mystery or secret shoppers ?

[Dznypal]

Ive always wanted to try this--sounds like it could be a nice way of earning extra vacation money

but how does one go about finding a good company to work with and exactly how does this work?

Do they pay you back for going to the restrauants or whatever they want you do buy

I live in the Milwaukee Wi area so if anyone has any advice for this area

It would be greatly appreciated

thanks all

 

[kymom99]

I was sent an email months ago to do a secret shop at the Nissan dealership where I get my car serviced. I filled out the email and had just about forgotten about it when I got a call. I had to make an appointment to have my car serviced, take it in, and fill out a questionnaire after. I am supposed to get $40, and I do not get reimbursed for the service costs. It has been about a month since I did the shop and I got an email saying my evaluation was very good, but I have not been paid yet. I had to set up a paypal account, as that is the only way they pay. It was certainly not easy, I will tell you that. The other shops that have been offered don't pay nearly as well either. If you have lots of time, you may be able to make it worth your while, otherwise I wouldn't suggest it.

 

[bookluvingbabe]

I've shopped on and off since the late 90s.

Volition is a terrific message board/resource for the beginner.

I think the best company to start out with is Market Force.

They are huge--they have shops everywhere. They have Fast Food, Casual Dining, Grocery stores, cell phones, banks, etc...

Their guidelines are clear and they give you a good sense of what shopping is really like. (It isn't all free stuff and big money...You usually have to order a specific food and the pay can range from $0 to $10 until you get some experience.) They pay via check or direct deposit.

If you like shopping, you can expand from there. Nearly everyone and everything gets mystery shopped.

 

[kymom99]

I thought this was kinda funny. McDonalds was looking for shoppers. They require that you pass a test to do their shops. I tried it and failed (with a 90%)! I could have taken it again, but it took a long time to go through the information and take the test. It also paid very little. So I guess I am not smart enough to be a McDonald's shopper, but I have a Rank I in education!

 

[leahjade]

I did mystery shopping for years but in my opinion, it's not really a way to earn vacation money. They reimburse me for my meals but it's not like a paycheck for a part-time job. If you consider it a fun hobby fine but it's not really like a job in my eyes.

 

[Traveliz]

I did mystery shopping for years but in my opinion, it's not really a way to earn vacation money. They reimburse me for my meals but it's not like a paycheck for a part-time job. If you consider it a fun hobby fine but it's not really like a job in my eyes.

It can be however depending on your level of involvement. I, along with a number of others, make a fair amount...like well more than a paycheck for a part-time job. It does take time to apply to all of the companies, figure out who has the shops you want and find your niche. I love it...have been doing it since the 90s and it has tided us through two job losses of my husbands (which would be considered "real" jobs) yet mine was the one that got us through the rough times.

Lots of cool perks too if you get in with the right companies and figure out what it is you want to do with mystery shopping. I haven't paid much for Christmas at all for years as I "shop" my gifts all year round.

Liz

 

[bookluvingbabe]

It can be however depending on your level of involvement. I, along with a number of others, make a fair amount...like well more than a paycheck for a part-time job. It does take time to apply to all of the companies, figure out who has the shops you want and find your niche. I love it...have been doing it since the 90s and it has tided us through two job losses of my husbands (which would be considered "real" jobs) yet mine was the one that got us through the rough times.

Lots of cool perks too if you get in with the right companies and figure out what it is you want to do with mystery shopping. I haven't paid much for Christmas at all for years as I "shop" my gifts all year round.

Liz

I agree.

I did it as a fun hobby and then when my husband was out of work for six months I ramped it up, on top of my full time job. It kept us in groceries and other essentials. He's been back at work 2.5 years but I'm still shopping. I bring in enough extra to pay for very nice vacations (or a new A/C...) But I'm up late at night most nights entering reports. I still mostly enjoy it and could stop but I like the perks. Next week DS and I are shopping the local fro-yo place. It only pays $5 plus reimbursement but he gets a kick out of being on the "job" with me.