Looking to embark on a career as a mystery shopper? This guide outlines the essential information for those interested in pursuing this unique line of work.
Understanding Mystery Shopping: Mystery shopping, also known as secret shopping or evaluating, involves acting as a regular customer to provide businesses with feedback on their services and operations. This role is crucial for companies that interact frequently with the public. As a mystery shopper, you’ll be compensated for your insights and in many cases, reimbursed for purchases made during your assignment.
The Scope and History of Mystery Shopping: Mystery shopping isn’t a new concept; it dates back to the 1940s and has grown into an industry worth nearly $2 billion annually. The opportunities in this field are abundant, offering a variety of experiences from dining at restaurants to visiting retail stores, and even engaging with call centers for phone-based mystery shopping.
Getting Started as a Mystery Shopper: To begin your journey, you can find mystery shopping jobs on company websites or job boards like Indeed.com. Typically, applicants must be 18 or older, with certain assignments requiring you to be 21 or above. Reliable transportation and the ability to follow guidelines precisely are also important.
Traits of a Successful Mystery Shopper: Key attributes include attentiveness to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to adhere to deadlines. It’s crucial to read job descriptions carefully, take detailed notes and photographs, and keep all necessary receipts and documents for reimbursement and payment.
Earnings Potential: Earnings vary depending on the company and specific assignment. On average, mystery shoppers in the U.S. earn about $706 weekly. Compensation can range from small amounts plus free meals to flat rates exceeding $100. As independent contractors, mystery shoppers are responsible for their own taxes and may work for multiple companies simultaneously.
Payment Modalities: Mystery shopping companies differ in their payment methods, offering options like PayPal, direct deposit, checks, or even gift cards.
Leading Mystery Shopping Companies:
- Sinclair Customer Metrics: Operating since 1987, they offer a variety of assignments including video mystery shopping.
- Market Force Information: A versatile firm working across multiple industries and providing a convenient app for assignments.
- IntelliShop: Focused on customer experience and operational compliance, covering a wide geographic range.
- Mystery Shopping Service: Serving multiple industries for over 20 years with a focus on real estate, healthcare, retail, and hospitality.
Life as a Secret Shopper: This role can be quite lucrative and enjoyable for the right individual. Our CEO, for instance, started as a teenage mystery shopper and has completed over 5,000 assignments, earning significantly in some months.
Avoiding Scams: Be wary of scams in this industry. Legitimate companies will never ask for payment to join or access job lists. For further assurance, consult the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) and online reviews.
Remote Work Opportunities: For those seeking a side gig or a full-time job with the flexibility of working from home, mystery shopping offers a unique opportunity to earn while providing valuable market insights.
