subject: What Equipment Is Needed To Start A Personal Shopping Service At Home [print this page] When starting your own personal shopping service, you always wonder at first, what equipment will I need to get this business on the road. Well, setting up your business at home is the ideal way to begin. No large facility is needed for storage or equipment. One room can serve as office space for administrative purposes, such as bookkeeping and record keeping. You should also have an answering machine for your telephone, a typewriter or computer and printer if affordable, and various office supplies. Furnishing a home office can be relatively inexpensive. A desk, chair, filing cabinet and bookshelf are the only basic items needed to begin. Purchased new, these items will cost from $500 to $700. You may be able to find good quality used items for much less. Many yard and garage sales have adequate furniture for a home office, and at good prices.
If you don't already have an electric typewriter, you can get a good one for $200 to $300. You shouldn't go overboard here -- a typewriter that produces professional looking documents is all that is needed. A computer is an optional expense that can wait until the business has expanded. Once the business is "booming" investing in a computer can bring a high degree of organization and efficiency to bookkeeping and record keeping.
The most important piece of "equipment" a personal shopper will need is a car. Transportation is also the biggest expense this type of service will likely incur. Since well over 50 percent of a personal shopper's working time is spent on the road, to and from shopping excursions and consulting with clients, an economical and dependable method of transportation is a must.
Most people operating home-based services use their own cars. This alleviates the necessity of buying a new car, or leasing a vehicle. If your car is in good working order and gets good gas mileage it makes sense to use it for your business. The government will reimburse you, via tax deductions, for the driving and other expenses incurred as part of the business.
Many personal shoppers also invest in a small camera. You can get one for about $50 and it's well worth the investment. This is a relatively modest investment that adds an extra service to your business. A camera will allow you to take pictures of items you think particular clients may be interested in. Your clients will appreciate this extra service because it allows them the opportunity to see, and approve an item before it is purchased. It's a good way to build an on-going and trusting relationship with clients, increasing the chances for repeat business.
When starting your service, it is important to remember to "live within your means." There's no need to get several pieces of expensive office furniture, or buy a new car. Be sensible and get only the basics. Your total investment in equipment and office furnishings and supplies need not exceed $1,000.
