Mystery Shopping

From LoveToKnow Buy

Mystery shopping is a great tool that businesses use to determine how well their service and personnel performance measures up to industry standards. Companies hire the services of a mystery shopper to go in and pretend that they are a consumer and purchase items from their store. The mystery shopper then relays their experiences to the regional managers in charge of the store in question. Based on the information given, areas that need improvement in their customer service can be addressed and hopefully corrected.

How to become a Mystery Shopper

Does the idea of shopping and getting paid for it appeal to you? Then mystery shopping may be for you. As fun as it may seem, you cannot make a solid living with it. At best, it can be a great supplemental income for you.

Spotting a Mystery Shopper Scam

To start, make sure the organization you are getting involved with as a mystery shopper is a legitimate company. There are many scams out there that take advantage of people that offer promises of large sums of money as an incentive. Don’t be fooled. Research carefully, since many businesses that are looking for mystery shoppers can be found for free. You should not have to pay for this information. However, there are many mystery shopper websites that do charge a fee to sign up with their company. If so, check to see if they have a refund policy. If the website in question charges you for viewing a list of opportunities, steer clear of it. In addition, be leery of Mystery Shopper organizations that advertise in the help wanted section of a newspaper or email solicitations.

Finding a Legitimate Mystery Shopper Jobs

To help you out, LoveToKnow has done some research for you to help with your quest to find some potentially good Mystery Shopper opportunities. Check out the following links to companies that are looking for people to evaluate their company’s customer service and products.

A Closer Look

Website: www.a-closer-look.com

A company in business for around 75 years, they give you the opportunity to evaluate the services and products of hotels and restaurants. You then fill out surveys to give information on your experience. They do not pay you directly for your services. Instead, they reimburse you up to a certain amount for the money you spent evaluating whatever company you are assigned to. The benefit for you is to try out different things and get money back for your trouble. It is probably not an organization you would want to get involved with if you are financially unstable.

Amusement Advantage.com

Website: www.amusementadvantage.com

Interested in amusement parks? Then this website is for you since they offer nothing but opportunities in the entertainment industry. After completion of an assignment, an extensive evaluation is completed and submitted to Amusement Advantage within 24 hours of your visit. Interested? To sign up, fill out their online application. Payment for completion of their assignments is done by PayPal.

Global Compliance.com

Website: www.globalcompliance.com

Global Compliance.com offers Mystery Shopping opportunities in several states. The online application is a bit lengthy, and does ask for a copy of your driver license and background check. Their application is for you to become an “independent contractor” for their company. Assignments can be accepted or refused, and you set your own schedule. Professional attire is required on every assignment. You are paid on assignment basis and are reimbursed for expenses.

Mystery Shopping – Worth Exploring?

Mystery shopping is a great tool for companies looking to improve their products and services. If you enjoy shopping and trying out new things, mystery shopping can be a good opportunity to make some supplemental income. Like any venture worth looking into, research carefully and watch out for any potential scams.

By Sheila Robinson