Six Important Tips for becoming a Mystery Shopper

Mystery shopping is a real thing that real people do.  When we think of mystery shopping sometimes warning bells go off in our heads warning us that we are about to be scammed.  I am happy to say that I know first hand that mystery shopping is not a scam.  I have been a mystery shopper for years and have performed over one hundred mystery shops.    I have shopped with my family and without them.  I love when we get a free dinner because we were mystery shoppers!

Mystery shopping is not a “get rich” type of employment. The average person cannot make their profession be mystery shopping.  Instead, you can use this as an opportunity to take your family to eat or purchase merchandise that you normally would not have done.

Six important tips for becoming a mystery shopper:

1) Research, Research, Research! You have the power of the internet at your hands.  Before applying with a company do your research.  Check the forums on Volition.com or MysteryShopperForum.com.  See if a company is certified by the Mystery Shopper Provider’s Association.  Legit companies are not always certified, but certified companies are always legit.

2) Be Able to Spot a Scam. Never pay to apply to a mystery shopping company.  A reputable company will not charge you for an application.  Would you pay your current boss an application fee?  Do not fall for outrageous claims.  Sites that claim to pay $50 to $100 per hour for mystery shopping are not legit.  Check cashing is always a scam.

3) Don’t Be Afraid to Give Your Social Security Number. Mystery shopper companies hire you as an independent contractor.  They are required to report your earnings to the IRS like all employers do.  If they do not collect this information then they are breaking the law.

4) Create a Company List. Keep track of the sites you sign up with.  Make a spreadsheet that has the mystery shopper company’s website, your username, and your password.  Include a notes column and keep track of jobs that are available in your area so that a few weeks after you sign-up when you wonder, “Where was that Alphabet City shop again?”, the answer will be easily accessible.

5) Get Organized – Get a Calendar.  Whether it is on your phone, your calendar, or in a notebook, organization is essential to mystery shopping.  Make columns that include the mystery shopping company name and website, shopping assignment name, due date, shopper fee, and paid date.  Below is a copy of my spreadsheet.  I found that the more details I fill in the better I am at keeping track of everything.