Secrets of a Mystery Shopper

Mystery Shopping is a legitimate source of income. You get paid to eat, bowl, shop and do other fun things and write a report about your observations. The purpose of Mystery Shopping is to inform companies about the service you were provided and at times offer suggestions for improvement.

I have been a Mystery Shopper since 2002. I actively work for about 5 companies, but am signed up for at least 15. It did not cost me anything to become a shopper, however I did invest $25 to get a certification. I'm not sure if this gets me more jobs or not, but it was a small expense which can be written off on taxes.

So far this year, I have made $50 from one company alone for eating at McDonald's. Eating is the fun part, but sometimes the reports are a bit tedious. Overall, the experience has been good.
Be aware that there are some companies which solicit you and ask you to send in money to become a Shopper. DO NOT pay any fees to sign up for companies!!!

The items you generally need to own are a digital camera, stopwatch, scanner and/or fax machine. All of these items are tax write-offs since you're using them as an independent contractor. Your mileage and certification fee are also tax deductible.

Some of the sites that I use are listed below. You will receive e-mails letting you know the jobs in your area. Sign up for all of them for more chances to get selected to perform a shop. Don't get discouraged if you aren't selected for shops immediately. More experience Shoppers are generally chosen first.

http://www.cybershopperonline.com/
http://www.acpview.com/
http://www.ritterassociates.com/
http://www.msishopper.net/
http://www.secretshopper.com/
http://www.shopnchekshopper.com/
http://www.sassieshop.com/2kern/
http://www.mysteryshops.com/
http://www.sassieshop.com/2nis/
http://www.sassieshop.com/2servicesleuths
http://www.sassieshop.com/2mystique/
https://www.shopnchekshopper.com/
http://www.secretshopper.com/
http://www.sassieshop.com/2confero/
http://www.secretshopnet.com/
http://www.sassieshop.com/2bareintl/