5 Ways to Get Your First 10 Personal Shopping Clients
June 14, 2026
5 Ways to Get Your First 10 Personal Shopping Clients
The hardest part of starting a personal shopping business isn't finding items — it's finding clients. Here are five practical strategies that actually work, even if you're starting from zero.
1. Start With Your Inner Circle
Your first clients are almost always people who already know and trust you. Text five to ten friends or family members and let them know what you're doing. Keep it simple: "Hey, I'm starting a personal shopping service — if you ever need someone to find something for you, I've got you covered."
Those early clients won't just buy from you — they'll tell other people.
2. Post in Local Facebook Groups
Local community groups, buy/sell pages, and neighborhood forums are goldmines for personal shoppers. Introduce yourself, explain what you do, and offer to help find specific items people are struggling to locate. Show up consistently and you'll build a reputation fast.
3. Leverage Your Instagram or TikTok
You don't need a big following. Post a short video of yourself finding an item in-store, show the Kiyi lookup code on your phone, and explain how it works. Real, behind-the-scenes content performs better than polished ads — especially for a personal, trust-based service like this.
4. Partner With Small Businesses
Salon owners, daycare operators, church administrators — these are all people who regularly buy supplies or gifts for large groups. Reach out to a few local businesses and offer your sourcing services. One recurring business client can be worth dozens of individual transactions.
5. Offer a First-Order Discount
Lower the barrier to entry for hesitant first-timers. Waive your finder's fee on the first order, or take a smaller cut. Once someone experiences how easy and convenient it is, they'll come back — and bring friends.
The Key: Make It Easy to Pay
Half the reason people don't follow through on interest is friction. With Kiyi, you generate a code, your client enters it online, and payment is handled. No chasing Venmo, no awkward conversations about money. The easier you make it, the more clients convert.
Focus on trust, show up where your potential clients already are, and make the buying process effortless. Ten clients is closer than you think.