So, What is A Mystery Shopper, Anyway?

So, you have probably spend some time surfing the internet, looking for a great work at home opportunity, or at least a way to make some extra cash in your spare time, and in that searching, you have probably came across many sites talking about becoming a mystery shopper, but what is a mystery shopper anyway? Why would someone hire me to shop at their store? Well, keep reading, we will give you the skinny on mystery shopping in this article.

Corporate executives of retail stores, fast food franchises, and many other businesses around the world depend on mystery shoppers to tell them how their business is operating and treating it’s customers when they aren’t around. They get an unbiased opinion on what is really going on, and if things are bad, they can hopefully make changes before it severely impacts their business. They know that when they are on site, everyone is on their toes to make certain that every single thing is just the way they want it to be, but what happens when they aren’t there? Many of these executives have worked their way up, and they know that oftentimes, some pretty bad things go on in these places, especially when no one is really around to keep an eye on things, which is where you, the mystery shopper, can make a big difference.

If you are hired to be a mystery shopper, you will earn money to visit one of these places, buy an item, and then fill out some paperwork regarding the service you received, and things that you observed while you were there. Were you treated with the utmost respect and courtesy as you should be, or were you ignored by employees who were too busy talking about their weekend to serve you? Were the staff in clean, proper uniforms, or were they running around in dirty, stained clothing? Were the facilities clean and in order? Were you satisfied with your shopping experience? These are all questions that you will be required to answer in some form or fashion if you are a mystery shopper.

In some instances, you may not be able to immediately find a job as a mystery shopper. If this happens to you, there are many legitimate websites devoted to helping you find that perfect mystery shopper position, and even if you are required to pay an initial fee, it will be an investment, if you plan on working for a while as a mystery shopper. Different types of positions pay different amount of money, so you want to look into that as well. In some instances, if you are hired to critique a restaurant or movie theatre, you will be reimbursed for the cost of your meal or your ticket, and that is all the compensation you receive, while other opportunities pay more.

You will be told what date and time you are supposed to conduct your “shop”, as well as the date the corresponding paperwork is due. You will be supplied with a form to use as a guide when on your shop, but you shouldn’t take the actual form with you, as smart employees will be able to pickup on what you are doing, and adjust their actions accordingly. You should take the time to familiarize yourself with the form before you go, and then fill it out as soon as you leave the establishment or return home.

You should know that you won’t make an insane amount of money working as a mystery shopper, and chances are, you won’t be able to give up your full-time job. You should also know that some companies will take your report so seriously that they will actually sometimes terminate employees based on your information, so you should be truthful and give as much detail as possible. Don’t give someone a bad review just because you can.

You don’t want to talk to your family and friends about your new career, at least not in detail. It is okay to tell them that you are a mystery shopper, but you shouldn’t tell them where you go, or the details of your visits. No one should be able to spot you out somewhere and know that you are a mystery shopper, because as word spreads, people will start to spot you the minute you pull into their lot!

7 On Your side Watching out for 'mystery' shoppers - 7Online.com

7 On Your side Watching out for 'mystery' shoppers 7Online.com, NY - Jul 21, 2008 Joanne was looking for a job online as a mystery shopper. A company called Global Monitoring and Research responded, sending her a check for $3800. ...

'Secret shopper' job offer might be scam - Greensboro News Record

'Secret shopper' job offer might be scam Greensboro News Record, NC - Jul 24, 2008 In one version of the scam, a newspaper or online ad, an e-mail, a telemarketing call or a letter promises well-paying work as a secret or mystery shopper. ...

Electronics Retailers Discover that Service Sells - CIO Today

Electronics Retailers Discover that Service Sells CIO Today, CA - Jul 24, 2008 The JD Power study was based on reports by 2000 "mystery shoppers" hired to shop anonymously. The big national electronics stores have plenty of fans, ...

Make Extra Money: Become a Mystery Shopper - ABC News

ABC News

Make Extra Money: Become a Mystery Shopper ABC News - Jul 2, 2008 A growing trend involves home-based mystery shoppers who conduct their work by calling (as opposed to visiting) catalog companies, call centers and others, ...

Inflation rate no mystery to Iranian shoppers - Reuters UK

Inflation rate no mystery to Iranian shoppers Reuters UK, UK - Jul 22, 2008 As indeed will most shoppers if you ask them what they are paying each day in the supermarket or bazaar. The central bank’s explanation for consumers is ...