How to Be a Mystery Shopper

"Like this shirt? I got it at the mall, free. We're going to dinner tonight, free. Oh look, another check in the mail and another PayPal deposit. C'mon kids, we're going to BurgerLand, free. This new hammer, free. A bouquet of flowers? For Me? How beautiful and free."

Nothing in this world is free, right? Correct. But how about almost free, or free with little effort? Ah ha! Now that you're paying attention, let's talk about how to be a mystery shopper.

In its simplest form, Mystery Shopping, or being a secret shopper, is merely evaluating a product or service, and then getting paid to do it. The only stipulation is that you must be covert about it. The list of assignments is literally endless. You could be asked to go to a fast food restaurant, a clothing store, an employment agency, a car repair establishment, receive a bouquet of flowers, get your eyes checked, be a potential renter in an apartment complex, or eat out at a fine dining restaurant.

Many will reimburse you for the item they required you to purchase and also give you a small bonus ($8-$15) on top of that. Sometimes you're allowed to spend $40 for dinner and you'll get an extra $10 if you submit your report on time. Other times you will be reimbursed only for what you purchased and that's it. Each company compensates differently.