by Dr. Michael Smith

Created on: June 04, 2009   Last Updated: June 13, 2009

Current economic woes have everyone trying to make some cash. And we have all been tempted by ads inviting us to make money through the internet and we usually are disappointed to find that most of these are simply gimmicks to get us to pay for a booklet on how to make money. Very few of the ideas contained in the offering materialize into real income. So at issue is whether anyone can make money and do it with little or no personal investment? The answer is yes. While you will not get rich doing the secret shopper bit, you can make enough to pay some utilities or buy some gas to look for other jobs.

First, understand some of the limitations so that your expectations will be in line with what you can earn. To make money as a secret shopper takes some skill. You need to have the right equipment such as a computer and a scanner, and you should be able to find things on the internet and be able to scan in documents for validation. To be successful you must be able to follow instructions to document your shops. You should also be observant, able to play a role, and not be too conspicuous. Not everyone can be a secret shopper.

Second, finding valid secret shopper sites that are not frauds is vital. Valid shopper sites will not charge you a fee for information. You may be asked to make a purchase, which may or may not be reimbursed. Also, check the sites you get accepted for and look for advertisements for other secret shopper sites. Begin with the following sites:

http://www.conferocompass.com/shoppers/LoginShopper. norm.php

http://www.marketforceinfo.com/

http://second-to-none.com/

Third, go to each site and find the new shopper sign up. Complete the profile completely. Be honest and straightforward with your information. The best sites require you to have a PayPal account so that your earnings can be deposited. If you do not already have a PayPal account tied to your email account, you need to set up one early in the process. If you are not a detail person you will struggle with the set up necessary to get the profiles done. Each site is a different company and will require you to redo profiles that are almost identical.

Fourth, understand how you will be paid. Completed secret shops require that you file reports and validations usually within 24 hours of the completed shop, but you will not receive compensation for up to 45 days after the completed shop. For instance, shops made in May are usually deposited into PayPal on the 15th of July. So it will

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