Personal shopping in Vaughan: plan and hire

Choose the assignment before comparing providers

For groceries and errands, give the shopper a list with quantities, preferred brands and acceptable substitutes. State whether they should contact you about unavailable items or leave them out. Include your delivery window and instructions for handing over bags. Ask whether they can carry the expected load and complete the requested stops.

For clothing, describe the occasion, sizes, fit concerns and total purchase budget. Decide whether you want to shop together, approve options remotely or receive items at home. Ask a stylist to explain their preparation process and show examples of work relevant to your needs. Agree on whether fittings, alterations coordination and returns form part of the assignment.

For accompanied shopping, describe tasks rather than saying you need help. You might need someone to carry purchases, communicate with staff or assist with access to stores. Ask the provider which tasks they can perform. Discuss personal-care needs before booking and choose someone who can meet those needs.

Get a quote with a clear spending limit

Request an itemized written quote for your assignment that separates service charges, purchases and expenses. Ask whether the provider charges by the hour or assignment, whether a minimum booking applies, and when paid time starts. Include preparation, travel, checkout queues and delivery in that discussion. Ask how they charge for an extra store or a second visit.

Compare providers using the same brief: the same shopping list, planned stops, purchase budget and delivery requirements. For wardrobe help, ask whether the provider receives retailer commissions and whether you can choose the stores.

Set separate caps for merchandise and service expenses. Agree on how you will approve purchases above the cap and how the shopper will handle reimbursements. Request itemized receipts and a final account of money spent. For remote approvals, choose a contact method and tell the shopper what to do if you cannot respond.

Plan purchases around the retailer’s return policy

Ontario’s consumer guidance says consumers have no general right to return or exchange goods. Retailers may offer refunds, exchanges or store credit under their own policies. Before your shopper buys an item you may return, ask for the policy in writing and check the required receipt, tags, packaging, deadline and any return fees. [4]

Put return duties in the shopper agreement. Specify who checks the policy, keeps receipts, retains packaging and takes unsuitable items back. Ask whose payment method the shopper will use and how you will receive any refund. For clothing selected without you, require approval before the shopper buys final-sale items.

At handover, compare the purchases with your approved list and collect the receipts. Check sizes and quantities before arranging another shopping visit. Keep the provider’s purchase approvals and your return instructions together so you can identify what you agreed to if a problem arises.

Arrange travel and assistance before setting the date

For a transit-based outing, agree on the meeting point, stores, bag load and journey home. YRT allows travel in any direction on its vehicles with one fare for two hours, and requires you to complete travel within that period. Leave room for browsing, checkout and the return journey when planning the assignment. [3]

If you need disability-related assistance, check the YRT card requirements before assuming an accompanying shopper can travel without a fare. YRT requires eligible customers to carry their Support Person Assistance Card. Without it, the support person must pay a fare. Hiring a shopper does not establish eligibility for the card. [2]

Ask whether the shopper’s quote includes their transit fare or other travel expenses. If you need home delivery, confirm the handover arrangements and whether the shopper will carry purchases to your door. For an accompanied outing, agree on how you will end or shorten the trip if you need to leave.

YRT fares to budget for a shopping outing

Match the booking to your shopping task

Your hiring checklist

1. Describe whether you need errands, clothing selection, delivery or accompanied shopping.
2. Send quantities, sizes, preferences and substitution instructions before requesting a quote.
3. Set separate limits for merchandise, service fees and travel expenses.
4. Agree on purchase approvals and what happens if you cannot answer a message.
5. Confirm store hours and the meeting or delivery window.
6. Record who handles receipts, packaging, refunds and return visits.
7. Describe access and carrying needs, and confirm the provider can meet them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I budget for a personal shopper?

Request an itemized quote for your assignment and compare providers using the same brief. Ask each provider to separate shopping time, preparation, travel, delivery and return visits from the cost of goods. Set a purchase budget and agree on approval for extra charges before booking.

Can I return clothing that a shopper buys for me?

Check the retailer’s policy before purchase. Ontario does not provide a general right to return or exchange goods. Ask about final-sale exclusions, deadlines, proof of purchase and fees. Agree with your shopper on who will make the return and how you will receive the refund. [4]

Can my accompanying shopper ride YRT for free?

One support person can travel without an additional fare while accompanying an eligible Support Person Assistance Card holder for the entire trip. The cardholder must carry the card and pay their regular fare. Additional companions pay. Confirm your eligibility and the shopper’s assistance duties before making this arrangement. [2]

Can I arrange shopping on a holiday?

Confirm the individual stores first. York Region allows holiday retail opening except on Christmas Day, when closures apply with specified exemptions. Permission to open does not mean a retailer will open or keep its usual hours. Include confirmed store hours in your booking instructions. [1]