Shopping isn’t just retail therapy anymore—it’s a money-making opportunity for those with a sharp eye, savvy style, and a gift for service. In 2025, becoming a personal shopper has never been easier thanks to apps that connect you with people who want help buying groceries, clothes, gifts, tech, or just about anything else. Whether you’re an aspiring stylist, a grocery pro, or someone who just loves helping others find the perfect item, this side hustle can turn your taste into income.

Here’s a breakdown of the best personal shopper apps in 2025—plus tips to build your reputation, increase your hourly rate, and scale this into a serious business.

1. Instacart

Best For: Grocery shopping and delivery

Instacart remains one of the most popular apps for personal grocery shopping. As a full-service shopper, you receive orders via the app, go to the store, pick out the items, and deliver them to customers. The flexibility is unbeatable—you choose your schedule, and pay depends on batch size, item count, and distance. Top performers often earn tips that can double their pay.

Pro Tip: Learn store layouts and be efficient. Speed plus accuracy leads to more gigs and better tips.

2. Shipt

Best For: Retail + grocery shopping with strong customer service

Shipt offers more than just groceries—you could be shopping for home goods, tech, and household essentials depending on the retailer. Shipt shoppers are known for personalized service and communication with clients, which can lead to repeat customers and high tips.

Earnings: Average $20–$30/hour for experienced shoppers.

Pro Tip: Build relationships with regulars. Shipt allows clients to request you directly.

3. Favor

Best For: Variety of delivery tasks, especially in Texas and the South

Favor is like the Swiss Army knife of personal shopper apps. You might be delivering lunch, picking up dry cleaning, or grabbing party supplies. The app’s “Runners” get paid weekly and work flexible hours. While not available nationwide, it’s popular in Texas and growing fast.

Pro Tip: Be available during peak times (lunch, dinner, weekends) to earn more in tips and bonuses.

4. TaskRabbit

Best For: Custom shopping jobs and personal assistant services

TaskRabbit isn’t a dedicated shopping app, but it’s one of the best for offering bespoke personal shopper gigs. Think helping someone prep their apartment for a party, assemble a baby registry, or go gift-shopping for a client. You set your own rates, and with great reviews, you can charge premium prices.

Pro Tip: Offer bundled services like “shop + organize” or “shop + gift wrap” to increase your earnings.

5. Dolly

Best For: Big-item shopping and delivery

While not a personal shopper app in the traditional sense, Dolly connects clients with Helpers who can shop for and deliver large items—think furniture, appliances, or bulk household goods. If you’ve got a vehicle and strength to spare, this can be a lucrative niche.

Earnings: Often $30–$50 per gig, with tips.

6. StyleBee

Best For: Aspiring fashion stylists and beauty shoppers

If you have an eye for fashion or beauty, apps like StyleBee (and similar platforms) let you work with clients on their wardrobe, skin care, or style goals. Some gigs are virtual; others involve shopping in-store or curating outfits for events. It’s a blend of personal shopping and personal styling.

Pro Tip: Showcase your style on Instagram or TikTok. Clients often check your vibe before booking.

7. Rover + Chewy Goody Box (Pet Shopping Combo)

Best For: Pet lovers who shop

Combine pet sitting from Rover with curated pet shopping for treats, toys, and accessories. Pet parents love having someone who truly understands what their furry friend needs. Offering to shop for pet essentials can be an upsell on top of your walking or sitting services.

8. Amazon Flex

Best For: Delivery-focused shoppers

While Amazon Flex doesn’t involve personal shopping in the traditional sense, it’s an excellent option for handling customer-centric package delivery. If you’re efficient and like a logistics-style hustle, this is a solid supplement to any shopper-based side gig.

9. Mercari / Poshmark / Depop Personal Sourcing

Best For: Vintage and secondhand resale

If you’ve got a knack for thrift shopping or curating stylish secondhand finds, flip it into a profitable side hustle. Source items from local thrift stores and sell them online as a “personal curator.”

Pro Tip: Offer bundles and themed collections for birthdays, seasonal outfits, or home makeovers.

How to Stand Out as a Personal Shopper in 2025

Whether you’re shopping for avocados or Armani, the real money is in repeat business, glowing reviews, and upsells. Here’s how to elevate your shopper side hustle:

1. Communicate Proactively

Let clients know about substitutions, delays, or product upgrades. A simple text goes a long way.

2. Personalize Every Gig

Keep notes on client preferences—brands, dietary needs, favorite colors, preferred sizes. Make every repeat experience feel tailored.

3. Market Yourself

If you’re not limited to platform rules, build a presence on Instagram, TikTok, or even a basic website. Let your style or speed shine.

4. Offer Packages

Create premium packages like:

• “Weekly Grocery Planning + Delivery”

• “Closet Refresh Personal Shop”

• “Back-to-School Shopping Assistant”

5. Optimize for Tips

A handwritten note, careful packaging, or a small bonus item (like a $1 pack of mints) can skyrocket your tip rate.

Final Thoughts: Turn Everyday Shopping into a 4-Figure Side Hustle

In 2025, personal shopping isn’t just a job—it’s a flexible business that blends convenience with personality. Whether you’re curating outfits, picking produce, or hunting down home essentials, people are willing to pay for help navigating their busy lives. With the right platform (or mix of platforms), and a personal touch, you can turn your shopping habit into a serious source of income.

Start where you are. Use your strengths. And shop your way into a better bottom line.