I tried mystery shopping a few years ago. I thought it would be fun way to earn extra money so I decided to try it out. I found it was a nice way to earn extra money while doing something I actually enjoy. I stopped shopping for a couple of years for various reasons and I picked it up again. Many of my friends and co-workers have asked me what it’s like and how to start doing it.
I heard about mystery shopping online when I was browsing the internet. A company was advertising a service to find mystery shopping assignments for them. I did a little digging and found the the Mystery Shopping Providers Association website. The MSPA is a professional trade association dedicated to finding and using quality anonymous resources to measure and improve levels of service. The website has a free search engine to find assignments as well as links to companies that seeks out mystery shoppers. You sign up with the mystery shopping companies and apply for jobs. Do not pay someone to be a secret shopper. As a mystery shopper, you’re working as an independent contractor for these companies. You are not their employee.
Not all assignments are created equal. It takes a lot of time to earn the money they offer. Others are less enjoyable. For example, I had to visit 3 stores in one shop and remember the names of everyone working in each department and what they were doing. I wrote down the names of everyone’s names once I got into my car. The shop report of each store took about an hour each. I ended up earning only $5.00 an hour. My favorite shop is visiting my favorite retailer to report on my experience with sales people. This shop did not feel like work and the total time to complete the shop is about forty minutes.
Since taking up mystery shopping again, I’ve become more efficient performing the shop and writing up the reports. I’ve learned in the past week to be selective with what I pick. I’m never going to shop for a home supply store again. It took more time and energy than it was worth. Although I have learned some time efficient tactics to write better reports quicker, it still takes a lot of time and energy. Mystery shopping really is an activity a person should do only if they enjoy shopping, observing, or helping other people be their best by critiquing them.
After this week, I’m cutting back on mystery shopping and focusing on shops that I enjoy. This week, I’m test driving cars, shopping at a few of my favorite stores, and visiting a restaurant. It’s something fun to do for extra income but it takes a lot of time. I want to use my energy towards growing my income in other ways and focusing on being the best at school.
Is mystery shopping your cup of tea? Lemme know!