Some tips for those that want to become a mystery shopper.
If you ever wondered if it was too good to be true…
Are you a mystery shopper wanna be? There are many enticing advertisements and internet sites to choose from, but which do you respond to? Which ones are the real thing?
Here are some tips:
Most mystery shopping firms give applicants a test. The test can be for basic things like spelling and grammar, but also more subtle things like observational skills and the ability to duplicate an order.
Companies want detail-oriented people who can follow explicit instructions. They need people who are observant and can collect the data the companies have requested.
So if the company you are looking into does not have any kind of screening process or if they have the idea that anyone and everyone can be a mystery shopper, beware.
Despite some of the current advertising, mystery shopping is not as simple as it sounds and some skills are necessary to get a job with a reputable firm.
If the mystery shopping company requires a fee in order to apply as a mystery shopper, chances are they are not legitimate. Member firms of the Mystery Shopper Providers Association, MSPA, are forbidden to charge their mystery shoppers fees. There are some legitimate companies that will request a fee for searching for the jobs, they will also have a 90 day money back guarantee.
A radio commercial recruiting mystery shoppers says applicants must also have a bank account and debit card. Why would that be a requirement for a mystery shopper from a company that is on the up and up? The only possible reason is that the company is not on the up and up.
It would seem, then, that not all those engaged in promoting mystery shopping are legitimate.
Be very cautious of promises that sound too good to be true, because they probably are. If you are told you can keep high-end goods, like wide screen TVs, take extreme care to understand all the disclaimers and fine print. Read everything before you commit to anything.
In other words, mystery buyer, beware.
Are you intrigued by mystery? Would you like to know if you have money hidden away and you can access it? If you answered yes, then click here to end the mystery.
