Mystery shopping might be for you if:
~ you're detail oriented and can remember names and descriptions
~ have a good eye for customer service
~ can follow through on requirements, deadlines, and submit reports on time
~ have a little extra cash to front for required purchases that will be reimbursed later (fast food, grocery, etc.)
You won't make huge amounts of money overnight, but it can be a fun (if challenging!) way to eat out and shop. Some assignments are things you normally do anyway, such as go through a fast food drive through, shop for groceries, ask about a bank account, or get an eye exam. There will be certain things you're watching for (and possibly timing) that will be reported after you're finished. A watch (or ipod, etc.) with stopwatch function is VERY useful (but you probably won't want to run out and buy something new until you know you like mystery shopping)!
There are hundreds of legitimate companies out there that won't charge you a penny to get started. Since they are required to send you a 1099 form if you earn a certain amount, many companies ask for your social security number on a secure form. Not all companies will have jobs in your area, so it helps to try to narrow down those that do. Some companies pay through Paypal, and require you to use that email address when signing up, so check to make sure you use the right one.
1. Visit JobSlinger to search for mystery shopping jobs near you. Look for names of the companies posting them. These would be good ones to apply for first. There will be many opportunities in large urban areas, but most smaller rural towns will have some shops available!
2. Sign up for the mystery shopping forum at Volition. The expert shoppers here have all sorts of information on companies and tricks of the trade for mystery shoppers. There are also links to lists of reliable companies.
3. For some beginning tips, check out The Mystery Shopper's Manual blog. A free 7-day course of basics is available over email here.
4. Begin noticing names & descriptions when you shop, and practice using your stopwatch discretely.
5. Start slow. Pick one or two jobs in your area, print out and read all the requirements ahead and time, then complete them. Be sure to allow time to review what you need to look for beforehand, and time afterwards to submit your report. The first few shops take longer since you're getting familar with all the different aspects that you're needing to watch.
6. If you try a couple shops and you're hooked, GREAT! Expand to more companies and a wider variety of shops. If you tried it and found that it wasn't worth the effort, you're not out much.
7. Set up a way to track your shops, mileage, payments, reimbursements, etc. Watch for shops that are still unfilled at the end of the month to really make it worth your time ;)
One company I'm signed up with frequently offers eye exam and prescription glasses shops (as well as non-prescription sunglass shops!). If you'd like an invitation, send me an email from the account you'd use to register: ourfrugaljourney (at) gmail.com
Happy shopping!
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