Try it out-How to Get Started

You haven't scared me off yet. How do I get started?

To be a successful mystery shopper, you will need to apply to lots of mystery shopping companies. You can prepare for the application process by writing a short description of a recent fast food or retail experience. Some mystery shopping companies ask for a sample of your writing. Report the facts of the transaction, including both positive and negative items. Don't express your opinions, but let the facts speak for themselves. Include descriptive phrases, but nothing that could be considered politically incorrect. Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors.

Many mystery shopping companies also ask why you think you would be a good mystery shopper. They are always looking for people who understand what mystery shopping is. In addition, they value people who can follow directions and who understand the necessity of reporting in a timely manner. Write a short paragraph describing the attributes you have that will make you a good mystery shopper.

Next find mystery shopping companies to apply to. It takes time to apply to mystery shopping companies, and it can be very frustrating to fill out the application only to find out that they don't have any jobs in your area. I suggest a free membership at Jobslinger. You can use it to search for jobs within a certain radius of your zip code. The jobs that are displayed are often gone by the time you get to them, but at least you will be applying to companies that have work in your area.

Have your social security information, your banking information, and your paypal account ready. Nearly all companies will request your social security number at the time of application, although some will not require it until you have accepted a job with them. I prefer to be paid by direct deposit or paypal, and I have not encountered any problems from giving my information to secret shopper companies. Many companies require one of these methods of payment. Others pay by check only. Some give you a choice, but you will get your money faster if you accept direct deposit.

A few companies ask for references. I've checked with the people I regularly use, and they have never been contacted.

Different companies have different procedures. Some give you automatic access to their job board and you can request shops right away. Others require you to read training materials and take a test before you can look for jobs. And some companies will review your information and send login information via email within a couple of days.

A few more tips.

• Preparing for a shop can often take more time than actually doing the shop. Mystery shopping is more lucrative if you shop the same client frequently. You still need to download and read the paperwork. However, after you've done the shop a few times, you will be able to scan the instructions for changes. Many companies hightlight changes to a project or publish the date of the last change on the front page of the instruction document. In many towns you will be able to shop multiple locations for the same client.
• Don't give up on a shop until you have performed it two or three times. They get easier each time. I have a shop that took me nearly an hour the first time I did it that now takes me 15 minutes. I honestly believed that the client had eliminated some questions until I compared the third questionaire to the first.
• Watch for bonuses near the end of the month. Sometimes mystery shopping companies will increase the fees for shops that have not been completed near the end of the month.

Good Luck with your shops.