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Getting Mystery Shopper Jobs for credible companies can appear to be an industry secret. There are so many scams out there that it becomes overwhelming very quickly when trying to figure out how to get started. But, with the help of experienced shopper Sarah, I’m going to help you get started with tips, instructions, and a great list of companies that are 100% legit.

First things you know:

• DO NOT PAY TO SIGN UP WITH A MYSTERY SHOPPING COMPANY – There are services out there that claim to help you get good jobs, but the truth is, if you sign up directly with the companies below, you will get plenty of opportunities.
• Getting started with mystery shopping can be like any other job – You have to get your foot in the door and prove yourself to move up to better paying shops. These are businesses that are getting paid to provide competent shoppers that can give detailed observations and provide information that will better a company. These opportunities are not created so that you can make a quick buck.
• You are not an employee – These opportunities are done as an independent contractor. You are responsible for all expenses and taxes.

What to expect with Mystery Shopper Jobs:

• Small shops to start – Think $0-$10 job pay plus low caps on reimbursement amounts
• Pay out of pocket first, get reimbursed in 14-90 days – Almost no company pays up front for mystery shopper jobs. Higher value shops will sometimes issue vouchers, but those are not the norm and not typically at the starter level.
• Short turn around for work – Many companies require reports within 24 hours or less. If you are short on time, this might not be for you. Missing deadlines can get your account suspended or removed.
• Grammar counts – Many companies will ask for a writing sample at sign up, but even after that you are expected to turn in detailed, well written reports.
• Detailed instructions and work – Some shops, even at the lower levels, come with several pages of instructions. Many are step by step and you must do everything on the list to get paid. Watch out for required shop days and times, not every shop can be done all times of the day or week.
• You may need stuff – Timer, digital camera, scanner, fax, internet access for various parts of the shopping and report process. Make sure you have everything you need before you accept or attempt to complete a shop. These are at your expense.
• You pay self employment taxes – Some companies will ask up front for your information, including social security number, some don’t. You may be issued a 1099-MISC as an independent contractor. Chances are that only happens if you earn $600+ for an individual company, but many will require it up front so they can verify your identity and so they have it on hand to issue tax forms. Even if you don’t receive a 1099-MISC you should be tracking and claiming all income and reimbursements from these jobs for tax purposes – It’s reported on the Schedule C attached to your 1040.
• Keep track of your expenses (and I suggest you consult your accountant) – You should get to write these off as part of your self employment income as a mystery shopper.
  • Mileage – between multiple shops, typically to and from your home is not allowed as in independent contractor, because it’s the same as driving to and from a regular job in the eyes of the IRS.
  • Money paid – Yes, even if it’s reimbursed! You have to claim that money as income too, so that portion is a wash. But do not claim amounts above the reimbursement level if you go over, those are not required purchases. If the required purchase goes over the reimbursement you can claim it all – but that’s the exception, not the rule.
  • Certification fees – typically at higher levels or if you want to be an certified and rated shopper.
  • Equipment – if purchased and primarily used for your mystery shopper job, these may qualify as an expense and may be put on a depreciation schedule.

How to Become a Mystery Shopper:

• Sign up with the right companies (see links below)
• Read the terms
• Fit the profile
• Live in an area that has opportunities
• Apply for opportunities you can complete
• Get Certified (MSPA North America is well known and accepted in the industry with a BBB A+ rating) – This is one legitimate expense in mystery shopper jobs you may want to consider. Getting certified shows you have passed a standard in the business and can “fast pass” or allow you into higher paying jobs.

Getting in and accepted into some companies is harder than getting into others. Chances are you will be denied as a shopper to some of the companies with higher paying jobs until after you have been a member of the smaller ones and have done well with them. However, if you have a background in writing, retail, or blogging that you can prove it can help your chances of getting accepted.

How to Stay a Mystery Shopper:

• Follow the rules.
• Select only offers you can complete within the time frame.
• Don’t shop until you have the full instructions and the notification you were assigned the job.
• Watch your emails for follow up and respond quickly. If you missed answering anything they will let you know.
• Stay active with the company. The more you do, the more you will get assigned.
• Don’t take jobs you aren’t interested in. For the low amount of pay they can become a lot of extra work.

Tips to Keep You on Track:

• Print the shop details out – but don’t take them in with you! Unless specifically told to identify yourself, you need to do everything you can to avoid being noticed as a mystery shopper
• Get organized – keep your details straight to keep you on track. I’ve put together a Mystery Shopper Sites and Logins printable for you to track the usernames, passwords, and payment terms you may need. Might I suggest a 3 ring binder, and pocket folders with divider tabs to keep you organized? (PS – those should be an office expense you can write off.)
• Keep track of your assignments and income – I’ve put together a couple of printables for you. Get your Mystery Shopper Assignment Log and Mystery Shopper Expense Log.
• Keep your receipts – Might I suggest a 12 month expanding file? (PS – those should be an office expense you can write off.)

Legit Companies to Get You Started:

NOTE: Many companies restrict shoppers from sharing the exact brands they work with in public. So, instead of weeding through every companies rules everything below is staying general. Also, many of the companies below are members of the A+ BBB rated MSPA North America.

• Goodwin Hospitality – Quick food, gas stations, family entertainment venues
• Consumer Impressions
• Trendsource – Merchandising audits, exit interviews, business verification
• GFK Mystery Shopping (A Sassie Shops Company)
• Bestmark – Automotive dealership services
• Automotive Insights – Automotive industry
• Grass Roots Mystery Guest
• Expert Solutions – Retail & More
• Restaurant Cops, LLC
• Coyle Hospitality – Travel, restaurants, big ticket items
• The Performance Edge
• i-Spy – Hotels and restaurants
• Secret Shopper
• Second to None
• Bare International (A Sassie Shops Company) – Retail
• Ardent Services, Inc.
• Spies in Disguise – Some sit down restaurants, family entertainment venues, concerts, & more
• About Face
• Marketforce – Major fast food chain, tax service provider
• Monterey Mystery Shopping – Automotive industry
• Quest for Best Mystery Shoppers
• Beyond Hello
• Shoppers View

Other Helpful Hints:

• Get a separate email account – You will get A LOT of emails from some companies. But don’t forget to check it often!
• Start small – PLEASE don’t sign up for every company and try to start doing 50 shops a day (impossible even for the best shopper!). Take it slow, learn as you go, and really take the time to educate yourself if you want to make this a long term opportunity for yourself.
• Be professional – In your shops, in your contact with the companies you are working for. It’s a job, not an online message board. Tone is so hard to tell in email, remember that the person on the other end is not only doing their job, they are evaluating you.
• Stay updated – Be it your profile with the companies you work with or the newsletters they send out, make sure you read the information they send. These legitimate companies are some of the best resources for learning how to spot a mystery shopping scam.

That should get you started on the mystery shopper path. Are you ready to get going?