What Do You Want to Know?

Are you looking for some specific information about mystery shopping? Post a comment with your questions or possible blog topics. We'll do our best to answer them!

Who Are Mystery Shoppers?

It's a common misnomer that mystery shoppers are mostly stay-at-home moms looking for supplemental income. Men and women of all ages and backgrounds are mystery shoppers - recent college graduates, students, people between professions, part-time or full-time workers, retired persons - essentially anyone looking to help businesses improve their service and make a little cash on the side.

So what kinds of qualities make a good mystery shopper?

Shoppers need to be trustworthy and reliable -- deadlines are deadlines, so keep them! Keeping promises helps schedulers learn that they can trust you as a resource.

You also need strong attention to detail and to be able to recall observations. A lot of times, you can't take notes about the questions you'll have to answer later. And when you file the report, it must be accurate! So good mystery shoppers are able to remember what often seems like small details.

Writing skills! Many mystery shopping evaluations require a narrative, or a written section. If the editor can't read or understand your report, they can't do their job. Make it easy on them -- include every last detail in a clear, easy-to-understand format.

Mystery shoppers also need basic computer knowledge. In today's mystery shopping world, most assignments and reports are filed online.

We're looking for a scheduler to give more specifics on this topic. Check back soon!

Avoiding Mystery Shopping Scams

In our last post, we briefly touched on scams. Despite proactive efforts by the MSPA and many of its member companies, these scams are still popping up across the country. We know it can be difficult to tell the difference between a legitimate opportunity and a scam....difficult, but not impossible!

The two most common scams we've seen are 1) a check-cashing scam and 2) sites that ask you to pay up front.

You should never have to pay to be a mystery shopper. Free job opportunities are available through the MSPA Web site at www.mysteryshop.org/shoppers or through MSPA Member Companies. If a company requires a fee, simply move on to the next opportunity.

In the check-cashing scam, you recieve in the mail a cashier's check for several thousand dollars, along with instructions and an evaluation form. You're asked to cash the check, wire a portion to a specifed address and keep the remaining amount as payment. The scammers assume that you'll complete the assignment quickly. In reality, the check is bogus, and it will bounce within a few weeks of being cashed....making you responsible for the entire amount. If you receive this type of scam info in the mail, DO NOT CASH THE CHECK.

If you're targeted in a scam, you should file a complaint with:

• National Consumers League/Alliance for Consumer Fraud Awareness
• Internet Crime Complaint Center (if you're contacted by e-mail or directed to a Web site)
• Office of the Inspector General
• U.S. Postal Service (if the offer is received by mail)
• Local Police
• Federal Trade Commission
• Federal Bureau of Investigation

Sometimes scammers mimick the names of legitimate mystery shopping companies, making it especially difficult to know if you're dealing with a legitimate company. The best way to know for sure is to contact the company directly. But don't simply call the phone number on the information you recieved! Find the name of the company on the MSPA Web site and call that phone number for more details.

How to Become a Mystery Shopper

Of all the questions we get, the one we're asked most often is how to become a mystery shopper.
There isn't a super easy answer to that question, as there are several ways to find legitimate opportunities and start working with mystery shopping providers.

Here are some tips to help you get started.

Never pay to become a mystery shopper. Like any job, you shouldn't have to pay money for employment. Be cautious of opportunities that ask for an up-front fee. You're safe dealing with members of the MSPA, as it requires it members to follow a strict code of ethics, stating that companies cannot charge shoppers a fee or mislead shoppers on job opportunities.

Register with multiple companies. Mystery shoppers are independent contractors and can work for multiple mystery shopping providers at the same time. Look at the list of member companies on the MSPA Web site and start registering in their databases. You can also search for assignments in your area. Please remember that the MSPA itself does not hire mystery shoppers. The search form on the MSPA Web site is meant to help connect shoppers and providers.

Certification isn't required...but it can help. There are some certifications out there that are worthless and simply try to get your money. No certification is required to be a mystery shopper. The MSPA does offer a two-level certification program that can help you improve your skills and marketability. Some shops from MSPA companies are offered first to certified shoppers...and some only to certified shoppers. Visit the certification page on the MSPA Web site for more details.

Don't fall for a scam. There are scammers out there who try to take advantage of the allure of mystery shopping. One of the most common of these scams is a cashier's check scam where you're asked to wire money. Read more about how the scam works in the press release on the MSPA Web site. Be leery of any mystery shopping opportunities that promises you large sums of cash in a short time. Pay varies significantly based on the oppoortunity, but the average shop pays $8-20. The old adage is still relevant: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.