How To Become A Mystery Shopper - Page 2

scottocs · 07-19-2008, 10:22 AM

I've bene trying to find a way to be one of these

At Publix's, that's one of the jobs you can be hired for.

Quillspirit · 10-23-2008, 02:35 AM

I am actually a Silver Certified shopper with the Mystery Shopping Providers Association - mysteryshop.org

Basically, they are the hub. From there, you need to register with as many of the scheduling companies as you can. (I think I am registered with about 70 of them at the moment). This will increase the odds of you finding shops you want to do in your area. There are probably about 2,500 of these out there. When registering, they usually want you to submit a writing sample.

I spent the $14.00 to get certified, because it gives me better priority to select and self-schedule the better shops, compared to the entry-level 'walk-in' applicants.All you do is take a fairly easy test. It shows the company that you know your shyte and are serious about the deadlines and requirements.
Most of the legit schedulers use a website script called SASSY, so registering is pretty uniform. Got Roboform? It helps.

If you are just getting into shopping, beware:

There are a TON of scams out there - Never pay for a list of scheduling companies. Everything you need can be found for free through the .org above.

If you don't like to write, this isn't the gig for you.

Shopping is NOT a get rich quick thing. Most shops pay $5-$25 each, to start with, and the shop itself may take an hour or three, with travel, plus the time it takes to write and submit your report.

Once you build a rapport with the scheduling company, and consistently submit quality, thorough reports... never "No-show" when you have committed yourself... then you will be given some of the more desirable assignments.

You will need the following minimum requirements;

A digital camera (+ a camera phone, if possible)
Printer, Scanner, Fax
Computer with preferable broadband internet access that is reliable.
A Social Security or Tax ID number (All work is done as an independent contractor - company will submit W-9)
Reliable transportation
Some of the high end shops require you dress the part - got any expensive suits?

The ability to do a little acting. You have to play the part of a customer, even when you are there doing something like an audit - discretely counting while trying not to look like a shoplifter. Most of the time, it boils down to interviewing the clerk without them knowing it.
To be professional - follow every requirement of the shop to the letter. If it says not to bring anyone, do it alone! They choose to schedule you in particular because of your demographics.
To be Observant - you have to have the eye for detail, and focused on memorizing everything. When you sit down to write your report, this is gonna save your bacon and make the reports go much faster.

You will also need a little bit of startup money. The average time for reimbursement is between 1 and 2 months from the time you submit your report. It doesn't always take that long, but frequently.

Got Organization? You need to keep your files in order. Sometimes several months after a shop, you will need to dig up a reciept or your report to validate something for the client. (e.g., they confront the employee and there is a dispute). You will also need to track all your expenses and earnings for tax time.

Can you keep a secret? They are serious about confidentiality. You can't brag to family and friends that you just did a shop for xyz corporation and got a free abc for doing it. For real... anyone asks what you do, you are an "independant contractor'.

So, now that the hard stuff is out of the way, the benefits... You get to work when and where you want. You have the control to schedule your own life, and can even travel when and where you want... there are shops EVERYWHERE. If you want to do it full time, you can pretty much live off the comps. Hotels, movies, meals, you name it. If you are REALLY good, you can get the coveted tropical cruise holiday.

Note: This is not something I grabbed off the web... I wrote it personally. Please don't repost anywhere else.

Peace,
Shawn

Quillspirit · 10-23-2008, 02:40 AM

PS: I forgot to mention - yes, you can still apply to be a shopper if you are a minor. Some of the shops require a certain age group like was mentioned above, to see if the employees are carding ID for bacco and alcohol sales. I think the very minimum age is 13, for tax reasons, but it really depends on your country laws.

(I am American, btw)