How to Become a Secret Shopper With No Fees

Secret shopping, also known as mystery shopping, is a job that involves evaluating goods and services for a company. Because secret shoppers are paid to shop and eat, there are many people who want the job. This has resulted in a number of companies that charge for information on secret shopper positions. But it is not necessary to pay to be a secret shopper. Here is how to become a secret shopper with no fees.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet
• May need camera/timer
• May need cash/credit for purchases

1. Visit legitimate mystery shopper sites such as MysteryShop.org and JobSlinger.com (see resources for direct links). These legitimate sites list mystery shopping jobs and do not charge fees. If a secret shopping company asks for money or requires a payment, avoid it.

2. Each mystery shopping company has its own specialties.Take a look at the different companies listed at MysteryShop.org and JobSlinger.com to see what types of shops they offer. One mystery shop company ,Ann Michaels and Associates, sends shoppers to retail stores to complete transactions as if they were normal customers. The secret shopper evaluates cleanliness, sales techniques and employee knowledge, among other things. The vast majority of secret shopping companies hire shoppers to evaluate restaurants, with fast food restaurants at the top of the list.

3. Look at the job list at the MysteryShop.org and JobSlinger.com site. Click on each job to see the requirements. Some companies will send you out on a shop right away without requiring a job application. Others may have certain eligibility requirements, such as a high school diploma. Some shops also require a timer and/or a camera.

4. Check out work-at-home mom forums, such as WAHM.com, for more free places to mystery shop. The forums at work-at-home mom sites are a great source for tips and ideas on how to find more mystery shopping jobs.

Tips & Warnings

• It is never necessary to pay to get a secret shopper job. The well respected Mystery Shoppers Providers Association (MSPA) does offer certification for secret shoppers starting at $15. Though certification is not essential, it does show you have completed secret shopper training. Keep in mind that you should never pay a fee to become a mystery shopper, however, at some shops you may be required to purchase food or goods and then be reimbursed for these items or be asked to return goods you purchased.
• There are many mystery shopper scams. If you feel you have been a victim of a mystery shopper scam, file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (see resources for link).

Resources

• MysteryShop.org shopping jobs
• Better Business Bureau
• JobSlinger.com

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