I am interested in becoming a Mystery Shopper and am looking for a legitimate company to register with?

Question

I do not want to pay any fees to get started.

Answer 1

This is my response to another person that had the same question and I think it applies to yours as well.

First and foremost, NO reputable company charges! I never paid a penny and would never pay.

Now, that is out of the way... I spent about 3 months working for about 4 different companies. IMHO, if you are trying to make a salary out of it I don't think it's possible. I did it because I was curious and a little noisy. I thought it would be fun. For the most part, it was fun.

How I got started? I found the mystery shopping associations. There are two that I found to be legitimate:

International Mystery Shoppers Alliance

Mystery Shopping Providers Association

There may be more I didn't search any further than these two.

IMSA seems more creditable to me personally b/c they do not have tons of mystery shop companies (members) which tells me that there must be more stringent restrictions for business membership. You can search their members' list to find companies in the US or abroad.

MSPA, also, has a list of members. However, they have an incredible number so I don't know if they are all reputable.

Some of the companies I used where listed in both, though. I worked with BARE, SEC, Second-to-None, and Speedmark. Applying to be a mystery shopper varied for each company. One company required a writing sample. Others required nothing at all.

The most I made in any one assignment was $50. It was the hardest money I've ever earned. I was assigned to a hotel. It happened to be in the worst part of town and they wanted me to stay all night, but I refused. I'm not naturally a timid person, but why take any chances. Anyway, I had to go back for 3 days to ensure that the room was cleaned, check out, ask questions, etc.

Most companies want very detailed pictures and descriptions or they will not pay. I didn't find that to be a problem, though. Mystery shoppers need to be able to write in a clear, descriptive manner. It should paint a picture of the time spent in the establishment.

Generally, shoppers are provided a specific skit from which they must not deviate. It requires quite a bit of acting which is a little strange at first, but can actually be a lot of fun.

Compensation

Payments range from company to company and scenario to scenario. Most restaurant "shops" require purchase of food and drink during specific times of the day. Some allow you to take a guest and others don't. These shops will reimburse up to a specified amount and no other payment is received. Also, you may have to order very specific items on the menu. So, basically you get a free meal.

One particular "hot beverage" company <wink> wanted shoppers to measure the temperature of the coffee and it just was not worth it to me for a free cup of coffee, but everyone is different.

Basically, you will either be reimbursed for the amount spent only up to a limit, reimbursed for amount spent up to a limit plus a small fee, or paid a flat fee. Every scenerio is different.

I hope I was able to give you some help in deciding if you want to pursue it. I enjoyed it, but only for kicks and not cash.

Best Wishes,

Alynn

Answer 2

There are several legitimate Mystery Shopper companies listed at http://FrugalParentsOnline.com

Answer 3

do not pay fees for this, most companies are scams