Mystery Shopper header image
   
 

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 its customers when they arent 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 arent 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 shouldnt 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 wont make an insane amount of money working as a mystery shopper, and chances are, you wont 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. Dont give someone a bad review just because you can.

You dont 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 shouldnt 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!

PRODUCTS

Police warn of mystery shopper scam - Canada.com


Windsor Star

Police warn of mystery shopper scam
Canada.com, Canada - 18 hours ago
A company purportedly seeking to employ members of the public as "mystery shoppers" is actually trying to defraud them, say Windsor police. ...
Police warn about mystery shopping scam Toronto Star
all 3 news articles

Read more...


Secret shopper solicitation is a super seductive scam - KY3


Secret shopper solicitation is a super seductive scam
KY3, MO - Nov 18, 2008
“You are selected to participate in a paid mystery shoppers program as research personnel,” the letters say. Angela Fellers-Beard received a letter and ...

Read more...


Mystery Shopper Scam Dupes Family Out of Thousands - WXXA


Mystery Shopper Scam Dupes Family Out of Thousands
WXXA, NY - Nov 14, 2008
In the hopes of making some easy money Sarah surfed the web looking for a job as a mystery shopper. Sarah replied to the ad and received paper work from a ...
Scam shops for cash of mystery buyers Albany Times Union
all 2 news articles

Read more...


Don't be fooled by secret shopper scam - AZFamily


Don't be fooled by secret shopper scam
AZFamily, AZ - Nov 18, 2008
Pay me to shop? Wonderful!'" Holverson had seen some secret shopper postings online but never pursued them, so she was kind of surprised to learn she had ...

Read more...


New twist on an old favorite scam: Bait and switch - Naperville Sun


New twist on an old favorite scam: Bait and switch
Naperville Sun, IL - Nov 18, 2008
The bogus check scam takes many forms - the mystery shopping scam, the fake eBay listing scam and others. Expect it to worsen until our economy turns around ...

Read more...


 
 
 

Search

Jewellery & Watches

Jewellery
Watches

bottom bar