by B. Lee

Created on: June 25, 2008   Last Updated: October 12, 2011

Mystery Shoppers are hired to go undercover to a specific shop. They are to evaluate the services of the establishment in a written report. Often, they must take a few photographs of the area to upload to the mystery shopper company for review.

Mystery Shopping is a legitimate career choice although, it can be very frustrating trying to find a legitimate company with plenty of assignments to keep you busy. If you keep looking and use common sense in your search you will find the right company.

If you really want to be a mystery shopper and find legitimate mystery shopper companies, read the following tips.

1. Avoid scam sites who promise ridiculous income mystery shopping. We've all seen them promising thousands for a few hours a week.  These sites will take your money and never deliver even one shop assignment.

2. Most people are uncomfortable divulging their personal information: for example, a social security number. If you are uncomfortable giving out such personal data, don't! Wondering if the site is secure? Check for https..the "s" acknowledges that the site is secure. Remember the site does not require your SSN until you've started earning money. (Once you've earned income you will need to file taxes as an independent contractor with the IRS. Consult the IRS site for recent, up-to-date, information)

3. Register with a dozen or more mystery shopper companies to increase the shop offers you will receive and your potential income.

4. Don't get discouraged if your first assignment takes several weeks. Once a shop is available in your area you will be contacted by the mystery shopper company.

5. Arm yourself with the right equipment in the beginning of your career for success. The minimum essentials might include: a computer, Internet connection, free email accounts, fax, copy machine, scanner, digital voice recorder, digital camera or cellular telephone with a camera and notebooks to keep track of assignments.

6. Develop a positive attitude. Keep confidence in your voice. Soon your positive attitude will not be an act but a habit.

7. Once you are contacted for your first shopping assignment make sure you understand all the information and directions. Study the information packets you receive very carefully before you leave to visit the shop. Complete the shop and return all the information to the mystery shopping company within the time frame they specified. Fill out assignment sheets with all the information requested to the best of your ability. Demonstrate you have pride in your work, that you are trustworthy, and dependable. Showing these required traits will lead to many rewarding future assignments.

8. Keep applying to other mystery shopping companies as your schedule permits. You might want to make this a weekly, or monthly routine. Where you apply to two or more mystery companies each session. Keep records of all the places you've applied to. Name of site, web address, date..etc.

9. Visit the forums to keep up to date and learn what other mystery shoppers are discussing.

10. Visit the message boards or discussion boards on a regular basis. And ask questions. Communicate with other mystery shoppers for tips, encouragement, mentoring.

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