How to Price Your Finder's Fee as a Personal Shopper
June 10, 2026
How to Price Your Finder's Fee as a Personal Shopper
One of the most common questions new personal shoppers ask is: how much should I charge for my time? The answer depends on a few factors — but getting it right makes the difference between a side hustle that feels worth it and one that burns you out.
What Is a Finder's Fee?
A finder's fee (also called a service fee or sourcing fee) is the amount you charge your client on top of the actual item price. It compensates you for your time driving to the store, finding the item, and coordinating the purchase.
Common Pricing Approaches
Flat fee: Charge a fixed dollar amount per item — for example, $10–$25 depending on complexity. This works great for everyday items like sneakers, clothing, or household goods.
Percentage-based: Charge 10–20% of the item's retail price. This scales naturally with higher-value purchases and feels intuitive to clients.
Tiered pricing: Some shoppers charge a small flat fee for cheap items and switch to a percentage for purchases over a certain threshold.
What Do Most Personal Shoppers Charge?
Based on common industry practice:
- Budget items (under $50): flat $5–$15
- Mid-range items ($50–$200): 10–15% or flat $15–$30
- Premium items ($200+): 10–20%
Tips for Setting Your Rate
- Factor in drive time. If you're making a dedicated trip, your fee should at minimum cover gas plus your time.
- Consider urgency. Same-day or rush requests warrant a premium.
- Be transparent. Always show clients the itemized breakdown — item price, fee, shipping, tax — so there are no surprises.
- Start reasonable, raise later. It's easier to raise your rates once you've built trust than to start high and scare clients away.
How Kiyi Helps
Kiyi lets you set your finder's fee as either a flat amount or a percentage of the item price. It automatically calculates the total including shipping and state sales tax, so your clients always see a clean, professional breakdown before they pay.
Start with what feels fair, track your time for a few weeks, and adjust from there. You've got this.