Mystery Shopping and get paid to do it!

What is Mystery Shopping?

	It is going into a shop, restaurant, or almost any other type establishment as a customer and get paid to do it. Thousands of companies each year hire Mystery Shopper companies to make sure their employees are doing what they are supposed to. The majority are looking for competence and good points in their employees, some are interested in the incompetence or ethics of an employee. The jobs will always vary.
How many times have you gone to a restaurant and the service was terrible or the food was cold? Wouldn't it be nice to tell someone so they wouldn't know it was you? You might even change their practices and turn it into a great place to eat!
	What if you went to your local Mart store, and found garbage or clutter in the carts and isles? You might need a place to buy clothes, but not desire "off the floor" or "Sticky hanger" clothes, or dirty fingerprints on them. Most companies are unaware of the problems in their locations, and depend on a Mystery Shopper's to report what they see.  They know their success depends on good customer service and that obviously reflects in higher profits. It benefits them to hire these secret Shopping companies.

  Yes!  There have been many say they worked part-time and simply got "free" stuff out of it.  Then there are the full timers who have touted making upwards of $5,000 month, and $30,000 to $84,000 a year!  Even more for "couples" shopping.  

How do you start to Mystery Shopping?  Shopping companies will ask you to fill out an application to their service first along with an agreement of ethics which will vary from site to site.  Among the questions at most is if you have ever mystery shopped or completed surveys before.  As I had already done many online surveys previously, I added that along with similar pertinent information and experience.  I was also a business owner in the past and feel I knew what to look for.  Adding all the information I could, I felt it did help my application.   

Where should you apply?  When starting to apply with Mystery Shopping companies, I recommend filing just a few at a time so you do not get overwhelmed with the process and quit before you learn the right way.  Running aimlessly around your area without a plan will not make you money. We will show you the companies we get checks from.

What do applications need on them?  Companies prefer to hire those with some experience even if it is just real life experiences.  They don't need born actors, they need real shoppers who can act the part.  It just helps to act a little when you are looking for what it instructs you to do on your assignment.  You will need to be able to write in your own words about your experience, so we will give you links that will help along the way.

How many applications do I need?  By filling in the applications that we provide, you will have found the companies that are easiest to work for and with.  If you fill out too many, the providers will begin to wonder if you have any experience at all.   Establish yourself with one a few companies first with close to home assignments, then branch out with experience.

Who is my boss?  You are!  You are an independent contractor. An independent contractor is not employee of any company. You will not receive any benefits, insurance, or vacations. The benefits of being an independent contractor is you work your own hours and you work when you want. For most of us, that is around our family time.  You will receive a 1099 at the end of the year if you made over $600.00.  There are no withheld taxes taken out of a check, so you are responsible to report to IRS.

Do I need a College Education?  NO!  Definitely not!  A Mystery Shopper does have to be detailed oriented, very observant, neat both in appearance as well as in the writing of their responses to an assignment. If a Shopping company hires you to buy from their store or eat in their restaurant and depend on you to provide as much information as possible, then give them what you are worth!. You basically, want the Mystery Shopping company to get the feeling they shopped the store or restaurant themselves, and what they can expect.






Do you need to be certified?   As the MSPA say, "It is unlikely that you will lose shops because you are not certified. However, it may help you get your foot in the door with other companies and expand your business.  The MSPA represents 150+ mystery shopping companies worldwide. They also say, "However, each company has the right to do as they see fit."  This page will tell you more about it  MSPA.org Certification. 

What is an Assignment?  An Assignment has all your instructions and more.  Your directions to the location are usually provided.  You will want to read and re-read this Assignment and almost commit the terms to memory. You cannot take your papers in with you to do the assignment, so memorizing key items on it will be essential.  Make sure you know exactly what the company wants you to do and what information you must collect. If you forget to do something or forget to record something, the company may take part of the money off or not pay you at all.  When in doubt, ask!

What if I can't remember it all?  Most people carry a shopping list, and so do I.  However my list may have some illegible scribbles on it such as: nm, age, ht, wt, min. or other which is my reminder to get their name, age, height, weight, and any other pertinent information.  In most cases, I remember all the above and only write things I might forget-unless specifically told not to have a shopping list.  Remember, if you take notes at the wrong time, you may be caught as a shopper.  You do not want to reveal yourself unless instructed to do so.  If you cannot secretly take notes, finish and take your notes 

How do I get paid?  Once you have filled in the evaluation form, you will either submit copies of it by uploading it onto the site, or you will mail it.  Most companies are online making it faster and easier to get your checks.  The majority of companies pay the month following your shop verification.  Again make sure everything is detailed and complete. Make sure you keep all your receipts. Most companies ask you keep your records between 90-120 days just in case they need more information from you.

Many companies will pay you through PayPal services, so you need an account. If you don't have one, you may sign for a account here with PayPal

When do I get paid?

Mystery Shopping companies usually pay out on the average two to six weeks. You must give them your social security to be paid and in case you make over $600 year with them and they need to issue you a 1099.