By Claudine Williams

You can get a three-course meal for free, get free gas, a free oil change, and even get free books. Companies pay people just like you to try out services and rate customer service while posing as regular shoppers. These mystery shoppers often receive free services and goods in addition to being paid for rating service.

For example, a restaurant owner may hire mystery shoppers to rate the servers, the hostess and the food. Apartment owners often hire mystery shoppers to give feedback on how leasing agents sell apartments. Mystery shopping is hard work, but the perks are sometimes great, and it’s a good way to earn extra money.

Don’t fall for scams when searching for mystery shopping jobs. You shouldn’t have to pay for a list of companies that hire shoppers. This information is readily available for free on the Internet. Businesses typically hire mystery shopping companies to hire shoppers and administrate their services. Most mystery shopping companies have specialties. Some companies specialize in shopping apartments, others specialize in retail or banks may do business with fast food restaurants. There are mystery shopping companies that hire shoppers in nearly every type of consumer-based business. Never ask the mystery shopping companies about particular clients of the mystery shopping companies. For example, if you like to eat at a particular estaurant, don’t e-mail a mystery shopping company and ask if that restaurant is a client. You can ask whether the company has fast food clients. The companies do not want to hire shoppers who only want the perks. Companies will tell you the types of shops they do, but they won’t give away their specific clients unless they give you a job. 

Land a mystery shopping job now

Conduct a search on the Internet for mystery shopping companies. Once you get a good list of companies that interest you, prepare a resume tailored to your desire to shop. If you don’t have mystery shopping experience, emphasize your punctuality, follow-through, and the fact that you are detailed oriented. Companies are looking for people who will conduct the shop as promised and follow directions. They are also looking for people who are discreet. You are to never tell anyone in the business that you are “shopping” that you are a mystery shopper or a secret shopper. Your resume should emphasize any customer service experience that you have acquired. You should also list any positions that may be related to retail or the type of shops you hope to complete.

Apply online

Some mystery shopping companies allow you to apply for positions online. In addition to completing an online form, you may be asked to write a short essay. The company may ask you to describe a good shopping experience and a poor mystery shopping experience. The hirer is looking at the way you use words to describe your experiences. Be as specific as possible.

Register with several mystery shopping companies. A scheduler from the mystery shopping company will contact you with work. Your work will fluctuate, depending on the demand for mystery shoppers in your area. Large cities usually have more shopping jobs than smaller rural communities. However, you may not have as much competition to land choice jobs if you live in a rural area.

Now the waiting begins. Some companies will send you e-mail notifications when there is work available. Other companies expect you to log on to a website to check for job availability. You may have to complete a short online training program, too. There is a hierarchy associated with mystery shopping. In some cases, you’ll have to work your way up to earning dinners in nice restaurants. Some shoppers begin getting assignments to shop fast food restaurants, pay for a meal, and be reimbursed by the company. Always save all of your receipts.

Shops may have special requirements. You may need to have a watch to time the length of time it takes for a server to bring your order. In a retail store, you may have to time how long it takes for an associate to ask if you need help. You will also need to have a good memory to record details, like your server’s name or the name of the associate who helped you. Some companies require essays and thorough details of your experience. You must have a blow-by-blow description of what occurred during your shop, but during the shop, you are usually not allowed to give any hint that you are evaluating customer service. This can be tricky, and you will have to be creative to snoop while keeping your identity a secret. You may also be asked to describe the business’ appearance. Was there litter around the area? Were the restrooms clean? Did you find soap in the dispenser?

Organize your shops

Mystery shopping is work. Organization is a key component. Keep track of all of your shopping jobs and the requirements in a three-ring binder. Make copies of your receipts, and place them in a plastic report cover in your binder. Continually apply to work for other companies as you gain experience. Schedulers sometimes post the need for emergency shoppers on various bulletin boards. Always keep in contact with your mystery shop scheduler; they will be your point of contact for your shops. They will answer any questions that you have and contact you if they need clarification on your report. If, for some reason, you cannot complete a shop, contact your scheduler immediately. Always double-check to make sure that you complete the shop at the appropriate day and at the appropriate location. If you are shopping a fast food restaurant, you need to make sure that you shop the right one.

If you enjoy mystery shopping, you may want to consider take courses for certification. Some shoppers say that they are able to land more shops simply by being certified. The Mystery Shopping Providers Association is the professional organization for certification. Check them out to further your shopping career.

Pay

Some shopping companies pay monthly, others pay every two weeks. The amount of pay varies. Generally, shoppers earn $5 to about $20 per shop. Ask your scheduler about how long it will take to get a check in-hand before you start work. It’s not uncommon to wait six to eight weeks to receive a check. Mystery shopping companies may also reimburse you for expenses related to the shop instead of paying for the shop itself. Therefore, you will have to ask your scheduler if you will receive both a reimbursement check for expenses in addition to getting paid for the shop. Schedulers sometimes offer bonuses for out-of-the-way businesses. Some, but not many, mystery shopping companies, pay for mileage. Mystery shoppers are usually independent contractors. You are usually not an employee of the company and will have to pay taxes on what you earn. Finally, have fun working as a mystery shopper! Not only are you helping to improve customer service, but you can earn money and have fun while working.