| You can get paid to shop! Think that sounds too | | | | Here are just a few of the types of businesses that |
| good to be true? | | | | may be available for Mystery Shoppers in your area: |
| Think again. | | | | Gas Stations |
| Millions of people are discovering the benefits of | | | | Fast Food Restaurants |
| Mystery Shopping - also referred to as Secret | | | | Casual or Fine Dining Restaurants |
| Shopping. Mystery Shopping is a legitimate business | | | | Jewelry Stores |
| opportunity where you can earn money and freebies | | | | Tire Stores |
| while you shop. Couples can enjoy free romantic | | | | Golf Courses |
| dinners. Hurried families can grab a free bite to eat at | | | | Movie Theaters |
| a local drive-thru. And with the high gas prices, who | | | | Grocery Stores |
| wouldn't jump at the chance to fill their gas tank for | | | | Car Dealerships |
| free? | | | | Mall Stores, including chains, anchors, boutiques and |
| This is especially gaining popularity with stay-at-home | | | | specialty stores |
| moms who may be on a budget and still want to | | | | The duties involved in your shopping assignment will |
| enjoy lunch with friends or catch a movie with the | | | | vary. You may be asked to simply rate your overall |
| kids. | | | | service from the time you arrive to the time you |
| Why Would Companies Pay Shoppers? | | | | leave. You may be required to inspect the premises |
| The biggest reason companies pay Secret Shoppers | | | | for cleanliness, either generally or more a more |
| is to make sure their employees are doing their jobs. | | | | specific location such as the restrooms. You might be |
| Customer service is (and should be) a priority for | | | | asked to make a purchase and then return it and |
| companies. After all, customer service is the number | | | | record your customer service experience. |
| one thing that keeps us coming back (or not). It is no | | | | Pay close attention to details and remember names. |
| surprise, then, that most companies want to do | | | | This is vital. Most Mystery Shopping companies will |
| everything they can to maintain a good reputation. | | | | ask for the names of the employees you came into |
| How it works | | | | contact with. Because you don't want to draw |
| Most Mystery Shopping companies have online | | | | attention to yourself as a Secret Shopper, you'll need |
| registration or application forms. A few minutes of | | | | to mentally file away this information until you get to |
| your time and voila! You're a Secret Shopper. | | | | your car and can write it down. |
| Typically, companies require you to review their | | | | Where to find Mystery Shopping companies and |
| training manual which gives an overview of how it all | | | | what to look for |
| works and what is expected of you. Be sure take | | | | The Web is filled with information about Mystery |
| the time to carefully read every word so you | | | | Shopping and Secret Shopper companies. And, like |
| understand the rules and can give the company | | | | everything else, not all companies are on the up and |
| exactly what they ask for. This will keep you in good | | | | up. The main way you can spot a scam is if you are |
| standing as a Mystery Shopper and ensure that you | | | | asked for money or are promised a ridiculously large |
| continue to get approved for the jobs you want. | | | | amount of money per hour. Legitimate companies will |
| Many companies post shopping opportunities on their | | | | never ask you to pay for anything up front. They |
| Job Boards or send email notifications with a first | | | | pay you for your services, not the other way |
| come, first served policy. Others contact reliable and | | | | around. And they won't try to lure you in with |
| proven shoppers with specific job opportunities | | | | promises of big bucks. |
| chosen just for them. The great thing about Mystery | | | | Do your homework. You would be wise to get |
| Shopping is that you are able to snag the jobs you | | | | referrals from other successful Mystery Shoppers. |
| want and pass on the ones you don't. Job postings | | | | Visit work at home message boards to see which |
| will likely list the company, the location, the required | | | | companies are recommended. |
| duties, and the pay involved. Again, be sure to | | | | Here are two links to check out for extensive lists of |
| review all of the details, including the time frame you | | | | companies, as well as some Secret Shopper tips: [ |
| have to get the job done, so you don't commit to | | | | and |
| something for which you can't follow through. | | | | Will you get rich as a Mystery Shopper? |
| Once you complete your assignment, there is | | | | This is doubtful, since "payment" for many Secret |
| normally a survey or form you need to fill out. | | | | Shopper companies does not involve cash at all, |
| Companies like these forms to be thorough and | | | | other than the reimbursement of items you are |
| well-written. The more details you include, the more | | | | required to buy. But, companies do sometimes pay |
| helpful it is to them. Surveys can often be submitted | | | | mileage and a small cash amount anywhere between |
| online, but sometimes you are required to snail-mail | | | | $5 and $50, depending on the company and the |
| these back to the company. | | | | amount of work involved. |
| When to expect payment varies. The time frame | | | | In conclusion, Mystery Shopping is a fun and |
| can be anywhere from two to eight weeks. | | | | rewarding way to supplement your monthly income |
| However, more and more companies are choosing to | | | | and save money on products and services you would |
| pay shoppers via PayPal, which means quicker cash in | | | | probably buy anyway. |
| your pocket. | | | | If you love to shop, have an eye for detail, and love |
| What types of work are available? And what is | | | | free stuff, just may be for you. |
| usually involved? | | | | |