Becoming A Mystery Shopper

You may honestly feel as though you are a shop-a-holic and think that Mystery Shopping would be great for you.  And, I am here to tell you, it likely is.  Even for the person that finds themselves in the store constantly wanting to spend money or purchase something new, Mystery Shopping has a way of settling this.

I got involved with Mystery Shopping because of my love for shopping.  I would spend nearly every weekend at the stores and have a grand time.  One thing that I noticed when I began Mystery Shopping is a new “fun” arose.  I was shopping, receiving merchandise and getting paid, and suddenly it was a profession.

Obviously, if you can’t control your spending once you are in the store, then it may not be the wisest  career choice.  However, it can settle those urges and it can be as satisfying as spending countless hours with only a bill to pay.  Bottom line, gives it a shot, but start out slow.  Pace yourself and take a few shop in one day…bring a friend with you and make sure before you go into the store, you have prepped yourself for the assignment.  You will be shopping for one or more specific item so get in the mood.  This will become as great as an adventure as shopping the mall on your spare time.

Part of being a young mom these days is staying at home.  Most families are finding it so expensive- not to mention that it is difficult to find someone that you trust with the kids.

Many moms with young children are finding Mystery Shopping attractive.  There are many shops that moms can evaluate with their children.  In fact, many require that you bring a child with you.  For those moms interested, it is a great pastime for you and your young children.  There is something fun about shopping with the kids and letting them pick something out or giving them an allowance to spend- which is exactly what you can do when Mystery Shopping.   The store gives you an allowance and you can enjoy it with your children.

One of a child’ favorite pastimes are eating at the fast food restaurants such as McDonald’s.  Mystery Shopping Companies are full of these shops.  You could literally take your child to lunch nearly every day.  For a child, that is a pretty special day.

Anyone with young kids, DON’T put mystery shopping on the back burner….it is a great opportunity for you and your family.

Although most of us are not blessed with a boyfriend that loves to shop, many men do enjoy shopping, and for those that do, mystery shopping is just as advantageous.  Even for the men that don’t like to shop, but love the auto parts store or the tools department in Sears, or perhaps a night out on the town or maybe the florist shop for flowers for their girlfriend, it is the perfect solution.

For men there are many secret shops that particularly attract them.  Obviously, many men think with their stomachs and food assignments will be particularly attractive.  However, there are the auto parts stores, the hardware stores, and shops such as Jiffy Lube where they can have their oil changed.  There are also cellular shops which many men find attractive.  And, when it comes down to it, men just may find that they enjoy mystery shopping for a new sweater or shirt just as appealing as woman.

For those men that are looking to get involved, run through the list of mystery shopping blogs.  Listen to your daily newsletter, all the tips that are there and follow them.  The advice is the same.  Sign up…read….study…get organized and apply for shops.  Men are just as capable as women and they can get to the top just as quickly.

It is a great way to supplement income and earn a few nice perks for yourself.  Enjoy!

Mystery Shopping Opportunity for Men

A Few Simple Tips for the Beginning Mystery Shopper So, you’ve signed up with the mystery shopping companies, have begun to receive emails, assigned yourself your first shop to perform and are nervous as can be. The main thing is to take a deep breath and relax.

Mystery shopping was created to be fun! Don’t get me wrong, it is a job that should be taken professionally, but it shouldn’t be a chore. If you are getting feelings of anxiety, and they continue after you have performed….say ten stores or more shops, then maybe you weren’t cut out for mystery shopping.

 A few simple tips for when you first begin: Make copies of your assignment. Not only make copies, study those copies before you begin the assignment.

It is a smart idea to take the assignment requirements and guidelines with you in your car and read them over for the last time once you enter the store. Also, have a pad of paper and a pen for when you return to your car to quickly jot down all details of the shop- you may think you will remember, but believe me, they can easily slip your mind.

Once you are in the store, RELAX. This is just another shopping experience, but this time you are evaluating the store and your service. Dress so you fit in. And, don’t be overly noticeable. Be carefree with a detailed eye. You will most likely be interacting with sales associates. If the guidelines require that you visit the bathroom than make sure to visit the bathroom.

It is a good rule of thumb to start the evaluation process as soon as you open the door to the store by placing your hand on the door and immediately noticing if there are finger prints. Once you are done, then go to your car and jot down all your notes of the store. Stop at the UPS Store or other fax store on the way home if you do not have a fax machine and send in your receipt.

With a little bit of organization, you can be a PRO in no time, and the companies WILL TAKE NOTICE!!!

The money and the shopping allowances definitely make becoming a mystery shopper worthwhile.  But what about all those fun mystery shops you hear about like the airlines, cruises and amusement parks?  Well, guess what…they are there and they are not AT ALL difficult to get into!  Yeap!  They are just like any other shop that you sign up for. However, most of these mystery shopping companies require that you request the shop and then from the number of shoppers that respond, they make their decision.  Obviously, when you are new to the mystery shopper company, if you are Gold or Silver MSPA certified it will place you in a better position to land the assignment.  Mystery shopping is competitive and you need to take all the necessary steps to position yourself in the BEST possible position.

So, enough said…anxious to get to the shops?

Amusement Advantage: This is an excellent mystery shopper assignment for all the fun amusement parks.  This doesn’t just include the little five and dime miniature golf sites, it includes the biggies, like Lego Land and more.  It also offers shoppers the opportunity to evaluate hotels- which is a great assignment!  Simply sign up to the site and start applying….remember, if you are certified you will have the advantage.

SQM- Sensors Quality Management Inc. This is a wonderful site.  Not only does this site allow you the opportunity to work up the ladder, the top of the ladder is HUGE assignments, like train rides, airfares, and more.  Once can evaluate everything from fast food to hotels to trains from state to state.  It is a wonderful site to be involved with and one that not many mystery shoppers are aware of.

Coyle Hospitality Group: This mystery shopper company completes hotel assignments, restaurants, cruises- yes, cruises, and spas.  You definitely want to go into this company certified.

Bare International: Bare International has many airport shops that are fun to get involved with.  If you are planning a vacation, this is a good way to earn a few extra dollars, have a cocktail, purchase a book and eat a meal.  It is great fun!

Do your research and get involved with as many of the mystery shopping companies as possible.