Who Mystery Shops?

[ADisneygirl]

I recently signed up to be a mystery shopper and after being approved they have a website you must visit to see what jobs are available to you. I am great with details and paperwork, and thought this sounded kind of fun and might be a little rewarding ($), but the job list I get shows jobs 40-50 miles from my home. There were at least 30 jobs, but all so far away. They claim that the mile span distance from your home is 50 miles in each direction because many people commute everyday and would be passing these areas anyhow. But let me tell you it is certainly not worth my time and effort to drive 40-50 miles and do paperwork to earn $10. I thought they would be local jobs.

 

[JoiseyMom]

I recently signed up to be a mystery shopper and after being approved they have a website you must visit to see what jobs are available to you. I am great with details and paperwork, and thought this sounded kind of fun and might be a little rewarding ($), but the job list I get shows jobs 40-50 miles from my home. There were at least 30 jobs, but all so far away. They claim that the mile span distance from your home is 50 miles in each direction because many people commute everyday and would be passing these areas anyhow. But let me tell you it is certainly not worth my time and effort to drive 40-50 miles and do paperwork to earn $10. I thought they would be local jobs.

The jobs that were closer to your house could have very well been taken by other shoppers. This company could also only deal with the companies that are that far from your house. Realize, there are 100's of Mystery Shopping Companies. If you really want to make a go at it, you will need to sign up with as many companies as possible, check most of them on a daily basis, and you will find the ones that have jobs closer to your house. I only shop within 20 miles of my house. Sometimes I get the shops, and other times someone else in my area beats me too it. You get to know when which companies post. It takes a while to get a feel for it. It does take lots of computer time. Good Luck!!

 

[disnutt]

I used to mystery shop but found the reports too time consuming for the money paid. So I signed on to do merchandising. Now I'm doing things like going in and looking for serial numbers on vending machines. It pays the same (approximately $12/visit) but it's much easier. I travel throughout CT for my fulltime job so I just plot in these visits around my REAL route. I'm in and out usually in 15 min (assuming I can get the right person) and the reports are SO much easier! I don't get 'free' food/products but I also don't have to eat somewhere I really didn't want to eat in the first place.

 

[elvis loves disney]

Hi lemondog,
Would you mind PMing me the info? I live in Orlando and am sure I could find lots of places to do this for. Thanks so much!

 

[SueEllen]

I have been mystery shopping for about 8 or 9 years. You definitely don't make much money doing it, but NEVER EVER pay someone for leads or information.

The websites listed earlier are a great place to start to find some of the companies that employ mystery shoppers. Keep in mind you are an independant contractor, and as such if you make over $600 a year you will get a 1099 for your taxes. Funny thing is that I have never managed to make that much with one company in a year

Most shops either pay a minimal fee $5-15 or they offer only reimbursement for a meal or such. You definitely will not make much money doing mystery shopping, especially when you factor in your gas, time, etc.

It is enjoyable from time to time though.

Sue Ellen

 

[2angelsinheaven]

Can you PM your companies?