The In’s and Out of Becoming a Mystery Shopper

It’s your dream job, becoming a mystery shopper and getting paid to shop. In fact, a job that good must be pretty difficult to get, right? Wrong! Becoming a secret shopper is easier that you would think. Here are some tips and strategies on how to get you started in one of the most enjoyable industries around.

The first question to ask is - do I have what it takes in becoming a mystery shopper? Do you have Internet connection? In many cases a connection to the internet may be very important to finding mystery shopping job. Do you have good language skills? To be successful as a mystery shopper you need to have good English skills, be dependable and have a good eye for detail. Some companies ask that the mystery shoppers they hire have a car, or at least be willing to travel a little to get to assignments.

There is really no mystery about how to become a mystery shopper. There are many companies you can register with online. A good place to start is at the Mystery Shopping Providers Association. They provide advice on how to become a mystery shopper, some things to keep in mind when applying for jobs and links to all their member companies.

One great tip for becoming a mystery shopper is to not put all your faith in getting work from the one company. Register with a lot of different companies that provide work in your area. The more places you register with, the more work you are likely to be offered and the greater chance you have of getting better assignments. Also, because different companies have different clients, you’ll be expanding the number of places you get to shop at!

There are many companies which will help you to become a mystery shopper. In most cases, you can apply online to most companies. Be sure to check out a number of message boards to keep up to date on new assignments in your area.

Another thing to keep in mind when thinking about becoming mystery shopper is don’t just apply to those companies located in your area. Most mystery shopping companies are nationwide. Their clients and stores are nationwide. Just because a company has its offices in New York does not mean you can not work for them because you live in Texas. These Mystery Shopping companies contract with retail and restaurant chains. These chains are located all over the country, therefore they need shoppers nationwide.

Also, you should never feel pressured into accepting a job. There may be times when for one reason or another, you will be unable or unwilling to take a particular assignment. Some things will just not appeal to you. Sometimes the job will not fit into your schedule or may not be something you are comfortable with. If that happens, just be honest with the company and decline the particular assignment. This allows the company to find someone else. Companies are not concerned if you decline assignments as long as you do it promptly. If you do not decline promptly, you will probably not be sent many assignments after that. All it takes is a quick email saying you can not complete this assignment.

Another thing to keep in mind is that it may take time to build up a reputation for yourself as a good mystery shopper. The best assignments often are given to people who have proved themselves as dependable by taking small assignments and completing them accurately and on time. Becoming a mystery shopper that gets the truly spectacular and well paid assignments is well worth the effort!

To help you get started with mystery shopping, I’m listing a few mystery shopping companies below. However, you can find hundreds more mystery shopping job by checking out Shopping Jobs.

A Top Shop - Shops are paid on a flat fee basis. Most shops pay $10-20 per hour. Some shops include benefits such as reimbursement for meals, movie tickets, merchandise, hotel stays, etc.

Acra, Inc - Visit restaurants, retail stores, and entertainment complexes like amusement parks or gamerooms. Site has listing of available jobs.

Amusement Advantage - A Mystery Shopping company specializing in the amusement industry. They work exclusively with amusement parks, theme parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, etc and are always accepting new applicants from all regions.

Infinity Assurance Group (IAG) - Fast food, food court, casual theme and fine dining. Dessert/coffee and shops.

Marketing Systems Unlimited - Specialty is fast food but also shops sit down restaurants, hotels, c-stores, and automobile garages. Has full and part time positions.

Do you know of other mystery shopping companies or other ways of becoming a mystery shopper? If so, please share them with everyone by leaving a message in the comment box below. And feel free to check out our other articles: