How to Be a Mystery Shopper and Make Money

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By stephanie1120
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (3 Ratings)

So you want to be a mystery shopper? It can be a fairly easy and fun way to make a little bit of extra money. As a mystery shopper, companies will assign you to various shops to try out and review their products or services. Whether it is eating at a restaurant, or shopping for jewelry, you will get paid and/or reimbursed to do it. All you need to do is complete a report or questionnaire after your visit to evaluate the company. Here's how to get started as a mystery shopper.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Internet Access
Scanner/Fax (most cases)
Digital Camera (some cases)
Digital Recorder (optional)
Stopwatch (optional)

Step 1

Go to the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (www.mysteryshop.org), Here you will find a lot of information about being a mystery shopper, certification, and a list of companies to work for.
Step 2

Consider obtaining either a Silver or even Gold MSPA Certification. It is not required to be certified, although it does show your dedication to becoming a serious mystery shopper. Some companies may only assign certain shops to certified shoppers, while others don't really look for it. To obtain Silver Certification, you will complete a basic lesson module and take a short quiz online. To get Gold Certification, you will purchase DVDs and a workbook, and then complete an examination. As of now, Silver Certification is $15 and Gold Certification is $99.
Step 3

As you peruse the list of companies, keep in mind the types of shops you may want to do. Some companies may do more retail, others may do more restaurants. Apply to the mystery shopping companies that you are interested in shopping for.
Step 4

Apply to as many mystery shopper companies as you can. Sometimes the availability of shops in your area might be scarce, so you want to have a full range of shops to choose from.
Step 5

The application process may vary, but most will usually want to know your education, general experience (you don't need mystery shopping experience), and they might ask for a short writing sample (they may ask you to review the last place you ate at or shopped at) just so they know you can assess your writing skills.
Step 6

The companies themselves should never charge you a fee to join. Legit mystery shopper companies have a free application process.
Step 7

Some companies will e-mail you when a shop is available, and you can schedule it online. Others may ask that you call.
Step 8

Many companies now will ask you to submit the reports online. Sometimes, you will need a fax or scanner to email them your receipts.
Step 9

Some shops will require that you take a picture, which is why you might need a digital camera. Others may ask for certain timing of events, so having a stopwatch might make things easier for that. And, a digital voice recorder comes in handy so you can go back and listen to everything that was said (since it would be hard to take notes and also remain anonymous)!
Step 10

As you successfully complete more shops, you will gain more experience and establish yourself with the company. Most companies will see how good you are doing and thus offer you the highest paying shops (sometimes with bonuses too)!
Step 11

Below are a list of some reputable mystery shopper companies that are good to start with as a beginner, along with the link for the MSPA website and a few good books to start you on your way.