Applying for a Job as a Mystery Shopper

Okay, you have done your homework, and decided that you want to become a mystery shopper. You have looked around online, and found the company that you think you want to work for, and so now all you have to do is fill out a simple application, right? Well, the bad news is that those applications aren’t always that simple, and in fact, can be downright confusing to some folks, so let me help you out here with the basics.

Chance are your application will be made up of two different parts, as most are, your job description (including a possible test at the end), and your personal information and work history. Many employers now require you to take basic skills tests, integrity and ethics tests, and reading comprehension tests during the hiring process, so be prepared. Part of your job as a mystery shopper will be to read and comprehend information sent to you by your employer, and to then be able to provide the employer with your own assessment of what you see when you do your shop, which requires good communication skills.

There will be a part of the application that will talk to you about the importance of remaining anonymous; so that no one will actually know that you are a mystery shopper, which will enable you to get a true study of the site you are visiting. If the employees know or suspect that you are a mystery shopper, they will alter their normal behaviors to try and earn a good score, which will basically defeat the purpose of the mystery shop. You must never carry your mystery shopper paperwork with you to a shop, as this is the first clue that you are doing something suspicious. You have to be able to browse and remember what you see, so that you can type up your report upon leaving the job.

When given an assignment, you are expected to complete it at the date and times specified, and have all paperwork turned in promptly. If you routinely have problems completing assignments on time, you will be relieved of your position, or just won’t receive new assignments. If you do have a problem, you are expected to contact your employer as soon as possible, just as you would be required to do with any other job.

You must be able to respond to all of the questions that you are supplied with, and not leave anything blank or unanswered. Un-clear or blank answers could result in your not getting paid, or losing future opportunities.

You must have up-to-date contact information on file at all times. If you change your phone number or move, you should notify your employer right away, as this limits their ability to process your reports for payment, as well as to contact you with new assignments. Some employers will agree to communicate with you via email if you prefer.

The company you work for will let you know when they process payments, usually it is on a monthly basis, occurring most often on the 20th day of the month. In order to be paid, all of the required documentation must be completed and turned in by the required date.

Most companies will not allow you to perform a mystery shop on a business where you have a personal relationship with the employees, friends or family. You also have to be at least eighteen years of age or older to qualify for a position.

Take the time to read all of the fine print, and make certain that you understand and feel confident that you can meet the expectations the company has for you, and if not, ask questions until you do. Keep in mind that you won’t get rich working as a mystery shopper, but it can be a fun way to make some extra cash!

Mystery shopper position ends in fraud (The Myrtle Beach Sun News)

Myrtle Beach police are investigating a report of fraud after a 43-year-old man reported he received a counterfeit check for a mystery shopper position.

Scam shops for cash of mystery buyers (Albany Times Union)

A scam targeting Capital Region residents has some people believing they are actually being hired for a job. Really, it's a clever con that attaches a virtual vacuum cleaner to a gullible person's checking account.Richard Ragone of Delmar is out thousands, because an outfit calling itself Nationwide Marketing Co. of Akron, Ohio, said it would hire him to be a mystery shopper, and pay him to ...

Holiday Shopping Lists for 80 Different Personality Types Available Now at Borders.com's 'Wonderland of Perfect Gifts' (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)

The perfect gift idea. So elusive, yet so vital to the sanity of holiday shoppers everywhere. Borders and its expert buyers have come to the rescue this season with the "Wonderland of Perfect Gifts" shop at www.borders.com/gifts that identifies 80 different interest areas and provides specific gift ideas in every price range, covering everyone on any shopper's holiday list with a total of ...

Police report an increase in scams (Times Herald)

The St. Clair County Sheriff Department is seeing an increase in the number of scams being reported in the area.

Sheriff's Office warns on scam (Mesabi Daily News)

DULUTH — An alleged “mystery shopper scam’’ is being investigated by the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. Victims are asked to fill out an online application to become a mystery shopper.