Fashion Week continues at The Frugalista Files and up next on our virtual runway is "mystery shopping." I am a frugal capitalist, cutting expenses while looking for ways to earn an extra buck. During this holiday season, some of us may be cash strapped, so mystery shopping is a way to earn some extra loot. Businesses want to make sure that they are offering great customer service, so they hire regular people to shop in their establishments and give an honest critique.
Here is some information about mystery shopping from Market Force Information, a company that’s big in the mystery shopper field:
* What exactly is mystery shopping?
o Mystery shopping is the practice of using experienced independent contractors to anonymously evaluate customer service, operations, merchandising, product quality and other elements of the consumer’s in-store experience.
o Mystery shoppers are objective and provide a snapshot of the consumer experience, using facts rather than opinions when evaluating service. The shoppers follow a questionnaire with criteria developed by the mystery shopping provider and the client.
* If someone wants to become a mystery shopper, what’s the process — and what specifically are the key criteria?
o Sign-up on-line – www.marketforce.com or go to www.mysteryshop.org for list of reputable firms.
o Men and women of all ages and all backgrounds are mystery shoppers
o Key criteria include:
+ Integrity and reliability
+ Attention to detail
+ Exceptional recall of observations
+ Good follow-through on commitments
+ Strong writing skills
+ Basic computer knowledge is also needed
* This is an industry filled with scams – how can they be avoided?
o Bottom-line…good common sense prevails: if it’s too good to be true, then it’s probably not true….
+ NEVER pay to be a shopper — Mystery shopping companies will not charge you to complete an application.
+ Only out-of-pocket cash outlays or small purchases associated with the shop (e.g. buying a burger) are reimbursed.
+ Although some shopper fees can be higher (e.g. banking shops, higher-end dining, etc.), the typical shopper fee is $10-20 per shop…be cautious of larger amounts.
+ Be wary of unsolicited requests to become a mystery shopper sent through the mail or via e-mail.
+ Avoid companies that require shoppers to be certified – it generally involves a fee which is bad.
+ Avoid the promise of keeping expensive merchandise.
+ Avoid the guarantee of getting jobs — although there are lots of projects, there are no guarantees.
+ Be wary of the promise it will only take a few minutes.
* What industries use it the most?
o Multi-location consumer-focused businesses including:
+ Retail
+ Restaurant and Hospitality
+ Drug and Grocery
+ Convenience Store and Petroleum
+ Banking and Finance
+ Entertainment
+ Consumer Packaged Goods
Are you working an extra job this holiday? Are you out of work and need a job? Have your worked as a mystery shopper? How was the secret shopping experience?
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I have always wanted to be a mystery shopper, but I never seem to have the time. I plan on doing it one day though. I love this post…earning money while shopping- does it get any better? I think NOT.
I’ve signed up with about two companies, but they both required a membership fee. I have yet to come across one that does not require you to pay an upfront fee.
My wife & I have done Mystery Shopping for the last 5 years. They have ranged from simple (going to a gas station and taking 5 pictures of it for $10) to detailed (going to bowling alley, dining there first, ordering specific items and then bowling afterwards). Usually you get money from $10-$25, sometimes with the dinner ones you get your meal for free and no additional money or there is an allowance meaning you get to keep whatever is leftover. But with the eating ones, you usually have to type up and submit a report for the next day (24 hours) with all kinds of details including names, times (such as how long until someone greeted you, how long until appetizer arrived, how long until main meal arrived, etc.) and other info. So you do have to pay attention during it. Dining at restaurants in hotels is a pretty common one that we’ve done probably 5-10 times. Just recently I did one for a vitamin store where you had to ask 3 specific questions about different products there and also purchase at least 1 item. I got reimbursed $25 after successfully filling out the online survey for it. The most important thing is that you have to be able to pay attention to detail and remember all the details for later when you write up the reports.
PJD: It’s getting paid to be fabulous!
Laughing: Try the website on this link. DO NO PAY for work!
JW: Mystery shopping sounds like serious work. Clearly, it’s worth it if you have done it for five years. Thanks for the informative post.