with finding the right clothes or just don’t enjoy shopping. As a men’s personal shopper, you can help them find stylish and comfortable outfits, whether it’s for work, casual wear, or special events.

This can be especially helpful for husbands or fathers who need a wardrobe update but don’t know where to start.

4. Virtual Personal Shopper

With the rise of online shopping, you can offer virtual personal shopping services from home. Whether it’s helping clients find the best deals online or offering style advice via video calls, this option lets you work remotely and reach a broader audience—perfect for moms with busy households.

5. Corporate Personal Shopper

Businesses often need help with finding corporate gifts or professional wardrobe consulting. You can offer these services to companies, helping them source items like client gifts, employee recognition awards, or professional attire.

Each of these personal shopping services allows you to use your expertise as a mom to help others while earning money on your own schedule.

Personal Shopper Services: What You Can Offer

As a personal shopper, the services you offer can vary based on your niche and your clients’ needs. Moms are already masters at multitasking and managing family needs, which makes you uniquely qualified to offer a variety of personal shopping services.

Here’s what you can bring to the table:

• Wardrobe Consulting: Help clients build a wardrobe that suits their style and lifestyle. Whether you’re assisting a fellow mom who needs practical outfits or a professional who wants to upgrade their look, your shopping skills can make the process easy and stress-free.
• Gift Selection: Moms are often in charge of buying gifts for birthdays, holidays, and special events. As a personal shopper for gifts, you can help others who are too busy to pick out thoughtful and unique presents for their loved ones.
• Grocery Shopping: We all know how much time grocery shopping can take, especially for busy families. As a personal grocery shopper, you can help other moms or families by handling their weekly grocery needs or even shopping for special events.
• Event Shopping: Whether it’s a kid’s birthday party, a holiday gathering, or a family celebration, moms are often at the center of planning. You can offer event shopping services to help clients pick out everything from decorations to gifts and party supplies, saving them time and effort.
• Online Shopping Services: With so many families turning to online shopping, you can offer virtual personal shopping services to help clients find the best deals, select the right items, and ensure they get what they need without the hassle.

Offering these services will not only make life easier for your clients but also allow you to bring in extra income while working around your family’s schedule.

How Much Do Personal Shoppers Make? 

One of the biggest perks of becoming a personal shopper is the flexibility it offers, both in terms of schedule and income potential—perfect for busy moms. Your earnings can vary depending on how much time you dedicate, the services you offer, and the clients you work with.

• Hourly Rates: Many personal shoppers charge between $20 and $100 per hour, depending on the service and niche. For example, luxury personal shoppers can charge higher rates, while grocery shoppers might have a more moderate hourly fee.
• Flat Fees: If you prefer consistency, you can charge flat fees for specific projects, like a $150 fee for a gift shopping service or $200 for a full wardrobe consultation.
• Commission-Based: Some personal shoppers earn commissions, particularly in luxury shopping or retail settings, where you may earn a percentage of the purchases made by your clients.
• Part-Time vs. Full-Time: Personal shopping is a flexible side hustle, which means you can earn extra money while working part-time around your family’s schedule. As you build your business, your income can grow, with experienced personal shoppers earning anywhere from $30,000 to over $100,000 per year, depending on their clientele and specialization.

The best part is that you can scale your personal shopping business based on how much time you have, making it a perfect fit for moms who need flexibility.

Where to Find Personal Shopper Jobs

Once you’ve decided to become a personal shopper, finding clients is the next step. Fortunately, there are several platforms and strategies to help you connect with people who need your services—many of which can be done from home or around your family’s schedule.

• TaskRabbit: This platform allows you to offer personal shopping services to local clients. You can set your availability, making it ideal for moms who need flexibility.
• Thumbtack: Like TaskRabbit, Thumbtack helps you connect with people in your area who need help shopping for gifts, groceries, or other items. It’s a great way to find clients who are too busy to shop for themselves.
• Upwork: If you prefer offering virtual personal shopping services, Upwork is a perfect platform to find clients looking for online help. You can assist with anything from wardrobe consulting to online gift shopping—all from the comfort of your home.
• Luxury Shopping Sites: If luxury personal shopping is your niche, consider partnering with high-end stores or shopping centers that hire personal shoppers to assist their clients. Stores like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus often work with freelance personal shoppers. You can find open positions for these jobs on Indeed or LinkedIn.
• Social Media: Use Instagram, Facebook, and even TikTok to market your personal shopping services. Showcase your shopping skills, share tips, and let other busy moms know how you can help them save time and effort by handling their shopping needs.
• Your Website: If you’re serious about building your personal shopping business, having a website is essential. You can list your services, share testimonials, and make it easy for potential clients to reach out to you.

The best part is that you can scale your personal shopping business based on how much time you have, making it a perfect fit for moms who need flexibility.

Tips for Success as a Personal Shopper

To truly thrive as a personal shopper, you need more than just a love for shopping—you need to know how to stand out and provide excellent service to your clients.

Here are a few tips to help you succeed in your personal shopper side hustle:

1. Build Strong Relationships with Clients

Personal shopping is all about understanding your clients’ needs and preferences. Take the time to get to know their style, budget, and any specific requests they may have.

The better you know your clients, the easier it will be to find exactly what they’re looking for.

2. Stay on Top of Trends

Whether you specialize in fashion, luxury goods, or everyday items, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest trends.

Clients will look to you for advice, so knowing what’s in style or what’s popular in the market will set you apart as a trusted expert.

3. Stay Organized

Whether you’re helping a client with grocery shopping, a wardrobe makeover, or gift-buying, organization is key. Keep track of your clients’ preferences, budgets, and shopping lists.

Using apps like Google Keep or Trello can help you stay on top of things.

4. Offer Exceptional Customer Service

Go the extra mile to make your clients’ shopping experience seamless and stress-free. Be responsive, organized, and reliable.

Offering a high level of customer service will not only help you retain clients but also lead to valuable referrals.

5. Expand Your Network

Building relationships with retailers, boutique owners, or other professionals in your niche can give you access to exclusive deals and help you source unique items.

Networking can also open up opportunities for collaborations and referrals from businesses that know your expertise.

6. Market Yourself Effectively

Use your network of moms and families to spread the word about your services. Social media is a great tool to showcase your expertise, whether it’s posting about the best deals, fashion tips, or amazing gifts you’ve found.

Word-of-mouth from satisfied clients can also be a powerful marketing tool.

7. Specialize in Luxury Shopping

If you want to attract high-end clients, offering luxury personal shopping services can set you apart. High-net-worth individuals are often looking for personal shoppers who can source exclusive items and provide a high level of service.

By specializing in luxury shopping, you can command higher fees and build a niche market.

8. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Apps and tools like Pinterest, Shopify, or even Google Trends can help you keep track of trends, create mood boards for clients, and streamline the shopping process.

These tools allow you to offer a more organized and visually appealing experience for your clients.

With these tips, you can build a successful personal shopping business that fits into your life as a mom while helping others with their shopping needs.

FAQs About Becoming a Personal Shopper

If you’re considering becoming a personal shopper, you may have a few questions about how to get started, what to expect, and how this side hustle can fit into your busy schedule as a mom.

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help guide you through the process.

Q1. Do I need any special certifications to become a personal shopper?

No formal certifications are required to become a personal shopper, but having strong shopping skills and a good eye for detail can go a long way.

If you’re working in a specific niche like fashion or luxury shopping, some experience in those areas can help you stand out.

Q2: How do I find clients as a personal shopper?

You can find clients through platforms like TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, and Upwork, or by marketing your services on social media.

Additionally, reaching out to local businesses or networking in your community can help you find clients who need your expertise.

Q3: How much can I make as a personal shopper?

Personal shoppers typically charge anywhere from $20 to $100 per hour, depending on the type of service and the clientele.

For luxury shopping or specialized services, you can charge higher rates.

Some personal shoppers also charge flat fees or work on commission.

Q4: Can I be a personal shopper part-time while managing my family?

Absolutely! Personal shopping is a flexible side hustle that allows you to work around your family’s schedule. You can take on as many or as few clients as you want, making it a perfect option for busy moms.

Q5: What’s the best niche for moms looking to become personal shoppers?

Many moms find success offering personal grocery shopping or gift shopping services. Both are areas where busy families or individuals need help, and you likely already have experience in these areas.

You can also explore virtual personal shopping if you want to work from home.

Q6: What’s the difference between a personal shopper and a stylist?

While both personal shoppers and stylists help clients with their wardrobes, a personal shopper typically focuses on selecting and purchasing items for clients, while a stylist may work more closely on creating looks, offering fashion advice, and coordinating entire outfits.

Q7: What are the startup costs for becoming a personal shopper?

Starting a personal shopper business has relatively low startup costs. You may need a website, business cards, and possibly some marketing tools like social media ads, but there’s no need for inventory or a physical store.

If you decide to specialize in luxury items or wardrobe consulting, investing in a few courses or certifications could be beneficial.

Q8: How can I differentiate myself from other personal shoppers?

To stand out, focus on offering specialized services or targeting a specific niche, such as luxury personal shopping, personal shopping for men, or corporate gift shopping.

You can also provide exceptional customer service and maintain strong relationships with retailers to access exclusive deals or items.

Q9: Can I be a personal shopper without in-person interaction?

You sure can! Virtual personal shopping is a growing field. You can help clients make online purchases by curating options for them, offering style advice via Zoom or email, and sending them links to buy items.

This option is especially convenient for clients outside your local area.

Q10: What should I include in my personal shopping portfolio?

Your portfolio should include examples of the services you offer, such as before-and-after wardrobe consultations, testimonials from past clients, or photos of gift selections you’ve made.

Even if you’re new, you can create mock projects to showcase your skills.

Ready to Start Your Personal Shopper Side Hustle?

As a mom, finding a side hustle that fits into your busy schedule can be challenging, but becoming a personal shopper could be the perfect solution.

If you’re passionate about shopping and love helping others, this side hustle offers both flexibility and the potential for great income—all while doing something you already enjoy.

Whether you’re juggling kids, household tasks, or a full-time job, personal shopping lets you work part-time around your family’s needs and gradually grow your business as you gain experience.

Imagine getting paid to shop for groceries, gifts, or clothing while helping busy families or individuals who don’t have the time. The opportunities are endless, and you can start small by choosing your niche, building a simple portfolio, and reaching out to potential clients.

Personal shopping could be the side hustle that helps you achieve your financial goals without sacrificing precious time with your family.

Ready to take the next step? Start today by exploring how personal shopping can fit into your life, and begin building the side hustle that helps you balance work and family life, all while earning extra income.

Best wishes on your side hustle journey!