How to Be a Secret Shopper for Free

Secret shoppers pose as store customers and report on service.

Many people choose to become a secret shopper to supplement their income. There are many websites that offer a list of secret shopper companies - for a fee. You do not need to pay anything to become a secret shopper, in fact, many of the sites that demand a fee are scams. Also, don't expect secret shopping to be your sole source of income, as you will generally earn $5 - $15 per shop.



There are hundreds of companies that are looking for secret shoppers. The MSPA, mentioned below, represents over 250 secret shopping agencies. Assignments are varied - some examples of places you might shop include retail stores, restaurants, valet parking, auto repair garages, grocery stores, and banks. In a few simple steps, you will be on your way to become a secret shopper for free.

Things You'll Need

• Transportation

Instructions

1. Visit the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) website. The MSPA is a website that represents over 250 secret shopper companies, and lists current opportunities. You are not required to sign up on their website, nor are you required to obtain silver or gold certification. Certification is available, for a fee, as an educational program for shoppers, but may not improve your chances of being chosen for a shop.

2. Click on "shoppers", which is the third option down near the top of the page. This will bring you to a page dedicated to those who are or wish to be secret shoppers. Click on the green button near the top in the middle that reads "click here to search for assignments". This will take you to a search page. You can search either by your state, or by a specified radius to your zip code. Fill in your information and press the search button located below the area where you specified your information. This will take you to a list of shops available in your area.

3. Find an assignment that sounds interesting to you and click the link. This will lead you to a page with the assignment's description. If you are interested in completing that shop, you will need to click on the assignment's "shopper contact" button, which is located on the right hand side of the bottom yellow bar. This will open your email. You will need to email the company to tell them you are interested in the shop.

4. Wait for the company to respond to your request. They will require you to sign up with them on their website. This usually involves providing your contact information, as well as answering some questions as to why you would make a good secret shopper. You will need to become approved before you can go on any assignments.

5. Go on your assigned shop. A typical shop may include checking the prices of certain items at a store, or assessing the service provided. Most assignments are "unrevealed", meaning you will need to keep your identity secret. Often you are given a script or profile to follow. You will need to follow the instructions of your shop closely, and will generally be required to make a small purchase and submit a digital copy of your receipt (by scanning it or taking a photo) to prove that you did the shop at the correct location and date. When you go home, you will need to write an online report about your experiences. If you follow all of the instructions and submit your report in a timely manner, you will get paid.

Tips & Warnings

• Signing up with as many of the companies as you can on the MSPA website will improve your chances of landing an assignment.

• Real secret shopper companies will not charge you to sign up on their websites. Only use trusted sources to avoid being scammed.

References

• Mystery Shopping Providers Association
• Consumer Fraud Reporting