How to Secret Shop
Secret shopping, also known as mystery shopping, is a great way to earn extra a little money and have fun. Businesses hire secret shopping companies to perform evaluations of their employees. The secret shopping companies then hire secret shoppers to pretend to be customers. You can find secret shopping jobs at business such as restaurants, apartments, banks, gas stations and retail stores.
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Instructions
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Register with secret shopping companies. To improve your chances of getting jobs, register with many different companies. Check out the list of companies on the Volition website and the Mystery Shoppers Providers association (see Resources). These website have lists of reputable secret shopping companies.
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Find secret shopping jobs. Once you have signed up with a company, you will typically have access to their online job board. Check the job board regularly and sign up for assignments. The job board at Volition is also a good place to check regularly.
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Review the shop information carefully and print out any forms. Read all of the instructions for the shop. Be sure that you understand when you are supposed to conduct the shop and what you are supposed to do during the shop. If you have any questions, be sure to contact the secret shopping company and ask questions before you do the shop.
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Complete the shop before the due date. Be sure to follow all instructions and act natural during the shop
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Write down shop information as soon as you leave the shop area. Do not fill out the forms in the parking lot of the business. It is a good idea to drive a few blocks, park and then complete the paperwork.
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Write up the formal report and submit the shop to the company by the deadline. The company will tell you if you need to fax, mail, or submit the form online. If you are being reimbursed for expenses, submit a copy of the receipt. Be sure to keep a copy of the shop and receipt for your records for six months.
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Tips & Warnings
Dress appropriately for the shop. Your goal is to look like the typical customer of the business.
Be sure to consider gas costs when accepting jobs. Most mystery shopping companies do not pay mileage.
The payment on jobs vary widely so be sure that the payment for a job is worth the time and effort required. Some companies use Paypal and others mail checks. Companies usually pay within 30 to 60 days.
When signing up with secret shopping companies, do not pay any fees. Legitimate secret shopping companies do not charge fees.
Follow all instructions for the shop. If you do not to the shop correctly, you may not be paid for the shop or any expenses
During the shop, do not reveal that you are a secret shopper in any way and do not bring any shop paperwork into the business.
