Has anyone ever been a mystery shopper?

I know there are a lot of legit companies out there but you would have to get their names from someone who does it. I considered it once. I was sent emails to do them but you have to be the one to accept really fast. For instance they would send an email out and want me to go into a few banks and make a simple transaction but usually by the time I would reply someone else already accepted it. That kind of got on my nerves. Sometimes its something as simple as going to see a movie. The money can be good but again that depends on the company. Good Luck with this.

I realize this is a very old thread but I was searching myLot for discussions about mystery shopping; and landed here. I have been doing it for 8 years and I just love it due to the variety and flexibility. And the money. If there are chains where you live, then there are mystery shops. I never travel to do any unless I want to. The jobs are posted on job boards and I take what I want and ignore the rest. Occasionally I might get a phone call to go to some small town but I can just say no or ask for a lot of money. Then they can say no or pay the money. If I want I can just do mystery shops that coincide with errands such as getting gas or groceries or oil changes. I haven't paid for an oil change for years.

I'd like to know of a legitimate way to apply for this type of work. Once a blue moon ago I applied with Shadowshopper and they never sent me anything except emails about paying for a premium membership which would supposedly open the door to work... what a joke. So, if you've worked as a mystery shopper can you tell me where to apply? I'd love to know!!

I love secret shopping. It is so much fun. Ususally if you have to pay for the site it is probably bogus. Check the better business bureau first.

My Mom and Dad were mystery shoppers when I was younger. I meant to ask them about it before I replied to you but as my Dad's brother is dying, I didn't get a chance. I will try and give him a quick phone call later and get more information about how they did it. I have never did it myself but I remember when they were doing it no one was allowed to know because it was right in our community. They did it at grocery stores, resturants and gas stations. I know this much for sure. I will be back with more information after I talk to one of them.

Hi, I just found your discussion. I have been a Mystery shopper for over 5 years and really love it. You would be an Independent Contractor for market research companies that specialize in providing Mystery Shoppers. It is like having your own business. You decide what jobs you want to accept and what days and hours you want to work As with any new business your success depends on you and your willingness to make it work. I have my Gold Certification from the Mystery Shopping Providers Association and thought that you might be interested in my web Page Mystery Shopping Know-How http://www.mysteryshoppingknowhow.com . I am not selling anything or getting referal fees it is just designed to answer questions about Mystery Shopping. I live in Texas but one company I shop for is located in Calgery, Alberta. They have a lot of shops avaiable in Canada. I don't where you live in Canada but, I do know that al ot of companies use shoppers feom Canada.

I have done mystery shopping. You ususally get paid back what you spend so really I did't make much money. Mostly just had a few free meals. I did it through an online company. i had to read the instructions and take a test so to speak online to be accepted as the bidder for the job. then when mystery shop was over I would log on and take a survey answering questions about the shop. The receipt had to be faxed in to the company. I did about 2 a month for ahile and then just sorta quit checking. I would get occasional e-mails telling me there were shops in my area. i could still do it if I could remember my password. It wasn't really all that hard. If you live in a bigger town it would be a great job. Try logging onto mysteryshoppers.com. Don't pay someone to give you the info. It is there free on the net. I think the one I used was NPO.com It's been a long time, about 5 years now.

I just signed up for my for mystery shopping company, and I am so exited. I cannot wait to get started. It seems as if there are many scam companies out there, but oe thing that I have learned from all my research is that you should never pay any company. You should defintely check out link to Pat's site, which she gave you in her response. I have looked at it very closely, and she seriously provides you with so much great and valuable informatin. I say go for it, give it a try. I know this is what I am going to do.

I've never done mystery shopping but I've wondered if it was possible to make money doing it

I've never been one but I'd love to be paid for reviewing restaurants, that would be fun!