Mystery Shopper Companiesmystery Shopper Programsmystery Shoppershoppers
The internet has created multiple streams of income for many individuals because of the ease of access to the information. Mystery shopping has been around for some time prior to the internet era however has gained popularity with online job seekers. Mystery shopping as it is generally called is a legitimate opportunity that can generate a good part-time income stream. Mystery shopper companies generally have a web presence and signing up with them is generally done online. Mystery shopper scams are usually websites that offer to find you mystery shopper companies when you sign up and require an upfront fee. You should never have to pay any upfront costs when signing up with a mystery shopper service or company.
Once you have signed up and joined several of the online companies to start your mystery shopping career, you will start browsing the currently available jobs in your area. Once you decide to sign up for a specific opportunity it is important to read the complete description. In the description you will find all the relevant and specific instructions on what you are expected to do. A mystery shopping job can include movie theatre checks, store audits, merchandising, shopping, customer service evaluation, etc. Some of these opportunities require you purchase a product or service with your own money. The specific instructions will tell you how much the company will reimburse you and what they expect you to buy.
Parking lot fees, movie ticket purchases, fast food take-out, a designer blouse, etc can all be part of your upfront costs prior to receiving any compensation. Keep your receipts and accurate records and make copy of receipts. Generally you have a specified period to write your report and submit your receipts. Mystery shopping can be a fun and exciting adventure that can provide you with free movie passes, free meals and products. So when asked about upfront fees, there are no upfront fees to join the mystery shopper companies, but you might have to use out of pocket money to make the required purchase to fulfill your job assignment.
The Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) and the National Association of Mystery Shoppers are two trade organizations that can provide detailed information and resources on how to access legitimate mystery shopper companies and on information to become certified mystery shoppers. They can be accessed at mysteryshop.org and www.nationalassociationofmysteryshoppers.org.
