Mystery shopping is the ideal job for many people, including retirees. With many jobs suited for retirees, but most require that you work a set number of hours each week and commit yourself to being available to work on a regular basis. As a retiree, however, you want the freedom and flexibility to work when you need or want to, rather than have someone else tell you when you must work. So mystery shopping is a wonderful opportunity for retirees to earn some extra cash while still enjoying their freedom from a regular commitment as a member of the workforce.
Mystery shopping may be suitable for retirees, but are retirees suited for mystery shopping? Many older mystery shoppers have been vocal in announcing their beliefs that there is age discrimination in the industry, which makes many retirees wary about entering into the mystery shopping world. So is there actually an age when you are simply too old to be a mystery shopper?
The Assignments. Mystery shopping assignments in general are geared towards anyone that is of age to be a consumer and old enough to work. So everyone from working age through very advanced years can find work as a mystery shopper. However, many assignments will specify that the mystery shopper must fit the business’s typical client profile, and this typically includes an age range. Some stores will target very young consumers, under 25 years old. Others will target middle aged consumers, and some will target retirement age individuals. It is common knowledge that younger and middle aged adults are the largest consumer base, and for this reason most stores and restaurants target their business towards them. This is also the reason why many mystery shopping assignments are geared toward or require a mystery shopper in a younger age range.
Opportunities for Retirees. While some assignments do specify that a mystery shopper must fall within a certain age range, many assignments do not specify an age range at all. These assignments, including those for grocery stores, movie theaters, gas stations, and more, are all well-suited for mystery shoppers of any age. These assignments are also very abundant in most areas, so typically you won’t have any trouble locating these types of assignments to work on.
Expand Your Horizons. While some assignments will specify an age range for the mystery shopper, this may not be a hard and fast rule. If you notice that a particular assignment has been sitting on the job boards for some time and you are interested in the assignment, it never hurts to ask the provider if you can have a shot at it. If the assignment is for a specialty store where older adults may not be the store’s target clientele, such as a toy store, a lingerie store, or another store of this nature, you may need to assume a role during your site visit. For instance, when you enter a lingerie store, you may have a story of buying a gift for your engaged daughter to wear on her wedding night. Be sure to run your story by your provider when you ask for the assignment.
While older adults may be restricted from working on some mystery shopping assignments, there are more than plenty of other assignments that are suitable for mystery shoppers of all ages. Be sure to pay attention to age requirements when you request an assignment, regardless of what your current age is.
I do not see why mystery shopping should be restricted for 60+ people. Actually they are the ones who would able to do certain shops as the younger generation are into their 8 to 5 jobs. I have found that it is quite difficult to recruit younger people as with their full-time jobs they are not able to perform mystery shops.(of course this is my opinion and this is with regards to where I live as well, which is Malta, Europe)
I am close to 60 and lost my job a year ago. I started mystery shopping in August and now I’m a full time mystery shopper. I skip the assignments that have an age range and keep looking for others that I would qualify for. I’ve had no problems my assignments are increasing everyday. I’m out mystery shopping during the day and submitting reports in the evening. I check the computer about 10 times a day. Just try to stop me! I’m on the go.
I am 69 and have been mystery shopping for 7 years and doing all right with it but more importantly I really enjoy it as it fits my background.
If you think you look too old to do it for your son/daughter don’t forget you have a grandson/granddaughter.
Just be a bit creative.
I am well over retirement age and I mystery shop at least three days a week. I have to buy groceries, so why not get paid to do it. I have to have my car serviced, so why not get it done for free. I love going to the zoo, museum, art exhibits, and professional football, hockey, and basketball games for free. My husband and I enjoy both fast food and elegant dining at least twice a week.
When we travel I look for restaurant, hotel, and casino shops in the states we will be visiting.
The time it takes for me to do the reports after a shop,I consider my quiet time alone. .
There are plenty of mystery shops for all age groups, you just have to be diligent and look for them.
Good Luck to everyone in their search for more mystery shops!
I am not yet 65. Quite a few times during the past ten years, I have been offered prices which are only available to those who are over 65. Most of the people who have offered me the senior citizen discounts are under 20. This can be distracting if I am mystery shopping That being said, I try to avoid age-related shops and rejoice in seeing certain shops which I am still too young for!
I am 77 years old and have been shopping for fifteen years. I find that I get the better paying jobs because I am of a more more mature age. I get the time share and the hotels all of the time and I shops insurance agents this time of year. These jobs pay from 25 to 60 dollars for a couple hours of my time.
I don’t think I will ever be to old for working. I like the
hospitality industry and food service so count me in as young but not to young to be a good Mystery Soppper…..
Best regards,
Bob Owen
No, I am only 59 but some jobs are not available to me, because I do not met the requirements for these jobs and some jobs I do not want. They take toooo long and pay tooo little.
I am not old age person in fact the word age is just number.
It is about the experience and the confidence that the person feels about themselves with any job they have or apply for.
Plus, the companies needs to make more like a full-time job with health benefits, too.
I am a VERY youthful 82 I am a commercial model..I do TV commercials and a lot of print work. They usually tell me I look too YOUNG…I LOVE mystery shopping…it is also “acting” I do shops that say 60 or younger..and get away with it easily..I go to Senior Homes and say I am interested in finding out about it for my mother…I say she is 82..and they always call me back over and over and ask when I will be coming in for lunch with my MOTHER..(who dies 10 years ago)..So yes..age is just a number..and I am very lucky to look much younger then my NUMBER…I do mystery shops every day…apts, banks, gas stations, car wash, grocery, lingerie…gifts, jewelry, shoes, sports shops,golf shops, cellular phones,language kiosk, children’s shops,home furnishing, paint stores, wallpaper, flooring, furniture rental, marine shops,computers and MORE ..I do not like fine dining shops…since you have to write so much..and you can easily get caught…as a shopper…when they see you jotting down notes….Stay young by staying active…..go for it….
i am a retiree and I have been doing mystery shopping for over a year now and I find it a lot of fun and so far age has not been a factor inany assignments i receive