Detours

People often say, “People hate being sold to, but they love to buy.” And I think there’s something to that. When someone finds a product that solves a problem—or makes them smile—they want to know where to get it. I’m Angie Norris, and this is Side Hustle GPS. Today, we’re stopping in Pet Parkway to explore Pet-Owner Shopping Guides. I also know that people don’t always want unsolicited advice. But when they ask, “Where did you find that?” they’ve opened the door. You can give them a useful recommendation. Pet owners have plenty of things to shop for. Waste bags, pooper scoopers, grooming brushes, identification tags, toys, and all those little extras that make life with their pet more enjoyable. You can help bring useful options together so they don’t have to search through everything themselves. I’ve bought and demonstrated plenty of pet products. The cardboard laptop for my friend’s cat, Maui. Dog frisbees. Sunglasses. Paw booties. Dog shampoo and conditioner. Some are practical. Some are just fun. And a video showing the product can help someone understand why they might want it. That cat laptop made me smile immediately. I could picture Maui sitting at it, looking like he was on a Zoom call. That’s the kind of product I’d enjoy showing people. I also notice pet products when I’m sourcing items to resell. Recently, I visited four or five Walgreens stores while they were clearing out FIFA merchandise for a dollar. I found jerseys, shirts, hats, cups, and figurines. And there were dog vests and bandanas with the World Cup logo, in several sizes. You better believe I bought those, too. Even a sports celebration can have something for the family pet. That experience reminds me how many different interests you can bring into a shopping guide. You could create a list for new dog owners, a collection of playful cat gifts, or a guide to useful supplies for walks. Give the list a clear purpose. And explain why you included each item. Who is it for? What does it do? What should someone check before buying—like size, fit, or materials? Be honest about whether you’ve used it yourself or researched it. AI can help organize your research, draft comparisons, and turn your notes into a guide. Check the product details yourself before publishing. Your judgment is what makes the recommendation useful. There are different ways to earn from this. You could publish guides with affiliate links, create product videos, or offer a shopping service for someone who wants help finding what they need. With affiliate links, you may earn a commission when a qualifying purchase is made. Make that relationship clear, and remember that a recommendation doesn’t guarantee a sale. You’re building trust over time. Your first money move? Choose one specific pet-owner need and gather five relevant products. Write a short explanation for each one, including what makes it useful and anything the buyer should consider. Then turn that into one helpful post, video, or shopping guide. Use your affiliate links where permitted, include a clear disclosure, and give people room to make their own choice. So, what pet product have you found that someone else would be glad to know about? Explore Pet-Owner Shopping Guides in Pet Parkway at SideHustleGPS.com. Recommend with care. When people trust your recommendations, they know you’ve put thought into helping them find something worth buying.