Get Paid to Shop! Make Money as a Mystery Shopper

Did you know you can get paid to shop, dine out, and more? Mystery shoppers get paid (or reimbursed) in return for evaluating service at restaurants, hotels, stores, amusement parks, and other commercial establishments!

Mystery shopping (also known as secret shopping) used to be a tricky job to get. With the advent of the internet, however, it's easier than ever to find people who are willing to pay you to shop.

Does it sound too good to be true? You may have read the Wall Street Journal article about a woman making thousands of dollars a month as a mystery shopper and thought to yourself that no one could really make that much money just by shopping. It's true that mystery shopping probably won't earn you the big bucks, but it does earn you some pocket money. Some shops, for example, pay $12-15 dollars; others reimburse the shopper for food and drink or a small purchase from a store, and yet others both pay and reimburse.

If you don't like to write, however, turn away now. Mystery shoppers have to be able to write concisely, with good grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Applications to become a mystery shopper are full of questions asking about good (or bad) shopping experiences you've had - and they want detail. Detail is another crucial part of being a mystery shopper - if you don't have an eye for the small details (is there paper towel in the bathroom? are you greeted upon entering a restaurant?), this job isn't for you.

So how to get started? First and foremost, don't ever pay to shop! A reputable mystery shopping company doesn't charge fees up front. And don't bother buying a so-called directory of shopping companies. Reputable shopping companies can be found, for example, on Volition.com. The members of their forums are also happy to share with you their experience with any number of shopping companies.

You can also check with reputable organizations like the MSPA to see whether shopping companies are listed. The MSPA also offers certifications for shoppers, conferences, and more!

Good luck, and happy shopping!