Are there personal shoppers available in canada?
For some, shopping is a simple task. For others, it can be a physically exhausting and time-consuming ordeal. Long checkout lines, crowded aisles, and heavy bags make grocery shopping and other errands overwhelming—especially for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and new mothers.
With the rising demand for convenience, personal shopping services have emerged as a practical solution, making everyday errands seamless and stress-free. Whether it’s grocery shopping, pharmacy pickups, or special item sourcing, hiring a personal shopper ensures that essential needs are met efficiently.
The Growing Demand for Hiring A Personal Shopper
Over the years there has been an outburst in the demand for personal shopper services due to the following reasons:
1. Difficulties Encountered By The Older Population
Senior citizens run into numerous legal aging barriers such as mobility issues, fatigue, and various other medical conditions that make shopping a daunting task. Essential errands such as paying a visit to the grocery store or the pharmacy tend to become an exercise that many independent individuals avoid. Unfortunately, relying on family members and friends can be causing depends and impact one’s independence.
Numerous online personal shoppers now provide invaluable assistance in enabling elderly individuals to sustain dignity without feeling like a burden.
According to reports, Older adults are known to possess chronic conditions which are notably arthritis and cardiovascular disease. As per of older adults have at least one chronic condition which makes physical activities like shopping difficult.
2. Assistive Services for New Mothers
Pregnancy and the postpartum period are most trophic phases due to the need for recovery, sleep, physical, and childcare attention. New mothers might find accompanying their newborns to the grocery store daunting and exhausting.
Personal shopping services alleviate this challenge by providing essential item delivery, enabling mothers to focus on their recovery and newborn care.
Over 60% of new mothers suffer from postpartum fatigue which impedes the ability to run simple errands within the first few months of securing a child according to research published in the Journal of Maternal Health.
3. Shopping Accessibility for People with Disabilities
Shopping with a disability presents specific hurdles like:
- Limited mobility- Ease of movement around the aisles, lifting items, and carrying bags can be quite difficult.
- Transport barriers- access to public transport or a vehicle tailored to their need.
- Required aid- A companion for errands is necessary for many, but is not always available.
With no in-store accessibility challenges, personal shopping services mitigate the stress and provide people with disabilities the independence to shop at their convenience.
4. Convenience for Busy Professionals and Families
Grocery shopping as an errand is particularly time consuming for busy professionals and dual career families. Personal shoppers offer value by optimizing errands and ensuring that essentials are couriered in while work schedules or family time.
A growing trend may be observed in the personal shopping market. Colliers predicts online grocery delivery services alone will surpass $1.1 trillion in revenue by 2027.
The Benefits of Personal Shopping Services
1. Maintaining Independence and Honor
The dignity of making one’s own purchase decisions can be taken away from a user when they depend on friends or family. Personal shopping services help cultivate this autonomy by allowing using to exercise control over their shopping alternatives.
2. Avoiding Falls and Other Health Risks
For the elderly, pregnant, and those with any number of medical conditions, carrying groceries and standing in queues can be dangerous. Having someone do the shopping for them eliminates the danger while still ensuring that their needs are met.
3. Fostering Social Contact
Social isolation is a serious problem especially frail older people and those living alone. Personal shoppers offer the chance for human contact to the people they serve. Just talking about everyday matters with their trusted shopper makes someone's day a lot brighter.
A report from the CDC states that nearly one-fourth of those over 65 years old experience social isolation, which can be as dangerous as the health risks associated with smoking 15 cigarettes per day.
4. Convenience and Ease of Access Business Goals
Shopping, in its broadest sense, is not only about purchasing goods; it includes access to various services. Personal shopping services make it possible for people who are confined due to mobility issues or lack of access to stores to receive their goods without hassle.
Computing the Fees for Personal Shopping Services
The amount charged for personal shopping services is dependent on a number of factors. Being aware of these helps consumers select the best choice of service that meets their needs and does not exceed their budget.
1. Variations in Service Area and Costs
- An increase in population translates to an increase in demand for services; therefore, withdrawal fees are more expensive in urban areas because of the higher cost of living.
- Withdrawal fees may be higher in rural regions due to insufficient competing providers, even though the population and wage rate are lower because of the greater distance that needs to be traveled.
2. Difficulty of Assignment and Special Instructions
- Adding a simple grocery pickup to an order is generally less formidably priced than catering to special instructions (e.g., organic product sourcing, store hopping, or prescription fills).
- Personal shoppers more often than not charge additional fees for what could be considered their expertise, such as selecting fresh produce or cross-brand comparison shopping.
Recurring services (weekly or monthly) such as 'for loyal clients’ might offer more appealing rates.
3. Acquired Professional Experience
- Basic personal shoppers charge standard fees.
- Expertized personal shoppers in stylism, eldercare, and even nutrition may use their expertise to charge higher fees.
Understanding Fee Structures Across Canada
Each provider has different fee structures to best accommodate unique client requirements:
1. Per Hour Rates
Various professional shoppers charge $.......... to $......... an hour based on their region, expertise, and specialty. This is best suited for clients who require several visits in a single outing.
2. Flat Fees Per Task
Some providers charge a set fee of ……….. to ……….. per shopping task, depending on how complex the orders are.
3. Subscription Plans
Regular clients may opt to pay for weekly and monthly deals for a starting price of around $..... per month for a limited amount of deliveries. This model works well for clients who need constant support.
At Tuktu, we makes sure that clients can afford the services and at the same time not compromise on the quality offered unlike other services with strict pricing.
Choosing the Right Personal Shopping Service
Picking the right shopping service comes down to ensuring that there are no gaps in service delivery.
1. Determine The Areas That Suit Your Interest
- Recognize where the user requires assistance (pharmacy, groceries, specialty items).
- Establish how often you will need it done.
2. Review Service Provider
- Review testimonials, ratings, and reviews from other people who have used the service.
- Determine whether the provider has specialization in elderly care, disability assistance, or postpartum care.
3. Book Consultation
- Most providers have free consultations where they discuss their pricing, service scope, and availability.
- A representative of the company will explain the services, which will assist with decision making.
Key Takeaway
A personal shopper is more than just a service. It is a necessity for some people. These services are precisely designed to help seniors remain independent, new mothers, and persons with disabilities step off the exhaustion treadmill that seems endless.
It is important to evaluate all the crucial aspect of the hiring a personal shopper service.
Need help in hiring a personal shopper? Contact us now!
