Many people love to shop. If you’re one of those people, why not get paid to do it. There are companies that will pay you to be a mystery shopper. The mystery shopping industry is a well-established sector worth nearly $2 billion annually. But the trick is to do it right so you can make the most money. We’ve found some ways to maximize your earnings with your mystery shopping gigs.
Mystery shopping, also known as secret shopping, is a market research technique used by businesses to evaluate the quality of their products, services, and customer experiences. Companies hire mystery shoppers to pose as regular customers and provide detailed feedback on their experiences. This feedback helps businesses identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions.
Mystery shopping can take many forms. It might involve in-person visits to retail stores, restaurants, hotels, and other establishments. Alternatively, it could include online evaluations of websites and customer service interactions. Mystery shoppers are typically asked to assess specific aspects of their experience, such as the cleanliness of the store, the friendliness of the staff, and the quality of the products or services. This valuable tool helps businesses enhance their customer service and overall performance.
Mystery shopping entails visiting a designated store or service as an ‘undercover customer’. You then report back on the experience. Mystery shoppers evaluate the store’s:
Mystery shopping assignments are based on a survey and guidelines provided to each shopper.
Most mystery shopping companies have the same criteria. They require you to be at least 18 and have a car. You’ll also need a computer or tablet with internet data. Mystery shopping jobs are a popular way for individuals to earn extra income while providing valuable feedback to businesses. Other requirements include:
Depending on the company, you’ll need to download free Adobe Reader or Acrobat software. A scanner is also a convenient item to have on hand so you can scan your receipts to get reimbursed.
Getting started as a mystery shopper is relatively straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:
By following these steps, you can start your journey as a mystery shopper and begin earning money while providing valuable feedback to businesses.
Finding legitimate mystery shopping opportunities can be challenging, but here are some tips to help you get started:
By following these tips, you can find legitimate mystery shopping opportunities and avoid scams, ensuring a positive and rewarding experience as a mystery shopper.
When you mystery shop for a company, you are not on the company’s payroll. Instead, you are an independent contractor. That means they don’t give you any benefits, and they don’t pay your taxes for you. You’re responsible for those.
You’re not going to get rich as a mystery shopper. But it will give you a little extra cash.
Generally, mystery shoppers are paid between eight and 25 dollars per outing and are usually reimbursed for any purchases.
Some projects you may be working on and paid for include visiting a gas station. You would evaluate its cleanliness and customer service. If it has a convenience store associated with it, you will also see if the attendant checks your identification when you buy a beer. The typical pay for that is seven or eight dollars.
You may also be asked to open a new bank account. That pay is $50. Eating a sandwich at a fast-food restaurant could earn up to $20. You could earn five dollars by shopping at an upscale furniture store (you’ll usually be reimbursed $30).
These are just some of the mystery shops you would be asked to do.
Most mystery shopper companies pay the middle of the following month after you have completed your job.
Just like any other job, you’ll need to prove yourself. You’ll get more jobs and make more money if you adhere to a certain decorum and work ethic. Mystery shopping firms play a crucial role in connecting mystery shoppers with assignments and ensuring the quality of the feedback provided. Here’s what you need to do to be a great mystery shopper.
You’ll need to be a skilled writer and a good communicator. Sound writing is the main activity since you’ll have to communicate your findings in a report. Communicate well with the company.
Mystery shopping businesses utilize this technique to obtain an unbiased evaluation of their service and operational performance from a customer's viewpoint.
Good communication ensures that everyone is on the same page and that there aren’t any scheduling conflicts.
Tasks that you should complete include:
Deadlines are important, and it’s imperative you meet them.
It’s important to pay attention to details and take good mental notes. You’ll need this information later when you write your report.
Place all your information in one place. You could create a folder in Google Drive or Dropbox for each mystery shop. It's easier if you use a spreadsheet or project management software to keep:
The best shoppers stay organized. If you do so, you’ll be more likely to be asked back for additional shopping.
You’re responsible for accurately reporting facts about your interaction with the business. It’s important to be honest.
The feedback you provide will be used to train the business's team employees. This can only happen by reporting the facts.
It’s up to you to report the good and the bad about your mystery shopping experience. This gives the company the opportunity to turn the negativity around.
You should perform your job to the best of your ability.
If you want to be a mystery shopper, there are several options. Some companies operate nationally, and others only operate in a single state. Here’s a list you can start with.
There are more mystery shopping companies, but there are also scammers. If a company asks you to pay to join or offers you a big chunk of money upfront, it’s a scam.
No legitimate company will do either one. They don’t ask for money, and they don’t pay upfront.
As a mystery shopper, you can do what you love best and get paid. You’ll need good observation skills and good organizational skills. Ensure that the company you’re looking for is legit when you’re looking for a job.
It is important to be aware of mystery shopping scams and to avoid any opportunities that require upfront fees or promise unrealistic compensation.
