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When I first saw all the benefits you can get if you become a mystery shopper I was intrigued. I was excited about this new challenge that I was about to face. It would be wonderful to get paid for things I already do. But, the truth of the matter is is that it is not as simple as they make it out to be. You can only do certain shops at certain times and you need equipment in order to be a successful mystery shopper. The equipment that is needed may be a fax machine, the Internet, a voice recorder and a digital camera (some require that it does time and date stamp). Keep in mind that the equipment you need varies from company to company. You need a fax machine to fax your receipt (which proves you actually did the shop). Some companies do not even except faxed receipts anymore. This is where the digital camera comes in. You will need the digital camera to upload your receipt to be sent in with your completed survey about the shop you just did. Another reason you will need this is because some companies require you take pictures of the the place you are inspecting. The time is required to show that you were actually there at that time on that date. The voice recorder will be used for recording the conversation between you and the employee or to make quick vocal notes about things you observed and don't want to forget. You can also you a notebook to jot down quick notes. If you have this equipment then you will be successful.
There is two more things to consider before committing yourself to a company. You must consider your time and your money. The time aspect is important because if you pick the wrong location you could be traveling mare than working. Pick locations that are close to you or to your work. Remember, the more you travel the more wear and tear on your car. That eventually could cost you more that what you would profit. Looking at it from the money aspect is the $10.00 really worth it? With all mystery shopping companies you have to pay upfront then you get reimbursed later about a month later. If you can't afford to go a month without that particular amount of money then don't become a mystery shopper. The reason you have to pay first is because if you don't do the shop correctly then you don't get reimbursed. I have made money from mystery shopping but when you calculate there factors mentioned above you end up breaking even or paying more then what you get out of it.

Learn more about this author, Erin Straker.
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