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A mystery shopper visits or calls businesses posing as an ordinary customer. They evaluate the service based on their experience through a report or questionnaire. It is used in many industries such as gas stations, banks, restaurants, retail, etc..
I myself used to dabble in mystery shopping, years back, when I worked part time. I wasn't too involved with it, as I am now. Now I hunt out all companies that are looking for shoppers, sign up, and eagerly await another job. A few good shops have included companies that have paid me bonuses to travel out of town, usually only an hour away. They need a shop done, had no one else, and paid top dollar to have it done.
As well as the shops I do in town, on occasion when we are traveling, I contact companies I work for to see if there are any jobs along the route we are taking, that I can do.There usually is. At times we have gas paid for, meals, etc. The only downside I find is having to pay up front for any expenses, originally, out of pocket. Reimbursement is usually 2-4 weeks later.
You will want to do an online search for mystery shopping or secret shopping. Remember to never pay any money to join. There are some companies out there that charge you for a list of mystery shopping companies looking for help, but you can search for these quite easily on your own. You can also check community forums on online coupon, refunding sites, work at home sites, etc., that you may belong to, as mystery shopping is often a popular topic, and others can refer you to companies they work for.
So, if your looking for something to do in your spare time, or to make a little extra $$ on the side, mystery shopping may just be for you.
By Monique
Editor's Note: Have you had any experience with mystery shopping? Post your advice here!
About The Author: Making less... go farther. Stretching the One Income Dollar
www.oneincomedollar.com
By
10/19/2009
Yes! Listen to Deeli, there are tons of scams out there, saying they if you pay a fee that they will give you a list if stores needing mystery shoppers, etc. The scams are endless. They are taking advantage of the many that are desperate & poor these days. Please use care!
By
10/15/2009
Caution! Do not apply for a secret shopper position online unless you've already spoken to the local store(s), and are applying at their own website that you might be interested in mystery shopping for, because there are so many online scams now.
Think about it, do you even have the gas and cash up front to purchase the shopping items without a guarantee of reimbursement? Not unless you are an 'actual company employee'! Physically visit the stores you would like to work for and ask how to apply for this position through them whether on paper or online.
You can be hired for this position for more than one store because it's not a full time position so don't be disheartened because it is worth trying for if you're interested in doing it :-)
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