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Back when I had student loans, learning how to become a mystery shopper was one of my go-to side hustles. I was looking for shopping gigs to make extra cash. While it wasn’t a path to riches, it gave me a little breathing room in my budget and some fun perks along the way. Plus, who doesn’t love a good excuse to shop?

If you’ve ever wondered, “What is mystery shopping?”, this article will break it down. You’ll learn all about this side hustle and get tips on how to become a mystery shopper. It’s a lot easier than you might think to get started.

This blog post is all about How To Become A Mystery Shopper.

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DISCLOSURE: This is not a sponsored post. However, through my affiliate links, I may receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you! Check out our disclaimer for more info on how it works.

What Is Mystery Shopping?

Mystery shopping is a shopping service many companies use to assess their customer service. Companies hire independent contractors (that’s you.) to act like regular customers, but secretly evaluate their experience. Mystery shoppers might visit stores, dine in restaurants, test online platforms, or even make phone calls. Then, they provide feedback to the company.

Why Become A Mystery Shopper?

Mystery shopping might not replace your day job. However, it’s a flexible and often fun way to make extra money in your spare time. Who knows, you may discover becoming a mystery shopper is your ideal side hustle.

These are some reasons why many enjoy being a mystery shopper:

• Flexible Hours: You pick the assignments that fit your schedule. This flexibility makes it perfect if you have other commitments or need to work around a nine-to-five job.
• Earn Extra Income: It can supplement your primary income. Earn cash or reimbursement for purchases made during mystery shops. It can be a useful way to make ends meet, work toward a savings goal, or treat yourself.
• Enjoy Perks: Enjoy free meals at restaurants, test out new products, or receive discounts. Who doesn’t love some free stuff?
• Impact Businesses: Have a real impact on improving customer experiences by giving honest and detailed feedback. This aspect can be fulfilling, knowing that your work helps companies improve their services.

How To Become a Mystery Shopper: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Intrigued by the idea of being a mystery shopper? Let’s break down the process. Here’s how to become a mystery shopper:

1. Find Legitimate Mystery Shopping Companies

Before looking into how to become a mystery shopper, understand there are shopping scams out there. They prey on individuals eager to get “paid to shop,” but it’s crucial to identify reputable mystery shopping companies. Avoid any company requiring upfront fees or guaranteeing unrealistic earnings.

Look for companies accredited by organizations like the Mystery Shopping Professionals Association (MSPA). The MSPA helps uphold ethical standards and credibility within the mystery shopping industry.

2. Create a Mystery Shopper Profile

Once you find reputable platforms, create a detailed shopper portal. This often involves highlighting your demographics, shopping habits, and interests. Having a well-crafted profile helps companies match you with appropriate shopping assignments.

3. Browse and Apply for Mystery Shops

Start browsing available mystery shopping jobs on various platforms. The types of mystery shops available vary. It can be anything from retail stores, restaurants, hotels, car dealerships, and more. When you see something of interest, make sure to thoroughly read the instructions before applying.

4. Complete the Mystery Shop

After being selected for a mystery shopping assignment, carefully follow the instructions provided. You’ll be asked to act like a regular customer. During the shopping experience, pay close attention to everything instructed and document the experience objectively.

5. Submit a Detailed Report

After completing your mission, you’ll need to submit a thorough report to the mystery shopping company. The report may involve answering survey questions, sharing observations about customer service, or describing your experience. Accuracy, objectivity, and good grammar are important to ensure high-quality feedback.

6. Get Paid and Reap The Rewards

The final and probably most satisfying part? Receiving payment for your work. The method of payment varies. It can be direct deposit, PayPal, gift cards, or even reimbursement for purchases made during the assignment. The timeframe for payment also varies, but it’s generally within a few weeks.

Making the Most of Being a Mystery Shopper

Learning how to become a mystery shopper successfully means approaching it strategically.

Tips For Successful Mystery Shopping

• Be Professional and Reliable: Companies value mystery shoppers who meet deadlines and adhere to instructions.
• Pay Attention to Detail: Observe and provide detailed, objective feedback.
• Maintain Confidentiality: Remember discretion. It’s important never to reveal you’re a mystery shopper as it undermines the entire process.
• Be Patient: Don’t get discouraged if you don’t receive assignments right away. Build your reputation as a reliable and thorough shopper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about becoming a mystery shopper:

How Much Money Can I Make as a Mystery Shopper?

The pay for mystery shopping jobs varies depending on the complexity of the assignment and the company offering it. Some shops may offer reimbursement for purchases, free meals, or a small payment, while others provide a larger fee. Don’t expect to get rich; view it as a way to earn extra income or get freebies.

What are the Different Types of Mystery Shopping Services?

Mystery shopping services encompass a wide array of industries. Here are a few examples:

• Retail: Evaluate customer service, store cleanliness, and product availability.
• Restaurants: Assess food quality, service speed, and restaurant ambiance. This is where those “free food” perks often come in handy.
• Hotels: Review cleanliness, friendliness of staff, and the overall check-in and check-out process.
• Phone Mystery Shopping: Evaluate customer service over the phone, including call handling and resolution time.
• Video Mystery Shopping: Record your shopping experience to provide detailed visual feedback. This helps businesses see firsthand how their employees interact with customers.

How Do I Spot a Mystery Shopping Scam?

Be wary of any mystery shopping opportunity that involves these red flags:

• Upfront Fees: Legitimate mystery shopping companies don’t charge you to work with them.
• Overly High Pay: Be skeptical of any mystery shopping gigs that promise unrealistic earnings. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Vague Instructions: Legitimate assignments provide clear, detailed instructions. Avoid any opportunity with instructions that seem vague or suspicious.

Remember, if you’re ever unsure about the legitimacy of a mystery shopping company or a particular assignment, do your research and trust your gut instinct. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Are Mystery Shopping Jobs Legit?

Yes, legitimate mystery shopping jobs are a real thing. However, like any industry, scams exist. Stick to reputable companies, like those accredited by the MSPA, and you can find genuine opportunities.

Where Can I Find Mystery Shopping Gigs?

You can find mystery shopping gigs in various places, including online job boards specifically for mystery shopping. Additionally, check the websites of reputable mystery shopping companies. They often list available assignments on their platforms.

Conclusion

If you’re seeking a flexible side hustle, learning how to become a mystery shopper may be the perfect choice for you. Remember, becoming a mystery shopper can be a fun way to earn some supplemental income and even get some freebies along the way. Keep in mind it won’t make you rich. But with dedication, a keen eye for detail and a passion for providing excellent feedback, you can enjoy a fun side hustle while impacting businesses and customer service.

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