Help wanted: Mystery Shopper
Should you apply?
The first thing you should know about a legitimate mystery shopper job: it’s not a get rich quick scheme. There is no way you’re going to become insanely rich from performing the services of a mystery shopper. There’s no way you’re going to retire from the profits you earn as a mystery shopper.
So what’s the attraction?
If you’re out shopping anyway – or you dine out a lot – why not get reimbursed for a portion of it?
This, in a nutshell, is how mystery shopping – sometimes referred to as secret shopping works. As a mystery shopper you visit the business – it could be a retail business or a restaurant – posing as an “ordinary customer.” You buy certain products, or order a meal in the case of a restaurant, and leave. Then you evaluate your experience. The company provides you with a questionnaire that covers certain aspects of your visit.
As a mystery shopper, you get paid either through an arrangement agreed upon prior to your accepting the job or you’ll get reimbursed for the purchases you’ve made. Sometimes payment is made in a combination of the two.
An honest mystery shopping firm never charges fees to the shopper.
That’s really all there is to it. It really is that simple. But here’s one word of advice. If the company that’s hiring you says it needs money from you upfront – or if your first assignment is to cash a cashier’s check and send it to an unknown address – run for the hills! This is not a legitimate job offer, but a scam!
Many times, you’ll find these jobs through advertisements in the help wanted section of your local paper or through online sources. According to Steve Pearce, director of business development with National Shopping Service – a leading mystery shopping service provider for more than 35 years – becoming a mystery shopper is easier than ever.
One of the reasons for this, he says, is because the registration process has continually improved. Today, when so many individuals have access to the internet, online registration forms mean it only takes minutes to sign up. And once you’re registered, the firm will start informing you about the openings they have.
A word of caution here is necessary. These jobs, as you can imagine, are quite in demand. Very often they’re offered on a “first-come, first-served” basis. So you need first, to make sure you’ve supplied the company with a correct email address. And then you need to be ready to snatch an assignment when it’s presented.
In the beginning, Pearce explains, you may have to take “whatever you can get.” And that may be a shopping experience no body else wants. But don’t despair, because legitimate shopping firms recognize individuals who are willing to do this – soon your assignments will improve!
If, knowing that you’re not going to get rich quick, you’re still interested in this job – which can be lots of fun – go for it. You can start right now, if you like. The best way to start? Go to a mystery shopper forum or message board – yes, of course they have these! Type in “mystery shopper forum” into your browser and start searching. You’ll not only discover what companies exist, but you’ll get real-life feedback from the employees themselves.
And remember the number one rule: Have fun!
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