So You've Signed on to Be a Mystery Shopper - so What Now?

Hopefully, you read an article like this one or spoke with someone who does mystery shopping about the essentials before clicking on any ads that may sound too good. Since writing my article in 2007, I've run across a few surprises myself. Hopefully, this can be used in determining whether a company is worth doing business with.

Application Process - How Much of My Information Should I Indulge?

As far as I know, or have read about, no contractor has made $30k or more a year on mystery shopping alone. Notice I did not say employee as most legitimate companies will tell you that early in the application process that you are a contractor who is responsible for paying their own taxes and not eligible for company benefits. Is necessary to give out your social security number? Yes - in order to a complete a 1099 tax form. If you are not comfortable giving out this personal information in cyberspace, ask if you can have this form faxed or sent by email. Most companies are usually prepared for this and encourage open communication as far as who received what papers and when. Understand that doing this may take a little longer for processing but having that peace of mind is worthy of the extra steps.

In realizing that you will not be rich from performing shops alone as some shoppers supplement their income with freelance writing or have jobs that offer flexible schedules, determine how much information you should give. Many mystery shopping companies use SASSIE (acronym for Scheduler and Shopper Survey Internet Engine) which in short, asks prospective shoppers a series of questions that are used in finding assignments. Like the Mystery Shoppers Providers Association Certification, this is not necessary to work.

Finally, if a company asks that you send a JPEG copy of your state driver's license or other identification into cyberspace, then you have the right to suggest snail mail. These requests are rare and personally, I feel not worth the time or effort for the pay one is likely to receive.

Do I Really Have to Spend My Own Money Before I'm Paid?

Not necessarily. Though I have not yet run across a company that will give someone money to spend before the shop takes place; no one reimburses in less than two weeks (most are 4-6 weeks before any payment is received), it's not to say that it can't happen. In the meantime, you can perform shop audits where you quietly count merchandise and record whatever feedback you are required to submit. There are also assignments where you just take pictures of retail demonstrations (or demos). Or shops that do not require a purchase, you are there only to find out if a certain brand is being promoted properly and if the overall customer service standards were met. Of course, shops where money is spent are more in demand but if the rising costs of gas is affecting your wallet and you've calculated ahead that a few dollars make a difference - then these are a good alternative.

I Have to Cancel the Shop I Was Assigned

Different companies have different methods. As some will let you pick your assignments online you can cancel them the same way. Others prefer contact email or phone no less than 24 hours before the day of the assignment. Be prepared to offer an alternate day that the shop can be done. Schedulers are usually flexible with this and this will not affect your rating. If you cannot do the shop at all, then let them know by both phone and email just to make sure that you are covered. Some schedulers are persuasive when it comes to projects that are not easy to place contractors and may come off a little pushy. Do not take this personally as it just may be the result of their boss stepping on their neck so that a quota will be met.

Why Can't They Just Send Me a Check in 1-2 Weeks?

Most of the larger companies work with contractors all over the U.S.(and sometimes overseas) and it is easier to have set times to pay (which is usually a week or two after a shop evaluation has been checked by editors) as opposed to sending out checks on a daily basis. This is why most go with PayPal (there are other like companies out there but they are the best known and used) . It takes away some of the wait that goes with receiving a paper check. It also eliminates problems at your bank since the company you work for may be outside of your area.

Can I Sign Up With More than One At a Time?

If you are looking for a steady cash flow then it is encouraged that you register with at least two. Two things to keep in mind are that communication should be kept open by both parties and that if you do not invest in anything, get yourself a pad to record your username and password, how much you expect to spend out of pocket, pay frequency (sometimes they include bonuses) and other details. If asked about your experience, make sure that the last assignment you had with other companies was completed on satisfactory terms since the prospectus could use the information to verify your abilities.

I Don't Like This Assignment/Shop

It's important to go over the details of the shop before and after confirming it. It happens - too many questions, you may predict overtime on your regular job so you won't be able to do it without rushing and so on. The most important thing is to let the scheduler know that you will not be able to do shop. Whether it's illness or other reasons, realize that excessive cancellations will affect your standing in the mystery shopping community.