
For shoppaholics who dream about making money doing something they love, mystery shopping can be a fun way to shop, eat, travel, and even get medical
examinations for free as well as for income. Though the Mystery Shopper Providers Association (MSPA) does hold certification seminars for mystery shoppers, the
majority of companies do not require training or certification.
Having internet access is essential, as most corporations would like results soon after the audit is completed. Most libraries have free or low cost internet access
and are a convenient way to enter results to your shops.
Step 1: Create a separate email address specifically for the use of mystery shopping. Web portals such as Yahoo, MSN, and Lycos provide free email services.
Step 2: Sign up with as many mystery shopping companies, job boards, and forums as you want. With the onslaught of job offers coming via email, you’ll notice why
creating a separate email address is such a necessity. Note: You never have to pay a fee to sign up with a company. Though there may be reputable companies
that do charge fees, the majority do not.
Step 3: When looking at an assignment, consider the pay, date and time range, time required both in mystery shopping and filling out the form, and rewards such as
getting to keep the items bought, or dining out, seeing a sports event, or traveling for free. Distance is another consideration, as most companies do not pay for
gas. However you can combine shops in a single trip to save time and money. Additionally, some assignments may be reimbursement only but may be enticing
because of the experience.
When you’re interested in a job, sign up for it. Remember, you are not an employee, but an independent contractor. You do not have to accept any assignment
that you don’t want nor does the company have to assign you jobs. You are also not eligible for employee benefits.
Step 4: When assigned a shop, read the instructions and form closely so as to know what is required of you. Adherence to instructions is essential, as you may not
get paid for not following rules. After you finish your audit, jot down some notes where you can’t be seen, fill out your report, and send it off. Be sure to be available
for any questions about your report that the company may have.
There are a wide variety of jobs including Hidden Video/Audio, Purchase and Return, Reveal where you disclose your identity, Reward where you reward good
customer service, and Integrity where you pay cash and leave before the cashier rings up the transaction. There are even jobs where you take a car into a shop to
check for unnecessary repairing. Chain stores, medical practices, and even the US Post Office use mystery shopping as a tool to insure a high standard of
customer service and satisfaction. Because of your observant objectivity and attention to details, all customers will benefit from your work, another positive highlight
to your Making Money Mystery Shopping.
Make Money Mystery Shopping by Ken Choy
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