Many new mystery shoppers will take right to the job. To them, mystery shopping may immediately be an easy way to generate some much-needed extra money. For other new shoppers, however, their first experience or two with mystery shopping may be extremely frustrating. The process of finding an assignment, completing the assignment, and waiting weeks for the money to arrive may seem like a supreme waste of time. Before you give up on mystery shopping, here’s what you need to know to find your mystery shopping groove!
Find What You Like. Not every mystery shopper enjoys restaurant assignments, or grocery store assignments, or movie theater assignments. Some assignments may be very difficult to them, and they will choose to pass over these in the future. However, some assignments may seem like a cake-walk. First and foremost, find something that you enjoy doing. If you already enjoy going out to eat, sign up to work a few restaurant assignments. Keep in mind, even when you find your niche, some of the providers and even some of the companies requesting the mystery shopper’s visit may be completely different to work for. You may enjoy doing a mystery shop assignment for Chili’s and not for McDonald’s. The only way you will know if you like a certain assignment unfortunately is to spend some time trying out the various jobs and providers. The good news, however, is that with experience you will be able to very quickly tell just by reading through the assignment description if the assignment is worth your time and effort. Even after you complete just a handful of assignments, you will begin to develop the knowledge and experience you need to pick and choose assignments wisely.
Don’t Work For Peanuts. It would be a nice thought to think that mystery shopping providers pay shoppers what their time is worth. Unfortunately, the bottom line is that there are some assignments out there that, after you complete all of the nit-picky requirements of the job, end up paying you less than minimum wage. The good news is that there are also jobs that will pay you well over $15-20/hour, which is great income for a part-time job with no prior experience required! If you are frustrated with getting paid peanuts for your efforts, the bottom line is that you can control this. Read through the assignment requirements very carefully before you select a job. Try to determine how much time it will take you to try on a garment in a clothing store, or to order three courses in a restaurant, or to return an item if a return visit is required. If you are looking at two hours of work – including travel time, be sure the pay is commensurate.
However, don’t immediately pass over an assignment with a low pay on the sticker. There may be some other “perks” to the job, such as a free meal or a free movie. If you’re getting paid $10 to eat a free meal, that may make it worthwhile for you.
With mystery shopping, you control your destiny. You are not required to do the $5 assignments, nor are you required to work for a provider you have had a bad experience with. Find assignments you enjoy doing that you feel are worth the pay. Find providers who have relatively easy reports to complete, and who pay promptly. It may take you a few assignments under your belt before you make mystery shopping click for you, but if you put in some time and effort you will soon find your mystery shopping groove and will be earning great extra money doing something you love.
Great advice!!
I have been mystery shopping since March 2008 and have noticed a steady increase and flexibility with the shop fees. I have several MS companies that contact me directly to conduct shops in my area. Some of which are last minute which usually means they will pay more. It really depends on the area you’re in.
Good luck everyone and Happy shopping! !
howdo igetjobsmysteryshopping.getemalesbutthatisalldontknowhowtogoaboutfindjobs
thanks germice
I’ve been msing since April ’06. I have found for me the financial, cable and some retail shops are the easiest. They are quick and the reports are easy once you get used to them. Since this is part time for me (I work fulltime), I’m interested in extra income, but without working too hard. I pretty much take assignments that will pay more than $10 and only take 10-20 minutes for the visit and 20 minutes for the report. That is my way of insuring that I am getting paid more than minimum wage.
Does anybody know,which agencies need mystery shoppers for Europe,former republics of Yugoslavia? I currently work for Bare International and they are the best.They are looking for mystery shoppers all over the world.
Althought the price of gas was down last week, I really think about the travel distance including know traffic hold ups, like current construction. Both the travel time and fuel cost can be key in determining the value of the shop.I do try to schedul shops that I can do along my route for the day. sometimes I schedule restaurant shops just because I will need a meal then.
I’ve been mystery shopping for over a year. I work full time, and the “shops” are for a little extra cash on the side. My favorite groove, so far, are restaurants. It gives me a chance to have a “date” with my husband, and with very little work while we are enjoying our dinner. Recently we had dinner and drinks at a high-end restaurant which reimbursed us for $160.00. I have also been reimbursed for $80 meals several times. Filing the reports for restaurants may take 45 minutes, but are well worth the time. I have spent 45 minutes filing reports for other shops that may pay $5-8.00. Those are NOT worth the time, and I simply don’t do them again. I also enjoy banks – they pay pretty well.
The best advice I can give after three years of full time shopping is do what you like and act like a business…watch the net cost on all jobs(fees divided by time) and keep COPIOUS financial records…. Make friends with the schedulers and thank them for the business they have given you…Michaelbu@aol.com
would love to do a retaurant shop