How to Hire a Personal Shopper

Hiring a personal shopper isn't just for the rich and famous. You can hire someone to find a birthday gift for a nephew or a whole wardrobe for yourself, and spend only as much as your budget allows. Follow the steps to learn how to hire a personal shopper to make gift giving easier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Start a wish list or gift list. Have a goal in mind when searching for a personal shopper. Many have specialties in furniture, clothing or children's gifts.
2. Search the Internet and yellow pages to find personal shoppers, or ask your favorite stores if they offer the service. Talk to friends or coworkers for recommendations, as word-of-mouth is generally the best form of advertisement.
3. Call or visit a personal shopper to place an order and schedule a consultation if necessary.
4. Ask about the fee up front. A normal fee varies from a free service to $300 an hour and above, so make sure you find a shopper to fit your budget.
5. Go to a consultation. Visit their office or ask them to come to your house—the personal shopper should be willing to work with your schedule. At the consultation describe whether the service is for an event or birthday or for your personal needs and let him or her know whether you require gift-wrapping and shipping.
6. Request ideas—personal shoppers know where to get things at the best price and what is out there. If you are clueless about what items you need, allow the purchaser to guide you with suggestions.
7. Schedule time to try on clothes or choose the final products from the choices given. Many personal shoppers prefer to pre-shop before you get there so all you have to do is make a final decision. If you trust his or her judgment or have a specific list to follow, you may only need to schedule a delivery or mailing time.