Helpful Resources for Successful Mystery Shopping
I just wanted to share some sources of valuable mystery shopping information for new mystery shoppers so that perhaps you can learn and get started more quickly and easily than I did!
1. Shadow Shopper -- I did learn a lot about mystery shopping from the "Shopper University" on this site. Please understand that it is not necessary to pay and join this organization; just sign up for the free "bronze" membership. You should never pay a company to find mystery shopping companies for you! You can find mystery shopping jobs all over the internet -- for free! But the "Shopper University" does provide a lot of valuable "how to" information for beginner mystery shoppers.
2. Volition-- This website has the most extensive list of mystery shopping companies that I've ever seen in one place. It also has valuable mystery shopping tools such as a printable "shop log" form to keep track of your mystery shopping assignments and payments as well as a forum full of information and advice from fellow mystery shoppers.
3. Mystery Shoppers Providers Association-- Through this company you can actually get "certified" as a mystery shopper, which builds credibility with mystery shopping companies and schedulers. For $15 you can get MSPA Silver Certified, and I believe it is worth it. Gold Certification is also available; but it requires a $99, and you must attend the 7-hour workshop in one of the designated cities. I would love to become a Gold mystery shopper, if there is ever an opportunity near my town. I have personally received more mystery shopping assignments since becoming Silver Certified, and it has paid for itself several times. Now I know that I heeded above not to pay a company for mystery shopping opportunities, but that is not what this company does; it simply provides training, instruction, and certification to increase your knowledge and credibility in the mystery shopping business. Think of it as furthering your education, as you would in any vocation.
I would say that those three websites are definitely the best resources for any new mystery shopper. If you have been thinking about mystery shopping, just set aside an hour to take a look, read advice from other mystery shoppers, and find out how profitable and fun mystery shopping can really be!
Published by Kristin McPherson
I am a creative, fun individual who is honored to be the wife of a hero and mommy to six beautiful kidlets. We are active in children's ministry and own the website www.childrens-church-ministry.com. View profile
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1 Comments
Post a CommentThanks for this info. I just signed up for the Bronze membership at Shadow Shopper and was tempted to go back and pay for the monthly service after receiving those alluring emails. Glad I had the where with all to research a little more first. I'm glad you posted this, thanks!