Discover the Exciting World of Mystery Shopping - Tips and Reviews Inside!

[PampMomof3]

Hey! My hubby was reading the paper today and saw something on becoming a mystery shopper. He thinks that I am a pro at shopping o I mean, what woman isn't? ) and wanted me to call. Well I did and was wondering if any of you have tried doing this and what your experience was like?

 

[BethCooks4U]

I would love to do that!

 

[ange13]

I signed up to do that. The only thing that is ever offered in my area is cell phone shopping. Not something I enjoy doing. and you only get like $10, not worth the hour you need to spend in the store, then all the paperwork you need to fill out answering all these questions.

there is a site out there where you can pay to get stores that are supposed to be better, but I have a hard time paying to get "jobs". there is also a site that you can do something like classes to improve your chances at getting better shops. I don't know--it all sounded really fishy to me, and no guarantees.

good luck if you do it.

 

[gilliandanielle]

I have heard that most of these are scams, so be careful! You sign up to shop and all they give you is info on getting other people to "shop". Here we have an actual business that hires people and nothing is done over the net. Please be careful and NEVER pay to get a job!!

 

[dannyzmom]

I have been doin git on & off for years....love it - easy $$!!!

 

[PampMomof3]

Hey Carolyn, who did you sign up with? I ended up signing today and went wtih ProSHoppersonline.com.

My DH hires them for his job so he knows that they are legit.

 

[strasfamily]

I did quite a bit of mystery shopping last year. It is fun but time consuming for the amount of pay you get. Never pay a company to get jobs. If you want a source of great information go to www.volition.com

From there you can get a list of well over 100 companies to sign up for free.

 

[jdavis]

I am not even sure how I came about starting this, but I have been doing it for a few years now off and on. I do merchandising also. My best one would have to have been taking photos of 2 gas stations in the next town of a list of things and filling out the questionairre and I made $75 for it, it was not a mystery shop but an audit so the managers and all knew I was there.

OOps, forgot to add, I have NEVER paid to get a job. I did sign up with one company and they have where you can get like a weeks free service or something like that, but I just went on their website once and looked at the opportunities and done for myself, you can post your abilities and why you want to do it and the companies look at your profile and pick for themselves, but usually the 'gold members' get first dibs, but in my area there isn't much so I usually get some leads. I used volition also and a few other websites that ranked mystery shopping websites and signed up for a bunch of them and so I do get opportunites even in this small area.

 

[DZmom]

I am a current mystery shopper and I live in a rural area so it's not very profitable for me.

 

[PampMomof3]

Donna, why is that? Is it because there are others in the area or theres just not enough jobs?

 

[jdavis]

I usually take jobs that are out of town since I live in such a rural area, but I figure if I am going there anyway I might as well be making money while I am there, while going to visit family and go shopping on my own and all.

 

[gilliandanielle]

Wow! I am surprised how many people have had success with this! I thought it was all a scam...

 

[jdavis]

I have also filled out TONS of surveys trying to make spare money, I figure while I am online I might as well be using my time wisely, haven't done many of them lately, too busy with other things, but there are some you can earn points or money for each one and others that you get your name into a drawing for each one.

 

[DZmom]

Donna, why is that? Is it because there are others in the area or theres just not enough jobs?

There just isn't enough jobs. I do a search whenever I go to Lexington or Ashland, though. Like a previous post said I might as well make some cash while I'm there.

 

[jdavis]

Have you tried different companies Donna?

 

[DZmom]

OMG yes! When I signed up I think I signed up with like 15 different companies.

 

[jdavis]

I used to have a list I had typed up of all my mystery shopping sites that I had signed up for and the survey sites that I had sent to a couple family members that were living in other states, but I can't seem to find it now, I must not have saved it to transfer to this computer, duh. I don't think they ever even tried it, I know a couple other family members that should do it, but they need to get a computer and get online, they are still living in the stone ages, you know using the phone, lmbo, j/k. Anyway, so if anyone does want some of them I would try to round them up again.

 

[ChefJesssica]

I did this for a while a few years ago. I quit when we went down to one car. Go to volition.com. They have TONS of companies and you don't pay a dime. The scams are the advertisements asking you to pay for a list of companies. The companies are free to sign up. Its very easy and great if you live in a big city. I still occasionally get a call asking if I am willing to do some randowm job. The only down fall is that some companies do not want you to bring your kids. I always did, but it can get distracting. Some companies ask many detailed questions and require you to use a stopwatch. Its not really worth your time if the pay isn't very high and you have to drive far. You should check out volition.com, check to see if there are any jobs in your area, and give it a shot.

 

[Grey]

I've been a mystery shopping scheduler for over 6 years. DON'T EVER PAY TO BECOME A MYSTERY SHOPPER. They should be paying you.Also, it's important to remember that for every retail store or restaurant that has their establishment shopped, there is a market research company that is in charge of their shopping program. A lot of people think that one general company would handle all mystery shopping, but that is not how it works. So, you need to sign up with as many companies as you can to get the most amount of shop offers.

 

[AJPratt]

I did it for Certified Reports http://www.certifiedreports.com for years.They are legit. There are some regular assignments you can do. The movie ones are the best! You go, buy popcorn, watch the movie, then you get reimbursed and paid like $5. Cool! Its not a lot of money, and you have to be specific with the forms. You don't awlays get a warm welcome when you go in as a merchaniser.

 

[jdavis]

I've been a mystery shopping scheduler for over 6 years. DON'T EVER PAY TO BECOME A MYSTERY SHOPPER. They should be paying you.

Also, it's important to remember that for every retail store or restaurant that has their establishment shopped, there is a market research company that is in charge of their shopping program. A lot of people think that one general company would handle all mystery shopping, but that is not how it works. So, you need to sign up with as many companies as you can to get the most amount of shop offers.

AH, so I know you (well not really, but I am on at least one of your message boards). I think I have also recieved emails from you, the name sounded familiar.

 

[Jennie4PC]

Jennifer,
I have always thought about doing online surverys if you can find who you did themn through let me know since I am on the internet alot also.
Thanks

 

[jdavis]

Ok, I will start gathering them up, it's almost dinner time right now, waiting for rolls and potatoes to be finished and have my parents over for dinner, so I should have time to do it in the morning.

 

[Grey]

AH, so I know you (well not really, but I am on at least one of your message boards). I think I have also recieved emails from you, the name sounded familiar.

Yep, that's me! I still schedule, but that keeps me IN the house. I joined PC so I would have a reason to LEAVE the house!

 

[jrstephens]

Jennifer,
I have always thought about doing online surveys if you can find who you did themn through let me know since I am on the internet alot also.
Thanks

I do surveys on www.erewards.com They give you points and then you can redeem them for a list of prices. I usually do the Hilton Honors points - I know eventually I will get a free night at a hotel which would be great for a little get-a-way with the family. You can get things like free Blockbuster Rentals ( I would do those but there is not one in my area) and discounts at different stores.

I would love mystery shopper info!