Arrange personal shopping in Fredericton, NB

Choose the help you need

Describe the outcome before comparing offers. For groceries, provide quantities, preferred brands, dietary requirements and acceptable substitutions. For gifts, specify the recipient, occasion, spending limit and wrapping needs. For clothing, identify the event or everyday use, sizes, fit preferences and pieces you already own.

Decide whether you want the shopper to buy and deliver, meet you at the shops, or prepare options for approval. Ask a clothing shopper how they assess fit and whether you can try items before purchase. For an accompanied trip, explain the help you need with bags, walking, fitting rooms or communication. Ask the provider to confirm which tasks they accept.

Compare quotes for the same assignment

Send each prospective shopper the same list, stores and delivery instructions so you can compare written quotes. Set separate limits for purchases and service charges. Ask whether the provider charges by time or by assignment, when billable time starts, and whether preparation, checkout, travel and delivery count.

Agree on the number of stops and require approval for extra time or spending. Ask the provider to identify applicable taxes and reimbursable expenses. Request cancellation terms and a plan for an unfinished list, including whether another visit would carry an additional charge.

For downtown stops, the City lists hourly parking at $1.50 at Frederick Square Garage and York Street Carpark, $2.00 at four-hour meters, and $2.50 at two-hour meters. Include parking reimbursement in your comparison and choose a permitted stay that accommodates the planned appointment. [1]

Approve purchases and assign returns

Give the shopper clear purchase authority. You might approve listed groceries within a total budget while requiring a photo and price for clothing, gifts or substitutions. Specify how long they should wait for your response and what to do if they cannot reach you. Request itemized receipts and a record of the payment method for each purchase.

In its January 26, 2021 consumer guidance, FCNB said New Brunswick sellers did not have to offer refunds, returns or exchanges for a change of mind. It also said sellers could set return deadlines and choose cash refunds or store credit. Treat this as dated guidance and check the retailer’s terms before approving your purchase, including conditions for sale items. [4]

Agree on who will make a return, how they will receive the receipt, and whether you will pay for the shopper’s time and travel. FCNB’s January 2021 guidance distinguished change-of-mind returns from defective-product protections. It described Consumer Product Warranty and Liability Act coverage for new and used household goods sold by dealers, excluding private sales between individuals. For a defective item, confirm the current rules with FCNB before relying on that historical explanation. [4]

Prepare the delivery or accompanied outing

For delivery, provide the address, entry instructions, contact number and handoff location. Explain how you want the shopper to handle chilled groceries and what they should do if you are unavailable. Ask for a purchase summary with substitutions, unavailable items and the amount spent.

For an accompanied outing, agree on a meeting point, stores and finish time before arranging transport. Describe any assistance beyond selecting purchases and confirm the provider accepts that work. Plan the return journey before adding more stops. If you expect bulky purchases, ask whether the shopper can deliver them after the appointment and include that work in the quote.

Published hourly parking fees for a downtown shopping trip

Choose an arrangement for your shopping task

Your hiring checklist

1. Choose delivery, accompanied shopping or a shortlist for purchase approval.
2. Provide quantities, sizes, dietary requirements and substitution preferences.
3. Send the same assignment to providers when requesting written quotes.
4. Set separate caps for merchandise and service charges.
5. Confirm billable time, travel, parking, delivery and cancellation terms.
6. Choose an approval method and instructions for unanswered messages.
7. Check retailer return terms and assign receipt storage and return responsibility.
8. Confirm the handoff point or coordinate the outing with transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I budget for a personal shopper?

Request comparable written quotes for your exact list, stores and delivery needs. Keep merchandise spending separate from the service fee. Ask each provider to identify preparation time, travel, parking, taxes and return-trip costs, then agree on a maximum charge and approval process for extra work.

Can I return clothing if I dislike the fit?

Check the retailer’s policy before purchase. In January 2021, FCNB said New Brunswick sellers did not have to accept change-of-mind returns and could set deadlines and refund methods. Confirm the terms for your purchase, and agree with the shopper on who keeps the receipt and handles a return. [4]

Can a shopper accompany me on Para Transit?

Discuss the arrangement with both the shopper and Para Transit. The City limits the service to registered clients, requires booking a day before and allows required attendants to travel free. Confirm whether your companion qualifies as a required attendant before booking the shopping appointment. [2]

Should I reimburse downtown parking?

Agree on reimbursement in the quote and request proof of payment. Check the location and permitted stay before choosing parking. The City lists payment around the clock at East End Garage; for its other listed parking types, payment applies Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays. [1]