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Get paid to shop...the shopaholic's dream come true! Anyone can earn money as a secret shopper, all you need is to be well organised, be able to pay close attention to detail and to have the time to do it! In return you'll earn a little extra cash for your time and a whole heap of fringe benefits...along with the satisfaction you may just be helping to improve the standard of the shops and services in your area!
There are a very large number of phantom shopping companies in the UK and throughout the rest of the world so you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to joining a few. I've included a few with online application forms and information on what they require here but there are literally hundreds of others out there.
Secret shopping is a fun and rewarding way to earn extra cash from your spare time but it may not be to everyone's taste. Read the following brief snippets of info. or check out the reviews and opinions of other real mystery shoppers (or write your own!) here if you aren't sure what is involved.
What Will You Have To Do?
Assignments are many and varied and encompass all aspects of the retail and service industries. You may be asked to visit a certain shop and buy or return something, to attend a cinema, stay a night at a hotel, dine out at a restaurant, make an inquiry at a telephone call centre etc. Whilst carrying out this assignment you will have been given a checklist of things to observe and report back on which needs to be committed to memory before you undertake the assignment. Your status as a retail investigator must be kept secret at all times so you can't walk into the place with a clipboard and pen but must act as a real consumer would act. You need to pay close attention to detail and have a good memory to complete assignments successfully.
Who Should Apply?
Anyone! Mystery Consumer companies require people from all walks of life, age, race, gender etc. regardless and in areas all over the country but you have to be aware of the kind of work involved and decide whether it is of interest to you. Also, if you live in middle of nowhere then the chances are there will be limited work in your area.
How To Apply?
Methods of application for secret consumer jobs vary from company to company. Most require you to complete an application form which may ask you various demographic questions in order for the company to allocate jobs to your as the client requires. In addition some companies may also conduct a brief telephone interview or may even invite you to attend a face-to-face interview but these are quite rare.
How Much Will You Earn?
Again it depends on the company and the assignments you receive. The typical payment is around £5-£15 for an average simple assignment with rewards topping £100+ for longer, more complicated secret consumer jobs. It depends on the company again but most reimburse travel expenses and if you are asked to make a purchase in the course of the assignment you should be reimbursed for that as well...and will often be allowed to keep whatever you bought into the bargain. There are of course additional fringe benefits such as a free night out at the movies if you are asked to perform a trailer check or a free meal at a restaurant if you are asked to evaluate the service at a local one which is all a bonus.
Can You Give Up Your Day Job?
No! Being a mystery shopper is a great way to supplement your income and earn a little cash in addition to your full time job but it is not an alternative! You will not be inundated with assignments to perform, in fact, you may not receive any for months...and then 10 in a week, it all depends on what assignments are available in your area and what type of person the company wants to perform them. Of course, the more companies you enroll with then the more regular your assignments will be and it is probably in your best interests to join more than one if you want regular assignments.
Other Things To Consider
Are you flexible with you time? Can you be at so-and-so place at so-and-so time or are other commitments always going to be in the way - like childcare.
Do you drive? If you don't drive then you have to consider the additional cost of getting to the assignment. Most companies reimburse mileage but public transport can take a large chunk out of your earnings.
So...Is It For You?
Mystery Shopping can be a fun and rewarding way to earn a little extra money but it's not as easy as it sounds. You do need to be well organised, pay close attention to detail, often be required to think on your feet and be relatively flexible in your availability. You will also have to write reports, fill out questionnaires or report back via the telephone to your employer and often within 24-48 hours of the assignment being completed. It is fun though and anyway, where else can you actually be PAID to dine out, indulge your shopaholic tendancies, go to the movies... !?
Some recommended links...
Mystery Shopping Guidebook - Five Star Rated Introduction To Mystery Shopping
GAPbuster
Intelligent Marketing Solutions
NOP
Cinecheck
Frontline Focus International
Retail Maxim
Site-Reporter
eMysteryShopper
Visitor Friendly
Performance In People
Retail Eyes
Read mystery shopping company reviews from other real mystery shoppers at ciao.co.uk
Get paid to take surveys in the comfort of your own home! Give your opinion and be paid!
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