Posted by Michelle/AL on 2/20/08 7:48pm
Msg #236312

More Mystery Shopping

I'm supposed to be doing something else but I don't feel like it so I'm posting an update on my life as a Mystery Shopper.

First, if you're thinking about getting into this business, I'd suggest you go to Volition.com. It's a forum for shoppers. It's their version of NotaryRotary. You will find a page that lists hundreds of companies that need shoppers. You simply go to the website listed and sign up the same way we used to do for Signing Companies. You can network with other shoppers and learn about the business. It's funny, some of the posts sound identical to the comments posted on this site (e.g., too much work for so little money).

Second, I took online training and became Silver certified (MSPA). I think it cost me less than $10. I immediately saw a difference in the assignments I was given. Before I was sent to fast food restaurants. Now, I'm getting shops for department stores and nicer restaurants that pay more. Some assignments require that you have a college degree, and/or be Gold certified.

After two months of "shopping" here are my thoughts:

1. As someone mentioned in December on this site, there is a lot of paperwork involved. For those of you who've done Inspection work for Safeguard. Submitting inspection work online is a cinch compared to some of these shops. I timed myself once and it took 20-30 minutes just to complete the online form and fax/scan receipts and forms. So...when you do the math (travel to the store, time in the store, submitting paperwork, minus the pay) it does not always come out in the positive.

2. The information being requested can be extremely detailed. We are not talking about yes/no answers. Here's one: Q. Were the servers in uniform? A. Yes. Then you have to explain what you mean by that and describe what the servers wore (shoes, pants, hats, name tag, colors). But that's better than the ones that want you to write a "narrative" about your shop. Yep...a "he said/she said" account of your visit to the store. The trick is...you're "undercover". My 40+ year old brain finds it difficult to store all that information without writing it down somewhere.

3. Just like those of us who have connections with the higher paying Title Companies, there are shoppers who have connections with higher paying Shopping Companies. The trick is to find those companies and enjoy.

4. I'm now registered with over 20 different companies (remember there are hundreds of these places). Everyday I am being asked to conduct shops. I'm being more choosey about what I accept and what what I don't. It's great to get a free lunch.

5. There's this one fast food restaurant that I "shopped" on two different occasions. The manager found out that I was a shopper so now, whenever I go there (for personal reasons) he comes out to my car, sticks his head in through the driver's window, welcomes me to his restaurant and asks me if there's anything he can get me. I want to roll his head up in the window and scream at him "I'm just a flippin' customer like everyone else, leave me alone!!!!" I'm just afraid of going to jail.

Don't quit your day job to become a Mystery Shopper.

Reply by Laura Vestanen on 2/20/08 8:09pm
Msg #236315

Excellent and informative post, Michelle.

Reply by Teresa/FL on 2/20/08 8:17pm
Msg #236318

My experiences have been similar to yours,

except I don't think anyone has "found me out" and knows that I'm a mystery shopper.

I have been mystery shopping since last January and agree that it is not exactly easy money. The time involved does not make it a very lucrative line of work, but it can be worthwhile if the product or service you are shopping is one you need anyway.

Reply by Margaret_FL on 2/20/08 8:36pm
Msg #236321

Re: My experiences have been similar to yours,

I too have done this in the past and sometimes the money is also a long time coming like 60-90 days. My favorite assigment involved 3 Pawn Shops. They sent me 3 diamond rings to pawn, a tiny video camera that I consealed in a fanny pack and a button cam with microphone. I was paid $250 for the 3 shops. Then I was provided a fedex box to return the video equipment. It was my impression that they were looking to fire some employees and needed on tape.

Reply by ZeeCA on 2/20/08 8:42pm
Msg #236322

they have lowered their prices by a 1/3 (sound familair? ) but i just do the ones or restaurants i want to ck out........otherwise not worth it $ to time

Reply by Linda Juenger on 2/20/08 9:01pm
Msg #236324

I too mystery shopped for about a year. I mainly did gas stations. They were my favorite. It is a challenge to take "inside" pictures without them seeing you. I drove around and around the lot trying to get shots of pumps, price signs etc. I enjoyed it, but it was a lot of work for little money. I did get a lot of free gas though. I haven't done any shops for almost 2 years now and I don't miss it. They still call me once in a while and try and beg me to go do a few for them, but they won't give you any more money.

They are also not easy sometimes. One time I had to pull out of a drive thru. I felt so stupid and said to myself, this can't be that hard. I had to time the exact time I pulled on the lot, the exact time I pulled into the drive thru lane, the exact time I pulled to the speaker, exact time I was greeted, pulled around to pay, got my food, etc etc etc. They want this time in exact seconds. It's harder than you think, so quit laughing. lol Then you have to go inside and do the same thing. I too was a silver shopper, never went for the gold. I didnt' see the benefit.

Reply by ToniK on 2/21/08 1:49pm
Msg #236389

I mystery shop as well and I love it. I only do shops that pay over $30 for a qucik and easy report. At first report writing would take about an hour but now I can get a report done in 10 mins as I now know exactly what is expected. Im gearing up to do video shopping soon!