I've been a Secret Shopper for a number of years now, while holding down other jobs. I enjoy secret shopping. But I would not quit my day job for it. Why is this?

Being a Secret Shopper is a great way to earn some side income and other perks, however it is difficult to sustain your living expenses on this income alone. It's outrageous if anyone tells you that you will get rich from being paid to shop. It just does NOT happen. 

It's not impossible to do secret shops full-time, however you will have an easier time if your expectations are that you see this type of market research work as a part-time endeavor. This is  great news. It means you do not have to quit your day job. ;)

I came across a great shopper resource recently. It's focus is on how to take what appears to be a secret shopping hobby and turn it into a profitable home-based business instead. This guide has been met with great reviews. Combine your love of shopping with the ability to make money from it as a business. And when you do work for yourself, which is what you will be doing as a Secret Shopper, you have the benefit of deducting your expenses come tax time.

The cool thing about this resource is that it has been developed by a successful owner of a premier mystery shopping company. She has been running this business for 19 years. Thus, she has the know-how to take you through the step-by-step process of getting started in mystery shopping (same as secret shopping). As she has quite the experience, she provides insider tips that you won't get anywhere else. 

If you want to discover the following information to work from home as a Mystery Shopper, then Ultimate Mystery Shopping: Transforming Your Hobby Into a Profitable Home-Based Business may be the right work for you:

• Find out how to get started in mystery shopping
• Learn how to use your time properly to make more $ secret shopping
• Get your foot in the door & your name at the top of every scheduler's list
• Write reports that will get you noticed & keep the assignments coming your way
• Go behind the scenes of a mystery shopping company
• How to manage your home-based business effectively
• Discover how to set up your day and your home-office for maximum productivity
• Learn how to create other streams of home-based income
  

With this exclusive information that would take you days to find searching all over the Internet, you are well on your way to earning a supplemental income from secret shopping.
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If your goal is to start a business working from home then Angela has made it easy for you. However, you may not want to focus that much time and dedication to mystery shopping as a business. And this is fine too. You can stick to keeping it as a hobby. Why not? You have to go out to buy things anyway, so why not do a shop while you're at it and get paid for it.  :)

-Kat
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And the secret shopping jobs available are not just limited to this part of the country.

​As long as businesses want to continually improve their customer service and remain competitive in their industry, then they will hire secret shoppers for their valid observations and opinions.

-Kat
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As the holidays are here and your bank account funds dwindle, you may be wondering how you're going to pay back your debts. This is reality for many people, even for those who are currently working.

There are many opportunities to work from home, but people are understandably scared to do something like this. They're not sure how to make the leap from working for someone else to working for themselves. Or they're nervous 'cause of all the scams they hear about.

What if there was a way to keep your job and work from home at the same time? This is where mystery shopping comes in. A legit work from home opportunity, being a Mystery Shopper allows you to create your OWN flexible schedule. This is perfect if you're already working, or if you have other obligations.

Don't worry about the scams. Mystery shopping is definitely a legit work opportunity. I've been doing it myself for several years now. If someone is promising you riches, then look away fast. If it sounds too good to be true, then likely it is.

Mystery shopping is just about earning a little extra income, such as paying off those holiday bills. You can choose how little or how much you want to work. In return, you get a nice pay check. And what's great is because you're self-employed, you can write off your business expenses come tax time.

A great way to get started is by checking out a Mystery Shopper Training Program, and what quick and easy way to go about this then by reading a book. Yes, it's that easy to get started. So what are you waiting for?

Here are my top 3 picks for training programs that will get you started in mystery shopping in no time.

When it comes to getting started as a Mystery Shopper, you will want to know how to go about it easily and effectively. All the while avoiding the scams. You can't go wrong with any of the above training programs. All of them offer the unique insider information and resources you need to get started mystery shopping right away.

What better way to stop those bills from coming back then by having that extra income to pay them off before your next holiday.

​-Kat
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You too can become a Mystery Shopper, and the best thing is - you don't need much experience to get started with a mystery shopping career.

If you're the type that likes to work from home, have a flexible working schedule, and hit the stores, then mystery shopping is the type of work you will be interested in.

I started my career as a Mystery Shopper several years ago now and I really do enjoy the work. I really like how I can choose the types of shops I want to do and when I would like to complete them by (within the specified time frames provided). Sometimes I can even bring a family member of friend to join me. Works great for those who have kids!

Mystery shopping is a great way for me to earn part-time income doing something I enjoy and often have to do anyway.

It's really easy to get started as a Mystery Shopper. So what does this type of work entail anyway?

What you will be doing is going into stores, restaurants, or other establishments "acting" like a customer. In other words, you're just being yourself, but you're being more observant than you normally would. You are evaluating the customer service experience. However, it is important to note that this has nothing to do with your own opinion, but rather it is an objective analysis. For instance, if you received a plate of food, you don't say that the salad wasn't tasty. Instead, you note that the lettuce appeared wilted and the dressing saturated the salad.

Don't worry, the mystery shopping company you are recruited by will give you all the information and details of what you will need to do and say. All you have to do is follow the instructions and you're set. Once you have evaluated a place, you will then complete a report on your computer, based on your shopping experience. This report lets the place of business know what they are doing well, and what they need to improve upon.

If it sounds simple, that's because mystery shopping is mega-fun!

As mentioned, you don't have to have much experience to become a Mystery Shopper. What is more important is your personality. Do you have the right attitude? People that are successful at getting mystery shopping jobs are positive and easy to get along with. They are also reliable and accurate.

These are the qualities that you will need to make a career in mystery shopping work for you:

* Great communication skills
* Basic computer knowledge
* Ability to follow directions
* Detailed and thorough
* Reliable

If these traits sound like you, then you are probably a great candidate for mystery shopping.

If you're wondering about training, many agencies that hire Mystery Shoppers help you out with that!

If you think that you would make a great Mystery Shopper, then it's time to get started.

But wait, the question is HOW do you actually become a Mystery Shopper?

Consider that regular companies that want Mystery Shoppers don't tend to hire Mystery Shoppers themselves. That's because they want honest and objective feedback about their customer service and business. So using their own employees won't work. You can imagine employees would change their presentation, if they knew who exactly was evaluating them. Instead, they outsource the hiring to mystery shopping agencies.

When you see a mystery shopping agency charging a fee, this is because they've gathered the research for you. You will have access to a database of companies needing Mystery Shoppers. They are not asking you to pay to get the job, they are asking for you to pay for the beneficial directory they compiled and the other resources and help they will offer. Plus, they give you training on getting started as a Mystery Shopper. The fee pays for itself after a couple of shops anyway. This is exactly what I did to get started in mystery shopping.

And what about those mystery shopper scams? Well ya, just like in many types of work there are scams. Just know that if it sounds too good to be true than it likely is. And you don't want to do anything that has to do with checks or forwarding money or anything like that. No legitimate mystery shopping service sends you unsolicited information. You definitely won't get rich doing mystery shopping, so anything or anyone that says otherwise is to be ignored.

Mystery shopping is legitimate work and you will know this when you join up with a reputable agency that provides you with the key to unlocking your career success as a Mystery Shopper.

-Kat

You may already be a Mystery Shopper or you may just be getting started in mystery shopping. Just like with any legitimate job opportunity..and yes, mystery shopping is legit work that can be put on your resume..there are high paying jobs. The trick is knowing where to find them.

The Mystery Shopper Training Program is a great book and let me explain why. First, it covers everything you would want to know about mystery shopping, also known as secret shopping, which is a form of market research. It covers how to write reports and this is important, because if you submit quality reports about your experience then you will keep getting offered shops. This means more money and incentives for you.

Another great aspect of this training program is it provides you with over 200 legitimate mystery shopping companies. That is a whole lot of employers you could have at your fingertips, which means many shops keeping you busy working. You can sign up with as many of these companies as you like.

This book, which has been called the "bible of mystery shopping" is packed with 180 pages of recent information and advice on becoming a great Mystery Shopper. When you have a veteran Mystery Shopper as this author, Bethany Mooradian, teaching you the tricks of the trade, then you know that you can score those high paying mystery shopping jobs, such as a flight to Europe, in no time at all.

-Kat

There are plenty of job opportunities for Secret Shoppers right this instant. As long as businesses pride themselves on excellent customer service, then they will focus on recruiting the services of a secret shopping company (or a market research company that provides secret shopping services).

I've been a Secret Shopper for several years now and I do this job on the side. It's great work 'cause I only have to select the shops I'm interested in doing, when I'm interested in doing them. For instance, I love doing a secret shop at a really good salon near my home. So I wait until I need a hair cut, log-on to the secret shopping site I'm a member of, and select the salon shop I'm interested in when it's available.

I just logged on to the secret shopping company's website - These are a sample of the jobs currently available where I live and how much they pay:

-Dinner for two at a popular pizza restaurant chain, up to $50 reimbursement
-Oil and Filter Change, $100 in service
-Popular sports retailer, up to $25 in product + $14 pay
-Mobile phone brand retailer, $15 pay
-Sporting arena event, 2 free $$ tickets to a game or concert
-International in-flight airline evaluation, 50% off $$$ of your airline ticket up to $5000!

There is no pressure or expectation for me to do more shops than I'm interested in. However, if you really want to get steady hours then of course you have to be more flexible. Put out quality reports and then get a reputable name for yourself in the business. The shops will just keep on coming to you!

-Kat

I am about to share some privileged information with you that other Mystery Shoppers are reluctant to provide. And you sure will not find it easily on Google. My gift to you, simply for following along on my blog.

Yay! I was selected by my mystery shopping agency again to do a salon evaluation. I had the choice of either a free haircut or free hair color. I haven't dyed my hair since 2006, so I opted for my much-needed haircut. This salon is awesome as it's more high-end, with quality products that are plant-derived. Another bonus is that the report doesn't take too long to complete. I had to fill out some Yes and No questions related to my experience, and then write out my step-by-step experience. The latter which I'm including for your review here:

Guest Service Experience:

The female staff answered the phone with "It's a great day at (name of salon and location), Can you please hold for a moment?” followed by "Thanks for holding, (her name) speaking". She was polite, courteous and helpful. She asked me if there was a particular stylist I was looking for, or a particular time, and if I had been with them before. I was able to get a service booking on the day and time of request. She didn't say "My pleasure" or "Is there anything else I can do for you today?" Once booked, the day, time and provider’s name were repeated, but the location and service weren’t. I was told “Thanks so much and have a great day.” I didn’t receive a call to confirm my appointment.

Salon Welcome:

When I entered the store, I noticed the two staff behind the counter busy with customers. It was a minute later before I received a friendly greeting from the female staff that just finished with a customer. I was told to have a seat for a minute. I wasn’t offered a tour, but it wasn’t my first time to this salon. I wasn’t escorted to the change area, as the male staff member behind the counter came to where I had been seated and offered to take my jacket.  He also asked me if I would like a beverage and he brought me water, as requested.

Salon Experience:

My stylist greeted me by name and the service began on time. At her area, she assisted me with putting on a robe.  She provided me with a dry hair consult, but magazines or portfolios weren’t introduced. Her suggestions were tailored to my preferences. I was given the head massage, but her hand movements were rushed. I was provided with a shampoo and conditioning treatment, but I remember also getting a short head massage by stylists in the past. She was friendly, professional and knowledgeable. She took her time to demonstrate styling techniques for my new haircut, based on my image and lifestyle. I was also provided with a hair care recommendation. Other salon services weren’t recommended. When she applied one product on me, she mentioned the purpose of it. With the other product she used, she didn’t say anything. Purchase recommendations weren’t provided. I wasn’t offered a complimentary make-up touch up. I wasn’t escorted to the change area, as she took my robe from me and brought my jacket to me. I was then escorted to the front desk and asked if I was good for products. I received a pleasant good bye from the stylist, and she remembered to wish me good luck on my upcoming interview.

Salon Closing:

I was welcomed back to the front desk with a warm greeting, by the female staff that assisted me when I first arrived to the salon. She inquired as to my satisfaction with the service received. She was enthusiastic and efficient, and any final questions were answered. I booked my next appointment, as she stated there was a $100 draw. Further, though I declined, she asked if I would like to donate $2 to a (type of) charity and she pointed to the package of products that could be won in a draw. I was offered a sincere and authentic goodbye.

General:

Unfortunately, I didn’t take a good look as to the cleanliness of the store; however, I did notice that the products I looked at coming in were nicely organized. The entire team seemed to be happy working there and that they got along with each other. I enjoyed my experience and would return again. My stylist was easy to talk with and I liked how she had a good sense of humor. Further, I would recommend the salon and this particular stylist to a friend.

This is a REAL report I used for a salon assignment. This was my step-by-step OBJECTIVE experience at the salon. I grouped it in sections, so it's easier to read the report. I got the heading names from the Yes and No questions that were asked. I also had to scan the receipt, which showed the price of the haircut, the tax, and what I paid for in tip. Yes, you also get reimbursed the tip!

Everything I mentioned was asked of me to observe. One thing I failed to do was observe the maintenance and cleanliness of the store. This is risky, as it could compromise my report as being complete. Thus, always be detailed and thorough during your assignments and in your reports.

As always, whenever I go to this salon, which also happens to be my favorite, the stylist did a great job. And I'm happy with my FREE haircut worth $60. I will definitely be requesting this same mystery shopping assignment again in the future. I just have to wait 6 months, as they don't want you going in more frequently. Reason being it could compromise your identity as being a Mystery Shopper. We wouldn't want that!

-Kat

When we think of mystery shopping, we often don't know what it entails. However, for those of us already working as Mystery Shoppers, we sure do know what it means.

What you're essentially doing is work of a market researcher. As a Mystery Shopper, you are collecting research from the market. What this entails is going undercover as a regular shopper to evaluate store operations.

Knowing how a company is perceived is valuable information for management. In a time of much competition, stores can't afford to lose customers, due to poor customer service or a lack of quality. This is why your work is so valuable. And this is why you can put it on your resume.

You would treat your mystery shopping work just like you would a real job. Because it is! You are going about your mystery shopping work responsibly and professionally, so you are using the same personal characteristics you have used in your other work.

You can even use the term Market Researcher as your job title for your resume, and for your list of responsibilities you would define the importance of your role. This would include things like:

• Evaluated customer service and business operations for a variety of companies
• Followed instructions and provided timely feedback to coordinators
• Completed detailed and thorough reports based on objective research
• Attended to assignments prepared and professional at all times

Now that you have this great experience listed on your resume, you have something unique to offer potential employers. This is great for those who need to put something down on their resume, 'cause they may have a gap otherwise. Employers get to see your skills and attributes and will be interested to call you in for an interview.

Just one of the many benefits of being a Mystery Shopper - It can open the door to a great career opportunity.

-Kat

We all know how expensive it is to head to our local arena to watch a great game of hockey, or indulge in the tunes of our favorite band. By the time the tickets are purchased, the parking paid for, the food scarfed down, the souvenirs bought, one has to take a break from emptying their wallet for a little while. That's why I was excited when the mystery shopping company I do work for partnered with our local sports and entertainment arena. Now I can go watch a hockey game or concert for free, by doing just a little work in exchange.

Your assignment involves evaluating customer service, not the event itself. For example, you will go into the merchandise store and pretend to browse around for something to purchase. You will observe how long it takes to be greeted, and how knowledgeable the sales person is regarding the product they're attempting to sell. Or you will evaluate the ticket office, by noting how long it takes to wait in line for tickets. Also, you will observe if the employee checks your ID. Evaluating the arena could also involve visiting the concession stands and washrooms.

Before you go on your assignment, you will know what you are to evaluate. You must be detailed and provide step-by-step notes on your evaluation. This will be done when you get home on your computer. You can take notes during your assignment, but you must be careful that no one notices you are there to perform a mystery shop. The more detailed and thorough you are in your report, the better chances you have of being invited to attend another event - or even a new assignment you haven't tried yet!

-Kat

I was needing to get an oil change done on my car, 'cause it had been a while. And then I remembered that the secret shopping company I do work for has these types of assignments.

I went to their website to take a look at what shops were available in my city and the surrounding areas. There was an assignment to have your car serviced, but it was a bit of a drive to get to this shop. I decided to request the shop anyway, 'cause I have cousins in that area I could visit.

When you put your request in for an assignment, you have to wait and see if you are chosen for it. This doesn't take very long at all. Just a day or two wait. I was notified on their website that I had the assignment pending, in which I log-on as a Secret Shopper. They also send email notifications. I was pumped (pun not intended) that I got this assignment.

I never have taken my car in to be serviced, as my dad knows mechanics and he takes care of my car for me. However, he lives out of town and this is why this secret shopping assignment came in handy (again, pun unintentional). I read the instructions ahead of time, which you always want to do to be prepared. I wrote down what I needed to pay attention to, and read this on my way to the automotive maintenance shop.

As the guys were working on my car, it was important that they don't see me writing anything down. So I pretended I was using my cell phone. I was taking notes, but they didn't know what I was typing. When they came close, I held the phone closer to my body. A couple of times, I even held the phone up to my ear to help throw them off.

I got my car serviced and was good to go with my new oil and filter change. I also got new windshield wipers too. The total of the service came to $100 bucks. But with the quick secret shop and the report I type up, I only have to owe $50. I will be reimbursed $50 from the secret shopping agency, when they process the payments.

Would getting a discount on the maintenance of your vehicle interest you also?

-Kat