Mystery Shopping

Mystery shopping is a legitimate way to earn extra money, but some of the things you have heard about it are not-quite-true or even outright false. Educate yourself before signing up for mystery shopper jobs and avoid getting scammed.

Mystery shopping is a legitimate way to earn extra money, but some of the things you have heard about it are not-quite-true or even outright false. Educate yourself before signing up for mystery shopper jobs and avoid getting scammed.

Myth: Mystery shoppers get paid to go shopping.

Reality: You do not collect a check simply for going to the mall. When you accept a mystery shopping assignment, you are given specific things to look for such as: How long before you were greeted? Was the rest room clean? Did the cashier give you a receipt and say thank you? After your visit, you fill out an online questionnaire with your observations.

Myth: When you do a mystery shop, you give your opinions about service, cleanliness and quality.

Reality:Although you may sometimes be asked for your opinions, mystery shopping is primarily reporting facts. Did the salesperson suggest additional items? How many cash registers were open?

Myth: Mystery shoppers can earn $50,000 a year working part time.

Reality: You will not get rich as a mystery shopper. Most shoppers do this part time or even spare time as a way to make extra money. So how much will you earn? That depends on where you live (there are more opportunities in urban areas than rural areas), the types of shops you choose to do (some types of shops pay more than others), and how often you want to work (you are not guaranteed assignments, and you are not required to complete any number of assignmentsit’s up to you). Most shoppers can earn at least a few hundred dollars a month in fees and reimbursements shopping very part time.

Myth: The best way to get mystery shopper jobs is to pay a fee to register with one of the Web sites promising jobs.

Reality: Legitimate mystery shopping companies do not charge you to apply. Do not pay a fee to register with any Web site. Instead, register directly with mystery shopping companies that do not charge you. Many of the best companies are members of the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA).