How to Earn Extra Money by Mystery Shopping

Who couldn't use a little extra cash? What about being able to shop or eat out for free? By signing up as a mystery or secret shopper you can do this and make a few extra dollars; and/or enjoy entertainment, shopping or eating for free. And while you're helping yourself, you can feel good that you are also helping improve the quality of service and products at local businesses.

RESEARCH WHAT MYSTERY SHOPPING IS ALL ABOUT

Being a secret shopper can be fun and rewarding. You'll be helping out the business by offering a fair and unbiased opinion on what they are interested in. They may want to know if you are greeted with the correct phrase, if the store appears clean, the condition of the restrooms, how the food tastes in a restaurant, or a number of other things. Some questioners are longer than others, but you will be paid more (either cash or reimbursement for a product or service) if more is expected. When you sign up for a job you will be told exactly what is expected of you and what the compensation will be. I have enjoyed free theme park tickets, lunches, and dinners, in addition to payments from $10 to $50 for certain jobs. Some jobs can even be completed over the phone.

MSPA Additional Shopping Information for additional details on what will be expected of you as a Mystery Shopper.

WORK ON YOUR MYSTERY SHOPPING CERTIFICATION (optional)

This step is optional, but more jobs will be offered if you have at least initial (silver) certification. This certification will take about 2 hours to complete online and costs $15. You can register at MSPA Shopping Certifications.

REGISTER WITH MANY MYSTERY SHOPPING COMPANIES

The more companies you register with, the more jobs you will have access to. This will take some time, but is well worth it. Some resources are Shopping Companies to Sign Up With and MSPA Job Search.