Personal shopping has evolved from being an exclusive service for the ultra-rich to a booming industry accessible to anyone willing to pay for convenience.
The role of a personal shopper is pretty straightforward. They hunt down products that are hard to find, whether it’s limited-edition sneakers, luxury handbags, or exclusive drops from international brands that don’t ship locally. With a direct line to exclusive items, personal shoppers have built a thriving business catering to fashion followers and collectors.
Why Everyone Is Talking About This?
Last weekend, Brik’s highly anticipated offline pop-up store at Semua House became the center of controversy within the personal shopping scene once again. What was meant to be a fun and interactive shopping experience for handbag lovers quickly turned into a chaotic frenzy, completely dominated by personal shoppers. The excitement of grabbing Brik’s latest collection was overshadowed by frustration when resellers flooded the event, leaving genuine buyers struggling to get their hands on the coveted pieces. Things escalated further when personal shoppers including the public were spotted queuing up as early as Thursday evening, a full night before the official launch.
@yungsbrna brïk event FAQ. sorry la bebel panjang tapi for those yang tertanya boleh tengok video ni sampai habis k
♬ original sound – sabrïna
Despite the founder of Brik, Sabrina Ridzal’s effort to prioritize genuine customers, the reality was clear; the event became a reseller’s playground. While the hype and demand for Brik remains undeniable, this incident highlights a growing issue in the local shopping scene.
When resellers repeatedly outnumbered real customers, it raises the question: Are pop-up stores still serving their purpose, or have they become just another hunting ground for personal shoppers?
The Realities of Using a Personal Shopper
The biggest issue with personal shopping is the pricing game. It is no secret that personal shoppers make a profit by marking up items beyond retail value. The more limited the product, the higher the markup. So at the end of the day its a gamble for the highest bidder. How much more are you willing to pay to own a limited edition piece?
Another concern is transparency. Not all personal shoppers provide clear details on sourcing, authenticity, or mark-up percentages. While reputable ones ensure authenticity with receipts and original packaging, others operate in a grey area, sometimes selling questionable or fake items. Without consumer protection policies in place, buyers take a risk when purchasing from independent sellers on Instagram or Telegram.
Are Personal Shoppers Still Worth It?
Despite the drawbacks, personal shoppers are here to stay. They continue to be the go-to for those seeking instant access to global brands, exclusive luxury pieces, or products with long waiting lists. While the convenience is undeniable, being a smart shopper means knowing when to rely on them and when to take matters into your own hands.
For those looking to avoid inflated prices, there are smarter ways to shop. Stay updated on official pop-up events and brand-hosted sales, where you can get exclusive pieces at retail prices. Explore online marketplaces and peer-to-peer resale platforms for better deals directly from sellers rather than resellers looking to make a quick profit.
Lastly, avoid falling into the FOMO trap. Take the time to understand your wants versus needs, and don’t let hype dictate your purchases. Shopping smart means making informed decisions that align with your style, budget, and lifestyle.
What exactly does FOMO mean? That’s a conversation for another time!
