You aren't likely to become a millionaire by being a mystery shopper but it is a good option for students or mom's as it can be done part-time and you can take the kids along.
You will earn between a range of about $5 for a supermarket or fast-food evaluation to $100 for a complex, time-consuming trip to the bank to open a new account or evaluating service standards at the airport ticket check-in counter.
Most mystery shopper jobs pay in the $20 to $40 range. You will also get the additional benefit of coupons for free dinners or movies. There are companies that don't pay cash but offer coupons, free products or services or gift certificates.
What Skills are Needed?
A mystery shopper needs to be detail oriented and have a good memory since you will only be able to make notes afterwards. During the 'shopping trip' you are required to act like any normal consumer and can't bring any undue attention towards yourself. You will also need good record-keeping skills so you can keep track of the expenses you incur on your trips for example gas and mileage. You will need a driver's license in most cases and if you 'shop' online you will need to be conputer literate.
What Equipment is Required?
You will need a car to get to and from your assigned stores and a computer if you are going to be an online mystery shopper. It is preferable to have a fax machine or e-mail/fax service.
Start-Up Costs
You are responsible for the costs incurred for each mystery shopping assignment. This could be the price of a meal, tickets to a movie or groceries at the supermarket. You will bill the mystery shopping company for the expenses when you submit your evaluation form and they will reimburse you.
Mystery shoppers work as independent contractors so you can write off any non-reimbursable expenditure on your tax form.
How to Sign Up
Register your particulars with several mystery shopping companies. This helps to get as many jobs as possible on a regular basis.
You can become a mystery shopper today. It's just so simple to sign up and start making money. The hours are flexible, you can take the kids along and you get some pretty decent perks too. Why not earn a little extra cash for those extras your family loves but can't afford? Become a mystery shopper today and start earning those dollars!
