THE PROFESSIONAL SHOPPER.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLI, Issue 228, 26 September 1907, Page 6

THE PROFESSIONAL SHOPPER.

Among the many avenues of labour which women have opened up for themselves is professional shopping. The position is usually in connection with one or other of our country papers, and the professional shopper combines the duties probably of fashion editor with those of commission agent. She needs to be a smart business woman, and must be able to put her hand on any article required, from a needle to an anchor, from a hatpin to a motor car. Her clients are usually those living at long distances from town, of from any large business centre, who prefer entrusting their* commissions to the professional shopper, and having the choice of the whole town, to sending to one pai'ticular firm, who. may not happen to stock exactly the kind. of article required. The professional shopper must know where her clients' money can be best invested, and where they will receive the best value for their cash. It is wonderful how soon she gets in touch with her correspondents. At a glance she can tell what to send this one, and what the other will not have at any price. After a time she will know exactly what hat will suit the unseen writer, from a few descriptive lines about the hair, complexion, and contour of the face. A few figures on a slip of paper will tell her what style of costume to forward to the lady who writes "I leave everything to you." And the professional shopper knows

that the writer who encloses very often a cheque in double figures will be better pleased with the order despatched than another correspondent who fills two sheets of paper over a five shilling commission. Nothing comes amiss to the professional shopper. Is it a tutor, a governess, or a domestic help her clients want? She is ready to procure some of them. Another batch of her work is arranging for country visitors for suitable accommodation while in town. Here, again, the professional shopper works on commission. The agent or the landlady of the boardinghouse is only too glad to meet her halfway. A personal recommendation from one who knows whether the prospective tenant is of the moneyed, class is invaluable in this case. Many other commissions are hers, and altogether the work of the professional shopper is pleasant. She may not always do the right thing, and cannot please everybody. But she has proved a boon to country folk in many instances. —E.T., in the Sydney Morning Herald.