As the baby boomer generation ages and becomes one of the largest geriatric groups in the country, the need for a personal grocery shopper will increase. Because of medical problems and time many cannot get out often enough to do basic food shopping. This is a great time to begin a small home business as a personal grocery shopper. You can do your own family shopping at the same time or shop for multiple clients during one trip. A personal grocery shopper will have to be very careful and keep exact lists of products, produce and dry goods preferred by each client.
Start by creating a simple list to check off and follow for each client. Divide into sections of fresh produce, can goods, meat, bread, sweets, cleaning products, animal products and any other section that can be found in a grocery store.
Always sit down with your client the first time and go over what they eat on a regular basis and the brands they like. When you are ready to shop you will list what they want on this shopping trip, the brands, the budget and how much money they give you. If it is in cash this will help to return the correct change.
Always keep the receipt and ask for a copy. One copy goes to the client and the other is for your records. This will help if there are any questions about prices or products they need information on. Pay for each clients request separately. Do not mix the clients products together on one receipt.
Agree on a payment method for the groceries as well as your pay. The best way to set your pay is a flat rate of a certain price when the purchases are within certain limits. It is an easy bookkeeping system anyone can figure it out quickly and without argument.
If you must make more than one trip or shop at multiple places for the same client add it as an extra charge. You don’t want to waste time and gas going to different locations when the same product can be purchased at one store.
Before you leave on a shopping trip make sure what the client is willing to give up if an item is not available or within the budget. This will save a lot of guessing time later on. If you carry a cell phone with you then you are able to contact the client in regard to replacements for non available items.
Make sure your client knows from the very beginning that each time you are asked to do something extra there will be a charge. This will help prevent your job from being considered a friendship trip or your time being taken advantage of.
Keep personal conversations short and to the point or you can end up wasting a lot of time. It is up to you how long you want to visit with a client or you if you are a pick up and delivery service. Keep your hours limited so you aren’t going on a quick trip to the store for a client at 10 o’clock at night.
Always stay calm and in control when you are questioned by the client or their family in regards to finances. They may have real concerns about missing money from accounts and if you keep all your records it will help in order to trace missing funds.
If you feel someone is taking advantage of your client contact a family member to check into it. Online sites are filled with scams against older adults and lonely people.
This is a great job if you keep it professional and friendly. Keep all your records, buy the right products and brands, and don’t judge when age begins to affect the mind.
