Shopping assistant

Who this is for

Travellers who want to buy genuine, worthwhile things in little time, without needless walking and misunderstandings.

Also newcomers who have just moved here, families, older guests and businesses that need to see a local supplier.

Our role

The assistant is on your side: they do not work for shops and take no commission from them.

You pay the seller directly for your purchases, and the assistant never takes your card or cash. The fee for the assistant and our organising is agreed in advance.

What the assistant does

The assistant translates, advises, helps with price talks and finds the way around the city.

They know where genuine handmade things are and where the souvenir copies are.

They also help carry heavy purchases, pack them and get them to your hotel.

What they do not do

The assistant does not buy banned or suspicious items and does not help you get around customs.

They never push you to buy, and there is no minimum spend.

The assistant does not give legal or medical advice; for that we bring in a specialist.

Choosing the assistant

We choose the assistant by language, interests and type of shopping.

A fashion assistant, an antiques connoisseur and a market expert are often different people.

If you prefer, the assistant can be of the gender you choose.

Languages

Besides Georgian, our assistants speak English, Russian and other languages.

For a rarer language we look for an assistant in advance.

At a market or small workshop, speaking Georgian affects both the price and the mood.

Briefing

Before shopping we find out, in a short call, what interests you, who you are buying for and what your budget is.

We draw up the shopping list together, with gifts and personal items shown separately.

The briefing gives the day direction, so you are spared needless walking.

The route

We build the route so that several useful shops and workshops fall within one neighbourhood.

Markets are best in the morning, shops and galleries in the second half of the day.

We plan a lunch break at midday, because a tired person makes poor decisions.

Formats

Half-day and full-day shopping are the most popular.

On a long trip an assistant can be booked for several days, for instance for a market, a workshop and collecting a finished order.

We choose the format by your list and your time.

Transport

For heavy purchases or covering several districts, a car with a driver is most convenient.

In the old town walking is better, as the streets are narrow and parking is hard.

We write about arranging transport in the transport section.

Budget control

If you ask, the assistant keeps track of spending through the day.

As you approach your budget limit, they tell you what is left on the list.

This protects you from impulse buys you later regret.

Price talks

At the market the assistant talks about price calmly and politely.

In shops and with masters we respect a fixed price, though asking for a small discount on several items is fine.

The assistant never asks a price that belittles a master's work.

Genuine or copy

The assistant can tell handmade from factory-made, and resin from glass.

On a doubtful item they tell you why they have doubts, and you make the decision.

For a valuable piece we bring in an independent expert.

Sizes and trying on

Clothing and shoe sizes differ between countries, and the assistant helps you convert them.

Local designers' sizes often run small, so trying on is always better.

Some small shops have no fitting room, and we check this in advance.

Fashion and personal style

A fashion assistant knows local designers, concept stores and showrooms.

They look at your style and figure, not just at what is in fashion right now.

Some showrooms need an appointment, and we arrange it.

At the market

A market is noisy, and the assistant shields you from confusion and inflated prices.

They know which stalls are worth a stop and where good spices, churchkhela or cheese are sold.

When tasting food we watch hygiene and choose only trusted stalls.

Workshops

A visit to a master's workshop is agreed in advance, and the assistant interprets in your conversation with the master.

Buying here is the most personal, and the master's story becomes part of the piece.

We write about handmade goods on the separate shopping pages.

Gifts for many people

Many travellers need dozens of gifts for family, friends and colleagues.

The assistant splits the list by price and interest and finds a fitting item for each person.

We wrap gifts separately and label them by name, so nothing gets mixed up at home.

With children

Shopping with children is slower, and we plan the route with breaks.

The assistant knows where there is a playground, a baby-changing room and a café with a children's menu.

For a child the most exciting place is often a workshop where a master makes something before their eyes.

Older guests and limited mobility

For older guests and people with limited mobility we choose a route with accessible entrances.

The assistant carries all purchases and plans breaks with seating.

Some shops in the old town are up a flight of stairs, and we check this in advance.

Setting up a home

Someone who has just moved here needs a lot in the first weeks: furniture, appliances, bedding and kitchenware.

The assistant knows where locals buy these and checks the warranty and delivery terms.

We write about relocation in a separate section.

Electronics

Georgia uses 220 volts and European sockets.

When buying appliances we check the international warranty and whether they will work in your country.

When buying a phone we check whether it will work with your home country's networks.

Pharmacy

At the pharmacy the assistant translates and looks for the local equivalent of your medicine.

Some medicines are prescription-only in Georgia, and some may be banned from import in your country.

The assistant does not give medical advice; for that we turn to a pharmacist or doctor.

Hiking gear

Boots, jackets and backpacks for mountain hiking can be bought in Tbilisi too.

Renting some items makes more sense than buying, especially for a one-off hike.

The assistant chooses gear to suit your route and the season.

Books and music

Recordings of Georgian music, photo books and translated literature make good gifts.

The assistant recommends authors and editions translated into your language.

For a child, a Georgian alphabet book is the best souvenir.

Business purchasing

For a business, the assistant helps find samples, meet manufacturers and translate.

The terms of a large purchase are set by a contract and a lawyer, not by the assistant's word.

We write about business services in the business section.

Wedding shopping

For a wedding the assistant helps find the dress, chokha, jewellery and gifts for guests.

This shopping often spans several days and starts well before the wedding.

We write about organising the wedding in the wedding section.

Remote shopping

If you are not in Georgia, the assistant shows you items from a shop or market on a video call.

You make the decision and pay the seller directly, by card or transfer.

We then pack and ship the item.

Payment

City shops usually accept cards, while markets often take cash only.

The assistant never takes your card or money; you always make the payment yourself.

We write about ATMs and currency exchange in the concierge section.

Receipts

We ask for a receipt for every purchase, at the market too where possible.

At the end of the day the assistant puts all your receipts in order.

Receipts are useful at customs, for a VAT refund and for warranties.

The day's summary

At the end of the day the assistant sends you a list and photos of all purchases.

The list shows the price, the shop and the receipt number.

This keeps things in order at customs and when you get home.

VAT refund

In a participating shop the assistant helps you fill in the special form correctly.

At the airport you need the goods and the receipt to hand, so do not put them in checked baggage.

We check the refund procedure against the rules in force.

Safety

Pickpockets can be found in any crowded market, and the assistant reminds you of this.

Keep valuables and money in an inside pocket and carry your bag in front.

Do not carry large sums of cash at the market; we stop at an ATM when needed.

Shop etiquette

Greeting on the way into a shop and thanking on the way out comes naturally to Georgians.

We ask permission before photographing a master's work.

Tastings are often offered at the market, and a refusal is made politely.

Opening hours

City shops usually open from morning to evening, every day.

Markets and workshops close earlier, and some are closed on Sundays.

On major religious holidays some shops close, and we plan the route accordingly.

Weather

In the midday summer heat a market is exhausting, so we plan it for the morning.

On a rainy day shopping centres, galleries and covered markets are better.

In winter the days are short, and we fit the route to the daylight hours.

Delivery to your hotel

The shop or our driver takes large, heavy purchases to your hotel.

That keeps your hands free, and shopping does not turn into hauling cargo.

We agree the delivery time and recipient in advance.

Storage

If you are travelling on, we store items in Tbilisi until you return.

Every item is logged with a list and a photo.

We agree the storage terms in advance.

Packing

We pack fragile items professionally for luggage or shipping.

Liquids, such as wine and sauces, are packed separately and tightly sealed.

We label packed items so they are easier to open at home.

Luggage weight

After shopping, a suitcase often goes over the limit.

The assistant weighs items at the hotel and helps you decide what to take and what to ship.

Sometimes adding an extra bag is simpler than paying excess baggage.

Shipping

Items that will not fit in your luggage are sent by courier.

You pay the courier company directly for shipping.

We write about shipping wine and antiques on separate pages.

Customs

The assistant reminds you which items are restricted in your country, such as cheese, meat, plants or fur.

We check a doubtful item before buying, not at the airport.

We do not help anyone get around customs.

Confidentiality

The assistant shares your purchases, budget and personal details with no one.

Photos and receipts are sent only to you.

For a well-known guest we arrange a discreet route and private visits.

Booking

We usually book an assistant a day or two in advance.

In high season and before holidays it is better to book earlier.

For a rarer language or speciality we look even earlier.

How long

Half a day is enough for one district and a short list.

A full day fits a market, a workshop and shops together.

At signs of fatigue the assistant will suggest finishing early.

Groups

For a group the assistant builds a route where everyone finds something of their own.

We split a large group in two, with two assistants, so shops do not get crowded.

We agree a meeting point and time in advance.

Assistant or guide

The assistant will tell you a little of the city's history, but does not replace a tour guide.

If you combine shopping with a tour, we plan both in one day.

We write about tours in the tours section.

No pressure

A good assistant never pushes you to buy or tells you it is your last chance.

If you want to think a piece over, the assistant notes where it is and what it costs.

Not buying is just as normal as buying.

After the trip

Once home, people often want to buy again from the same shop or master.

The assistant leaves you a list of shop and master contacts.

We can help with a repeat order remotely as well.

Common mistakes

Going to the market in the midday heat on an empty stomach.

Buying everything in the first shop without comparing.

Thinking about luggage weight only at the airport.

What we need from you

What you want to buy and for whom.

Dates, times and your hotel address.

Language, budget range and any special needs.

Cost

Shops and masters set the price of the goods, and you pay them directly.

We take no commission from shops, masters or market sellers.

The fee for the assistant and our organising is separate and agreed in advance.