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Original poster

Idea for small business - opinions please!

53 replies

jamcorrosion · 07/01/2026 21:30

Looking for some opinions if you think this is something you would use or would be used in general…my friend is looking to start a business. There’s no major need for massive profit and it’s more for her to have something that’s just for her and be something other than ‘mummy’. But just after some opinions if it’s a gap in the market and if it’s something you or anyone you know would consider using:

The general idea is to be a sort of ‘personal shopper’ but for gift giving. Give some basic info about the person, the event, the budget etc and she will source the gift. Or there will be things like hampers she can either source bespoke gifts to fill OR there would also be some ready made sort of ‘off the shelf’ type hampers or gift sets for those who want delivery more quickly or can’t be bothered providing info. She would charge 20% of the final gift value.

Opinions all welcome good or bad!

Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
jamcorrosion · 08/01/2026 19:36

JDM625 · 08/01/2026 19:26

She doesn’t need the money she is SAHM and her husband is a high earner, And she has health issues
IF I was aware of that as a 'customer' I'd avoid the company. I'd be concerned that its just a side line for fun for her, and would worry that her commitment wouldn't be there. No drive because she doesn't need the money and what happens is her health declines/flairs and my gift doesn't arrive?

How would the payments work? If she has spent time sourcing something and the client doesn't like any of the suggestions, does she get paid anything? Would people pay an upfront fee?

She might be better off having a hobby and IF she can sell any of that, it might be more profitable than this idea. A friend makes tiny things out of crochet and knitting. Strangely, they are very popular.

Well there’s no reason any customers would have that level of insight into her personal life - just because it’s something she’s doing without the need for profit doesn’t necessarily mean the commitment isn’t there or has no drive.

Not really got into that level of detail just yet it’s just an idea at the moment and was interested in general opinions but obviously would have to think of all this

OP posts:
Original poster
jamcorrosion · 08/01/2026 19:37

Firstsuggestions · 08/01/2026 19:27

Wild but I actually know someone who kinda does this. Basically she's on SM and she 'gets an order' and reads it out then selects the gifts and shares it all. She also shares tips for luxury wrapping, handmade cards, thoughtful gifts for different types of life events. Anyway, she told us that when she started all her orders were made up which is why she just posting shopping videos. She would also buy luxury things, carefully wrap them then unwrap and return them.

She now does get real orders, mainly from her followers. However, the bulk of the money comes from posting on SM and brand deals of how x product makes the perfect present or how you can wrap an iconically shaped item or building a hamper around a product.

Don't know actually how much she earns, shes not on private jets etc but it is her only job. She is very pretty and bubbly though.

Oh that’s interesting to know! Especially how she did it at the beginning good ideas really!

OP posts:
EveryKneeShallBow · 08/01/2026 20:41

I don’t know if it’s helpful but just before Christmas there was a thread about someone who was alone, and wondered how they could somehow receive a surprise gift or stocking to open on Christmas morning. It seems to me that your friend could offer her services to someone in that situation.

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