So, if you get started doing jobs as a Mystery Shopper, how much can you expect to make anyway?
First, consider this one important thing you must know. There is no way, no how mystery shopping will get you rich. Anyone that says otherwise is just trying to take something from you - think your $. Money is a great incentive to wanting those Mystery Shopper positions, but as discussed, there are also other great reasons why mystery shopping may be perfect for you. Mystery shopping is a JOB, and like all jobs, work is required. The neat thing about getting paid to shop is that it doesn't even feel like you are working - Discovering various jobs for mystery shoppers is so neat, such as getting your international flight reimbursed for the one-way you were required to secretly 'shop'. The appeal of mystery shopping jobs is that it is not your typical 9-5 conundrum. You only take what shops you are interested in, based on your availability or interest. For instance, a shop may appeal to you 'cause you want to go out for a nice free dinner on a Saturday night, or you may want to take a shop further away 'cause it offers bonus $ (due to distance). Jobs for Mystery Shoppers are best defined as flexible, part-time positions. The amount of hours you work per week, or month, varies based on how many mystery shopping companies or agencies you are connected with, and how many shops you request, and are thus scheduled. So how much can you earn exactly from mystery shopping? It all depends on the type of shop you are assigned to. Generally, the more time a shop takes to 'shop', the longer a report takes to complete, and the more nuances that are in place (such as 'urgency' or mileage), the more money you earn. Generally, you can expect to earn around $15 for retail shops, $25 on apartment shops, and reimbursements on entertainment and restaurants shops. If you count the time it takes to travel to a shop, get the shop evaluated, and the report completed, you are looking at making $8 to $15 per hour. The closer a shop gets to a deadline, meaning the client is expecting to hear feedback very soon, the more paranoid the mystery shopping Scheduler is to filling the assignment. Sometimes people back out last minute with a shop they have been assigned (you don't want to do this too often, as flaking out will stop you from getting offered any shops again in the future), so the assignments needs to be re-filled. What this means is that you get paid an additional bonus! The bonus goes up the more desperate the Scheduler is to fill the position. Don't be afraid to negotiate for more money, for 'going out of your way', or for 'gas money'. Always remain polite though! Perhaps wait until you have a few shops under your belt, so they know the quality of your work first. The nice thing about working for yourself as a Mystery Shopper is that you are an Independent Contractor. Thus, no taxes will come off your checks. And don't forget you can claim for expense reimbursements come tax filing time. Remember that car mileage, gas, stationery, Internet, etc. costs amount and count for something. So there you have some idea with this post on how much you can expect to earn as a Mystery Shopper. The wage depends on a few factors, as discussed. But when you have to do errands anyway, such as picking up something from the store, you might as well get paid for it. Not to mention the fun you have doing some shops, like getting a free night's stay at a quality hotel. -Kat
1 Comment
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start secret shopping blogWelcome to my blog on the information and advice you need to know to get started as a Secret Shopper! I love this work and would like to share my experience with you. :)
-Kat
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