Mystery shopping, ever do it?

Canada
February 10, 2011 6:19pm CST
I signed up on a mystery shopping site in 2006 and haven't done a shop since then. Honestly, I forgot about it until recently when an email came in about phone shops. I like this one, as I don't have to leave home or even spend money on an assignment, and I could make about $72 from making 16 phone calls. I think that mystery shopping is a decent way to earn extra income, good for people who can't work full time, but only if there are enough assignments that you can do. It's not for everyone, I've had several assignments that I've passed up simply because they required a purchase and I didn't have that kind of money to pay for something, even if I was going to be reimbursed for it. But mystery shopping is a great way to get paid to do something you like to do, if you like to shop anyways. I remember doing an assignment for another company, and I had to compare 2 big box electronic stores. I was amazed with the difference in price and service between the 2 of them. I didn't have to buy anything, but just simply compare prices on an item that both stores sold. So if you're interested in something like this, you should look into it. Just search for mystery shopping companies, there are many of them out there.
1 person likes this
5 responses
@stevieboi19 (1419)
11 Feb 11
I've always been interested in mystery shopping but have never managed to find a good site to start myself off with. I never like the idea of being reimbursed for something though like you said it's better not to have to make a single purchase. It would certainly be something different and when I go to a store I'm normally judging the service through out the store so why shouldn't I sign up and be paid for it.
@GardenGerty (160949)
• United States
11 Feb 11
For additional information check my comment at slot #4. I have had really good luck with the sites I name as far as getting to sign up for other sites. Also, Market Force, although there are a lot of fast food shops. I guess that is one of my objections. I try not to eat at fast food places too much.
11 Feb 11
Yeah I'd probably be the same whenever I've been reimbursed then I'd probably not be too bothered about making a purchase. I'll have a look around see what's about. GardenGerty thank's Iv'e taken a look at your comment I'll give them a look over hopefully they're active in the UK if not I'm sure I'll find some reliable companies over here.
@Nadinest1 (2016)
• Canada
6 Mar 11
My friend is a mystery shopper. Like you said, it is not a lot of money, but it is a little extra. The latest one for here was go into a new bank in town and open an account(which they cave her $ to do that) and rate the bank.
@GardenGerty (160949)
• United States
11 Feb 11
I have done it, but feel a bit burned out about it right now. People also need to be aware that there are many scams that want you to pay for being on their list. No one should do that. I have done that, and never qualified for a shop they posted in an entire year. They also "piggy backed" some further "offers" and charges onto my credit card. Two web sites that will help people who are interested in this are NARMS and Virtuoso. You set up profiles there and you have the opportunity to various independent contracting jobs, like mystery shops through their listings.
• United States
11 Feb 11
I used to be a mystery shopper. i really enjoyed it. Plus if you wait them out long enough you can make a little more than just the reimbursement! I really thought it was fun plus I was getting my stuff like food and socks for free! I really liked one that I had to go to a dealership and ask if they had a particular car. That's all I had to do was ask about it. I got like 25 bucks for that one!
@khalida (1126)
• India
11 Feb 11
that sounds really interesting :) what is the site you are working for then? I wonder they just pay for suggesting them on what to shop? That is nice. how much is it for one transaction Kris ?