There are very few people who don’t like shopping. Especially when you can shop for free and get food along with it, you would surely want to try that. Yes, you guessed it right, we are talking about mystery shopper. In fact, people refer to it in different terms, as evaluators, secret shoppers, etc. However, the job is the same regardless, what you call them. In fact, their primary job is to share their experiences that would help businesses flourish even more. One of the reasons many people love mystery shopper jobs is because of the perks like free food along with extra money.
In fact, these types of jobs are pretty much available now. Moreover, it has been around the corner since the 1940s. So would you like to know more details about what their job entails? Well, you are at the right place, as we will be discussing some of the exciting aspects of what mystery shopping is all about.
At the same time, we will also provide you with answers to some of the most common questions that you might seek info about. Let’s dig in!
What Do You Mean by Mystery Shopping?
If you are reading this blog, you are probably not much familiar with the concept of mystery shopping. As we discussed above, mystery shopping has been prevalent since the 1940s. Long time, right? Yes, mystery shoppers have been around us for a long time.
It is a job where a company pays a person to pose like a regular customer. Do you know what the position of a mystery shopper is? A person doing this job has to provide valuable feedback to the company. In fact, this review will include the cleanliness of the store to the behavior of the employees.
In exchange for this feedback, they will pay you a good sum of money. At times, they might also ask you to buy a product from the store, the money they reimburse later on. You need not worry as they will let you know the amount beforehand.
Where can You Become a Mystery Shopper?
These mystery shopping trips usually entail visits to retail stores, food markets, or phone shops. However, you can also visit some local restaurants and get free food. You can also come across phone mystery shopping companies. Here you can interact with call centers and set up everything.
All you need to do is write a proper review of the store you are visiting as a mystery shopper and submit it to your client within the deadline. So if you are looking for such jobs, you can visit any mystery shopper sites and register yourself.
How Can You Become a Mystery Shopper?
Well, just as we mentioned earlier, if you are looking for mystery shopper jobs, you can look them up on some of the dedicated company websites. After they approve your application, you simply need to log in to the company’s website and select the jobs you want to do.
Furthermore, they will provide you with instructions, and accordingly, you have to enter your feedback on the company’s website. They might either mail you a cheque or pay you through a direct deposit in your account.
Even though age is not much of a factor here, you need to be 18 years old. In fact, if the store sells alcohol, you need to be at least 21 years old.
How Can You Be A Good Mystery Shopper?
Even though this job might seem to be an easy one, it is not entirely so. You need to have certain knowledge and skills to pose as a genuine customer. Also, your experience will help you provide good feedback for the store.
So if you are wondering how to become a mystery shopper, you can check out these points and get an idea:
Read Well Enough
When the company provides you with the instructions, make sure you read the job description thoroughly and understand their requirements so that later on, there is no confusion.
Pay Attention To The Details
Listen attentively to the details when the company instructs you. In fact, you can also take notes and photos of those instructions. Successful mystery shoppers meticulously take notes of the data.
Remain Organized
Keep all receipts, business cards, and other relevant items proof of your service to the company. This will help you get back the reimbursed amount. However, remember the deadlines and mark them on your calendar.
Well, this can be a great way of earning quick cash. All you need to do is stay alert and remain organized.
How much can You Earn as A Mystery Shopper?
Many of our readers interested in mystery shopping are probably eager to know about this section. The rates vary from company to company, and it also depends on assignments. In fact, in countries like the United States, mystery shoppers make around $800 a week. At the same time, they also get free meals and other incentives.
However, you must know that as a mystery shopper, you’ll be an independent contractor. This signifies that you will be responsible for paying your taxes. So if you are looking for a full-time job as a mystery shopper, many companies will employ you.
Most Common Questions About Mystery Shopping
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions that mystery shoppers have in their minds. So you can have a look to have a clear idea about what it is all about.
Which Mystery Shopping Company Pays the Best?
Many companies like BestMark and a few others are flourishing day by day due to mystery shoppers. So if you are employed here, you will be allotted to a variety of jobs. Therefore, you can choose any of them and get your payment accordingly.
So you can also sign up for different companies and see the terms and conditions. Also, check the types of gigs that you can go to per day. The pay will depend on your workload.
Which Mystery Shopping Companies Are Legitimate?
Nowadays, many companies employ candidates as secret shoppers—for instance, BestMark, Sinclair Customer Metrics, Market Force, and many others. However, you need to do some research and study before taking up a job in that particular company.
At the same time, you should also review the area and check for fraudulent activities. You can also check reviews of previous employees and get an overview of them.
How Much Does Professional Mystery Shoppers Earn?
Nowadays, many people opt for jobs like these, which is somewhat different from conventional jobs. Not only does it have the thrill but also you can make quite much from it if you work sincerely. In fact, you can even earn up to several hundred dollars a week.
However, you need to have the required experience and certain skills to improve yourself as a mystery shopper. You can follow some quick tips and rectify your mistakes, if any, and refine yourself as a professional mystery shopper.
Ending Note
So as we conclude, we can say that mystery shopping is indeed a thrilling and unique job. At the same time, it pays you a good sum of money if you can do your job properly. Therefore, you can indeed think of opting for this job if you are looking for something different than the conventional ones.
You may also read: Top Tips for Shopping for Dresses Online
