Consider a Part-Time Mystery Shopper Job
Many people would like to supplement their income in some way, and mystery shopping is something that adults of any age who have some flexibility in their schedule can do. This option would appeal to students, stay-at-home parents, and retirees. If you have been laid off from your job or are a seasonal worker, you may want to make some money to help tide you over.
Most people who work as mystery shoppers are independent contractors, not employees of the mystery shopping companies. This designation means that the company you are contracted to doesn’t guarantee a certain number of assignments each month and that you are not obligated to take on a certain number of shopping trips, either.
You are free to sign up with multiple mystery shopping companies, though. The more places who have your name on file, the more you increase your chances of being offered an assignment.
If you are offered an assignment, be sure that you can complete it at the time the client requests. Most assignments need to be done by a specific date, and you will also need to make sure that you have time to prepare and file your report afterward.
The way to get more (and better paying) mystery shopping assignments is relatively simple. For starters, you need to be reliable. The mystery shopping company and its client will need you to complete the assignment in the time frame they have requested. If you can’t do so conveniently, then you should turn it down.
Another way to get better mystery shopping assignments is to follow the instructions you are given to the letter. Each shopping trip is planned in detail so that the shopper can find out specific information. This is not the time to add to or ignore something that you have been asked to find out. Those mystery shoppers who are able to deliver what the client wants will be asked to go out on other assignments.
Mystery shoppers need to learn how to observe the events that happen on their shopping trip and report back to the company in a factual manner. It does take some practice to describe an experience without adding any embellishments or editorial comments. For those people who have some flexibility in their schedule, an eye for detail, and some writing talent, this can be a great way to make some extra money.