being a "secret shopper"...what can you tell me??

[chip1]

...I've heard about this before, but I see a link on CTTM where you can sign up to be a secret shopper. What can you tell me about it?

Thanks

 

[Luvdancink]

That would be fun.

~Kristy

 

[chip1]

Doesn't anyone have any iformation on this??

I am really curious..............thank you!!!!!!!!!

 

[kfeuer]

I've done mystery shopping for a few years now. I mostly do restaurant shops because they're fun and I like to eat out. Most retail jobs don't pay that much ($10-$20) and by the time I've driven there and filled out the report it's not worth my time (especially with gas prices being what they are). One tip--never, ever pay anyone for mystery shopping info. It is available for free all over the Internet. Here's one of the best sites for mystery shopping info:

http://www.volition.com/mystery.html

Another tip--if you're serious about it, sign up with as many companies as you can. As you sign up, write down the site name and your user code/password. A lot of these companies have similar sounding names, and it's easy to forget who you signed up with. It can be slow going at first, but once you establish yourself as a reliable shopper you will get more offers.

 

[chip1]

Thanks--just the information I needed. I was ready to pay $29.95 for list you gave me a link to. I think this sounds interesting and fun (I LOVE to eat out, too!) I have a feeling it can take time to get your feet wet, but I am willing to give it a try!

Thanks again!!

 

[chip1]

How does it work when you go to a restaurant? Are you allowed to bring a guest or do you have to dine alone? Do they pay for your meal? Are you given a limit? How long is the form you have to fill out? If you are comfortable saying, how much do you get paid for a restaurant visit?

Thanks again.

 

[kfeuer]

Originally posted by chip1
How does it work when you go to a restaurant? Are you allowed to bring a guest or do you have to dine alone? Do they pay for your meal? Are you given a limit? How long is the form you have to fill out? If you are comfortable saying, how much do you get paid for a restaurant visit?

Thanks again.

Usually they require you to bring a guest, and they like for you to order different things. Some don't mind kids coming along, some do (that usually has to do with the type of restaurant it is). Usually you have to pay for your meal upfront and then they reimburse you (the free meal is your "payment" for the assignment-rarely will they pay anything in addition to that). I did have one shop where they gave me vouchers that I presented in lieu of payment. I never liked that arrangement though, because then they knew I was a mystery shopper. Sometimes they give you a limit, sometimes they don't. They will tell you what you have to order (i.e. an appetizer, main course, dessert, etc.). The length of the forms you have to fill out varies. For an average meal, I might spend 30 minutes on the form. However, a couple of different times I had an assignment for upscale restaurants where the form took 2 hours. However, considering we ran up a $100 tab it was well worth it! Those kinds of assignments are few and far between, sadly. Haven't had any that good since 9/11 To be honest though, I'm now 9 months pregnant with my second child and I've slowed way down on mystery shopping for now. I hope to pick it back up after the baby gets here and we settle into some sort of routine...