| Mystery shoppers. For some it conjures up | | | | wince in pain, then mystery shopping is definitely |
| images of private eyes and undercover | | | | not for you. In some cases, you will perform |
| detectives. That's fair. In Nevada, a mystery | | | | video shops. In these instances, you will be trained |
| shopper is required to register with a firm that is | | | | on how to use special video shopping equipment. |
| in association with the Private Investigative | | | | (Video only...no audio for legal reasons). This sort |
| Licensing Board. Somewhat funny, but true. If you | | | | of shop really does make you feel like a private |
| shop, and I'm sure you do, you have probably | | | | detective and is quite fun. |
| bumped into someone on a shopping assignment. | | | | How much a mystery shopper earns depends on |
| Did you notice them? Doubtful. Or you may have | | | | the type of shop, time required to perform the |
| found yourself on the receiving end of an | | | | shop, and the difficulty of the shop. Note: Mystery |
| evaluation by a mystery shopper. Did you realize | | | | shoppers use their own money on assignments. |
| it at the time? Probably not. But what is mystery | | | | They are not always reimbursed for items not |
| shopping exactly? And can you really make | | | | returned. Payment for the shop may take as long |
| money for shopping? | | | | as two months. |
| Mystery shoppers are primarily independent | | | | Sample assignments and fees: |
| contractors. They receive their assignments from | | | | * Retail Stores: Payments typically range from $5 |
| mystery shopping companies. These companies | | | | - $40. |
| have been contracted by various businesses in | | | | * Supermarkets: $5 - $10. |
| need of mystery shoppers. Mystery shoppers | | | | * Fast Food: $5 - $10 Cost of the meal. |
| handle a wide range of assignments. They may | | | | * Dine in Restaurants: $15 - $50 Cost of the meal. |
| be required to order a personalized bracelet at a | | | | * Haircuts: $10 - $40 Cost of the haircut and |
| fine jewelry store and then return it. (Not an easy | | | | styling. |
| assignment. I actually had that one once). They | | | | * Banks: $10 - $50. |
| may be asked to gamble at a local casino, or take | | | | * Furniture or Appliance Stores: $10 - $20. |
| in a popular movie. They may be asked to take | | | | * Apartments or New Homes: $25 - $50. |
| their dog to a groomer, visit an auto dealer, or go | | | | Many shoppers do this in their spare time. They |
| to a spa. The possibilities are truly endless. A | | | | may earn $100, $200, $500, or more per month. |
| mystery shopper doesn't know from day to day | | | | Some shoppers make their living as full time |
| what new adventure may land in their inbox. And | | | | mystery shoppers. It's not easy though. It usually |
| some assignments truly are an adventure. Cruise | | | | requires working with a large number of mystery |
| ships use mystery shoppers. | | | | shopping companies -- perhaps 60 or more. Full |
| Any adult can be a mystery shopper. Both men | | | | time shoppers have their hands full -- juggling |
| and women are shoppers. Shoppers may be | | | | assignments, reports, and due dates. Full time |
| employed, unemployed, self-employed, or retired. | | | | shoppers must be very organized, but it can be |
| There are programs for shoppers that offer | | | | financially rewarding. Full time shoppers can earn |
| certification, but it is in no way required to be a | | | | $40,000 per year and more! |
| mystery shopper. Mystery shopping companies | | | | Shoppers receive 1099's from the mystery |
| provide any special training that may be needed. | | | | shopping companies each year. Companies are |
| Internet access is becoming more and more | | | | required to send 1099's to contractors who are |
| necessary to work with most mystery shopping | | | | paid $600 or more per year, but some companies |
| companies, but there are some small companies | | | | will send you a 1099 regardless of the amount |
| that don't require it. | | | | you were actually paid. |
| The Assignments. | | | | Although you don't have to pay to mystery shop, |
| Each shop has detailed instructions, so it's very | | | | you may consider joining a mystery shopping site. |
| important to be able to follow instructions. It's | | | | These sites charge a fee to access their |
| equally important to be observant and reliable. | | | | directory of mystery shopping companies. You |
| While you are mystery shopping, you will be | | | | could probably find some of these companies on |
| observing customer service, product knowledge | | | | your own, but it is doubtful that you could find all |
| of the salesperson, quality, and other standards | | | | of them. |
| important to both the business and its customers. | | | | Mystery shopping is not for everyone, but for |
| After a shop is finished, a report is completed. It | | | | those who want to put some mystery in their |
| may take a few minutes, an hour, or even longer. | | | | lives...without endangering themselves...it doesn't |
| If the thought of completing a report makes you | | | | get any better than mystery shopping. |