Mystery Shopping can be a mystery in itself– where to get started, how to sign up, knowing whether a site is legitimate or not– these are questions that need answers for anyone considering this as a stream of income.
One place to get started is with Mystery Shoppers Providers Association at http://www.mysteryshop.org. If you want to learn more about mystery shopping and how to become a shopper, this is a great place to start. You can get and exchange information with others on their Shoppers Bulletin Boards, look for MSPA member companies that are looking for independent contractors to be mystery shoppers, learn about getting certified if you choose to, and more.
The MSPA is the largest professional trade association dedicated to improving service quality using anonymous resources. With over 400 member companies worldwide, their diverse membership includes marketing research and merchandising companies, private investigation firms, training organizations and companies that specialize in providing mystery shopping services.
Another resource for Mystery Shoppers is Voliton.com at http://www.volition.com. Volition offers many resources for mystery shoppers, including a great member’s forum–a great way to learn from those who are already doing this — lists of reputable companies, and even a daily checklist where companies post new mystery shopping jobs available.You might also check Market Force at http://www.applymarketforce.com–another information-filled site for mystery shoppers that provides job leads to enrolled qualified mystery shoppers.
And always be vigilant as with any work opportunity you see advertised, or emailed to you-especially if unsolicited. The Federal Trade Association has warning signs on their website for possible signs of mystery shopping scams, including advertisers who
- Advertise for mystery shoppers in a newspaper’s ‘help wanted’ section or by email. While it may appear as if these companies are hiring mystery shoppers, it’s much more likely that they’re pitching unnecessary — and possibly bogus — mystery shopping “services.”
- Sell “certification.” Companies that use mystery shoppers generally do not require certification.
- Guarantee a job as a mystery shopper.
- Charge a fee for access to mystery shopping opportunities. (You should never have to pay a company a fee to be a mystery shopper!)
- Sell directories of companies that provide mystery shoppers.
