To start, you don’t need to buy a list of companies.  Google “mystery shopper” on the Internet to find out all about the industry.  Search the Internet for mystery shopping companies that are accepting applications. Legitimate companies don’t charge an application fee. Many accept applications online. Do some homework about mystery shopping. Check libraries or bookstores for tips on how to find companies hiring mystery shoppers, as well as how to do the job effectively.

Visit the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) website at www.mysteryshop.orgfor information on how to register to be a mystery shopper with a MSPA-member company, a database of available jobs, and additional information on the industry in general. You may decide to become a silver or gold certificate shopper, but this certification is not needed for most companies.  You will usually need certification for cruises or luxury restaurants which pay more.

You are hired by a third party to evaluate the service, so you will never work directly for Applebee’s or Sears in this capacity.  Register online to shop with a variety of companies.  Then check their websites for assignments in your area.  You may use my personal favorites of companies that I have shopped for:  Satisfaction Services of Metro DC (www.satisfactionservices.com), Jancyn Services (www.jancyn.com), Roper NOP (www.cybershoppersonline.com), EPMS – Ellis Property Management – this one does apartment shopping (www.epmsonline.com), and Ace National Mystery Shopping (www.acemystery shopping.com).  Register for as many companies as you wish, then remember to check their websites.  You’ll soon have many opportunities.

The trick is to mystery shop in sets.  Spend the morning shopping at 2, 3 or more shops, finish with a shopping lunch, and then head home to write them up.  Don’t be tempted to drive too far, as you will “eat” up your cash profit.  Speaking of eating – I am currently shopping four grocery stores per week, all within a mile ratio.  I get $12.00 in free groceries per week from each.  (A way to have your cake, and eat it, too.)

Mystery shopping is your opportunity to write something good about the clerk who went out of her way to find you a matching sweater, or report the fellow in the hardware store who told you to send your husband in to get the items, because the subject was too complicated for your female brain! (Yes, that’s what he told me!)  Have a great time shopping in retail America.

 And now…this Grandma Spy signing off!!