Mystery Shopping

Mystery shopping is a great way to make some money and have some fun. You also have to be careful to avoid being taken for your money, and getting next to nothing in return. There are TONS of companies that hire "secret shoppers". Again, do not pay for some list or database.

Annika's also has a large list on their site. http://900 free paid surveys and more"

There are also job search websites dedicated to mystery shopping. Here are a couple of them: jobslinger and volition. Check out the MSPA website also: mysteryshop.org. The Mystery Shopping Providers Association is like the BBB for mystery shopping. They have a list of mystery shopping companies that are members of the MSPA.

Mystery shopping assignments vary widely in type of assigment and pay. For example: you may be asked to go to a local home improvement store and price water heaters. You are required to make a small purchase to obtain a receipt. I bought light bulbs. You are reimbursed, up to a certain amount, for your purchase and are paid for the report you submit online. There are very specific requirements for each individual shop. You must read carefully and follow the instructions. Failure to do this will result in your report being rejected and not being paid. The instructions are not hard to follow. Don't let the previous statement scare you. Most shoppers I talk to have never had a shop rejected, including myself.

The payments for your shops do take some time, though. Most companies pay through Paypal, some by check, some use both. For the most part, payments are sent by the end of the month follwing your assignment. For example: you perform four shops for a company in March. You will be paid for these shops by the end of April. This is a long wait at first. But once you start doing shops every month, you will get paid every month.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!