You might have heard about mystery shopping and their claims to big income. You probably even spent money on memberships with sites that just gave you the runaround. You were left with a feeling that the whole thing is just a hoax.
The truth is that there is work offered by real mystery shopping companies. There are actual assignments offered with compensation. You can get paid for evaluating just about any business from grocery stores, electronic departments, to pet shops, apartments, and oil changes. But, where do you find these assignments and how do you perform them?
The best place to start is the MSPA (Mystery Shopping Providers Association). As their web site states: “The MSPA is the largest professional trade association dedicated to improving service quality using anonymous resources.” You are directed to reputable companies that offer assignments in your area. Certifications are offered through the organization as well. Silver Certification is $15, while the Gold Certification costs $99. It is a test to show your basic understanding of the mystery shopping industry. Your reading, writing, comprehension, and understanding of direction are tested. Assignment priority is given to certified shoppers.
The concept of mystery shopping is straightforward. You walk into the assigned store and evaluate service. Specifications for the shop are given at the time of assignment. Once completed, you would enter your report online using an easy fill in form. Payments follow within 30 days via check or PayPal. Some shops don't pay for the report itself, but reimburse your purchase. This is most common with restaurant shops.
How much money can you make? It really depends on how many assignments you can handle. Evaluating properties pays about $40, electronics store $15, furniture stores $20, in-home estimates $25, gas stations $8, sports club $20 + the cost of pass, bowling $8 + cost of rental, hair cut reimbursement up to $25 + the tip and so on. If you were to average the time you spend on site and entering reports, your pay would come to $20 per hour. The only thing is that you might have one assignment one day, four the next day, another two days later. This all truly depends on what assignments you want to take and how far you want to travel.
It is definitely a great way to earn money if you like shopping and writing. I don't see it as a career or even a full time job, unless you are a shopaholic. People to benefit from supplementing their income would definitely be senior citizens, students, and stay at home moms.
