Basically, a retailer contracts with a company in order to check on the performance of it’s employees. The company then reaches out to it’s independent contractors in order to get the job filled. The contractor reads the instructions and rules to the shop – making sure that they qualify and are available to perform the shop – and then accepts or does not.
The company has a set list of store areas and performance aspects that they want checked. It is the contractors job to follow through on checking this list accurately and relaying objective information about their visit.
What does all of this really mean? The company and retailer are paying you to play the part of a customer and write a report about how it went. That’s really it.
I have always loved mystery shopping, but it’s mostly for one reason. I love being able to give kudos to employees who aren’t necessarily getting noticed for the great job they do, and I appreciate being the one who gets mistreated in a store by an employee who needs more training and might otherwise have done this to another customer. I like the purpose behind mystery shopping. When you are making $6/hr and feeling under-appreciated, I would think it would be nice to be recognized by your boss for doing a great job with a mystery shopper when you were just doing your job they hired you for.
When you join mystery shopping companies, they may ask if you have certain tools. The most popular item by far is a stopwatch. You cannot use the clock on your phone and must be able to calculate to the second. You will also need to be able to upload photos of your receipts/business cards to your computer for submission, so be prepared for that question as well.
From here on out I will be listing companies that I recommend. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
Alli is a Chicago based wife and mother of two children. She has turned money-saving into a game and enjoys searching out the best deals to help you save money! Alli shares her insight, tips and up-to-the-minute deals for local and national retailers and brands. Her hope is that you will play the game and learn to save money at the same time!