Is anyone a mystery shopper?

[PRINCESS VIJA]

I just received an email from the university human resources about this. I am interested but have questions.

Is it worth the $$?

Does it really work, or is it a ploy to get you into certain businesses just to spend your own money?

 

[ellenec]

Yes, I was a mystery shopper recently. I shopped at the Gap and then had to fill out a short questionaire form. I received a fifty dollar gift card for doing it!! I would gladly do it again.

 

[Molly Meow]

http://www.shopncheck.com - I do mystery shopping for them, and they are great! Sometimes you have to spend your own money, but they always reimburse you. A lot of the times, they'll just pay you a fee and not require you to buy something. Sometimes, they'll combine the two methods.

You won't get rich doing this, but I've found this to be great "found" income - I put it all into my Disney fund! Plus, it's really fun to do!

HTH

Forgot to add - NEVER pay any mystery shopping service money to sign up. Being reimbursed for purchases is ok, but just don't pay anything to register.

 

[JoiseyMom]

For all your mystery shopping questions go to www.volition.com and check out their message boards. You can also go to www.mysteryshop.org. Both of these sites will give you FREE information about mystery shopping, that other unethical companies will charge you for.

As a side note, mystery shopping is work. You need to keep track of lots of observations, and names and descriptions, and timings and be able to write about it.

 

[Lucky4me]

I signed up, but they keep asking me to go to restaurants 60 miles away!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I have been doing this for a few years and while it is not an income generating occupation it is nice for retired couples. We basically eat out for free and get to try places that we might not have otherwise thought of and if they are awful we are not out any money. LOL

Do not sign up with anyone who requires you to pay money though.

SG

 

[lc1965]

for a NYC based company. it was interesting, but i stopped after only a few reviews because i was expected to get a 13pp report in within 36 hrs but might not get reimbursed for 2 months. it was supposed to be 3 wks. i don't mind waiting until my credit card bill is due, even if that's 5 weeks, but when i have to pay a $183 bill & not get reimbursed until AFTER my credit card payment is due & have to REMIND them ... well, that was where i drew the line. if anyone is interested in which company because you're interestedin working for a nyc-based company & are checking them out, please pm me. i don't want to be accused of spreading hate info about any company. others might have had a good experience w/ them.

 

[suz72]

I've always thought it would be fun to do mystery shopping. I've checked out the websites mentioned in this thread. Does anyone have any further good advice for newbie mystery shoppers. What kinds of shopping assignments to take, etc.

Thanks,
Susan

 

[beebumble]

I'm not the kind of mystery shopper you are referring to!!
However my hubby says Its a mystery to him WHY I LIKE SHOPPING SO MUCH!!!!