Mystery Shopping Demystified: How to Become a Mystery Shopper
By Darren Gibson
One of the best ways to earn some extra cash revolves around the fact that we are all consumers. This is one qualification which all of us have, and we practice this skill on a daily basis. There are companies out there who are willing to pay for that experience — and some of them pay quite well.
Mystery shopping involves you as the shopper carrying out a transaction (which could be in a restaurant, shop or bank, or even just making a telephone call) and then reporting back on your experience regarding the speed/quality of service, efficiency, consistency, cleanliness, etc.
There are a number of plus points to this method of income generation. Firstly, you can pick and choose which jobs you accept, and no two jobs are the same. Secondly, you usually get to keep whatever you bought as a gift (or are reimbursed for a service you have received, for example, an eye test, a haircut or a meal for the family). You are also paid for both your time and usually travel costs too.
Many mystery shopping companies require you to apply for a position in the same way you would any job, but very few will actually bother interviewing you. You are recruited as an independent contractor, but most companies will pay you with tax already deducted, so there is no worry of the tax man breathing down your neck.
There are downsides — you won’t get paid if you miss a job because you are sick, and there is no guarantee of regular work, but if you carry out mystery shopping for more than one company, it is possible to make a career out of it. Some jobs are quite monotonous or tedious, but still require your full attention in order to answer the feedback questions. You will also be required to sign some form of confidentiality (non-disclosure) agreement, confirming you will not divulge details about the jobs you have done.
If you are interested in a career (or even a part-time income) as a mystery shopper, there are hundreds of companies worldwide who are recruiting, such as GFK/NOP, Retail Maxim and Quality Eye. Many of these can be found via a simple Internet search.
Applications can usually be done either online or by downloading an application form then completing it and posting back to the company. The application usually asks a few questions about you, and which banks, etc., you are a customer of (to aid the allocation of assignments).
You usually find out straightaway whether your online application has been successful, and within about 14 days for postal applications — so go on, what are you waiting for?
Darren Gibson is a part-time mystery shopper. Learn more about mystery shopping resources and opportunities to make an additional income at his website.
