Does Mystery Shopping Really Work?

[Xpresso]

Mystery Shopping works but do not expect to make a fortune. I have been doing it off and on for 4 years. I make about $50 a month doing it.

[mom2fourCT]

Originally Posted by Ternole

Mystery shopping works its just finding the companies to get you the business. I actually signed up with a company for 3 months and paid them something like 20 bucks but just to be able to get the names of all the companies and get myself signed up and then I cancelled my membership with the head hunting company. Im probably not allowed to post the name of the site I used but will be happy to give you the name if you message me. You wont make a lot of money but there are things to do if you are out and about in your area.

Allison

allisonswartz.isagenix.com

-----Being my own boss AND getting healthy in 2012!

There are plenty of sites out there where you can get lists of mystery shopping companies without having to pay 20 bucks. I am too cheap to pay someone 20 bucks to tell me what I can find free. I want my 20 bucks.

[Pink_Zebra_Mom]

I also see ads all the time about mystery shopping. Is it a legitimate money maker? Who wouldn't like to make money by shopping

[Pink_Zebra_Mom]

How do I know the difference between the legitimate companys and the ones that aren't? .does different companys pay different fees and what kind of places do you mystery shop?.

[lskkjk]

I signed up for one and then never heard from them for almost a year. Then when I did hear from them it was for something not even close to me. But after seeing these comments I think I will try some other companies and see if I get the same results. I live in a smaller community so maybe that's my problem :/

[kathy'svaultdenimNM]

Be careful with Mystery Shoppers requested through emails. Some are scams and can burn you in the end!

[kathy'svaultdenimNM]

There are lots of direct sales businesses that can be a better choice.

[kathy'svaultdenimNM]

Some direct sales businesses are a better choice so you create your own hours. Im a full time teacher and am in a direct sales business and love it! if you are looking at this as an option message me and I will give you details

[vln2228]

Hello,

I have been mystery shopping for the last 10 years, and I love it. I love to write and that is one of the requirements. You must relate a narrative of what you observed and be objective. If you love shopping and you love writing this is the job for you. I will never pay one dime to anyone to mystery shop, and have found and complied a list of real companies that have been paying me for the last 10 years. Check out my article on mystery shopping http://shine.yahoo.com/blogs/author/vln-ycn-1214737/ and these are great companies to work for and they pay me in a timely manner. I love the car dealership shops on bestmark.com they are fun and easy. I am a stay at home Mom of 2 boys and a wife. This job gives me the freedom to volunteer at my children's school, and be a lunch mom which I get paid for. Between all of these jobs I have spending money to put my kids in extra activities and get a mani pedi every now and then.

Happy shopping

[JamieACE]

Originally Posted by Pink_Zebra_Mom

How do I know the difference between the legitimate companys and the ones that aren't? .does different companys pay different fees and what kind of places do you mystery shop?.

Every company sets it's own fees. A couple of red flags that a company is NOT legit would be:

1. They ask YOU to pay (to join/register/shop for them). You should NEVER pay to work!
2. They promise you a large payday ("Make $500 a week mystery shopping!" or if they offer you fees like $200 per assignment). Neither of these instances are typical.

I've been a shopper since 2004 and a scheduler since 2009. I've shopped a variety of locations including coffee shops, movie theatres, retail stores, restaurants (from fast food all the way up to fine dining), gas stations, car dealerships and many more. I don't make my living from being a shopper, but it does afford my family some nice "extras" (like my free meal out last night!) and help with the budget (free oil changes are great!).

Hope this helps!

Jamie