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by Greg Cryns 

What the heck is a mystery shopper? You've heard about them. Do people actually earn decent money working as a mystery shopper?

If you enjoy shopping (and who doesn't?) and like hanging out in malls, then a mystery shopper job might be just the ticket for you. For moms, a mystery shopper job will provide the flexibility you need as you bring up your kids. The 

income potential is adequate if not great. Typically, you would give feedback on products you are assigned to buy by your company. 

Mystery shoppers pay a visit to different types of businesses and post as regular customers. They then detail their experience in a report to their company. 

It may not be easy to find a position, though. Via the Internet, many people now know what a mystery shopper does and the job sounds very appealing. But be careful out there. Many of the websites that offer help in obtaining a mystery shopper position are just plain scams. These companies will require a payment from you to get some information. Generally, if you are required to pay a fee to become employed I think you should avoid the "opportunity."

A legitimate company will not require any upfront fees. They will provide whatever training you need at no cost to you.   You will usually fill out a registration form and submit it to the company. After that, the company will contact you for shopping opportunities. It is a good idea to include your email address since these jobs are very competitive and often hard to get.

Be sure to take all offered jobs very seriously. Avoid slacking off on jobs that seem less worthy to you because you need to establish your reputation with the company that hires you. As in all businesses, they will come back to you quickly if they know you are likely to take any job and that your effort will be top notch. Make sure your evaluations are accurate and complete. If, for some reason, you cannot do your assignment immediately, be sure to notify your company to allow them the opportunity to assign a new mystery shopper. 

To learn more about mystery shopping you check out some forums dedicated to mystery shopping. Here are just a few of many active forums (as always, be on the lookout for possible scam postings - never pay for a mystery shopper job!):

http://www.mystiqueshopper.com/forum/ 
http://forum.volition.com/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=3  (very active)
http://p220.ezboard.com/bmysteryshopping90693
http://pub35.bravenet.com/forum/show.php?usernum=2978693425 

On some boards, mystery shopper company representatives will post opportunities. You will see headings like "$10 BONUS! Free Gas Shops! SC, WV, WY 0"  "Wisconsin Shoppers needed!" and " $10 BONUS! Free Gas Shops!"

Mystery shopping jobs could involve dining at a restaurant. You might be asked to buy something at a clothing store, or apply for a job through an employment agency. Sometimes you would check out service businesses such as auto repair shops small appliance repair stores. Maybe you would be asked to pretend to be interested in a rental complex. 

Your pay is usually reimbursement for the items you buy plus a bonus for the job. The pay will depend on the company you work for. You will need to judge the pay scale by the amount of time it takes to do the job. You are, after all, selling your time and your ability to make a report on what you buy. So, if you are paid $20 for a job and spend four hours to complete the task, you would only be making $5 per hour. In addition you would have to pay your own auto expenses. 

To find a company to work for do an Internet search for "mystery shopping job" or "secret shopper".  If you love to shop, mystery shopping may be a fun and exciting opportunity for you!

Would you like some information about an opportunity to work at home? Just fill out this email form and we will ask a home business representative to contact you through email.