Summary:
Mystery shopping can be a great way to make some extra money, but it is not a road to easy riches. This article provides some tips for those who dream of getting paid to shop at their favorite stores.

Details or Sample:
There are many interesting ways to make money in today’s world, and mystery shopping is certainly an appealing option for many people. After all, what could be more fun than getting paid to shop? Companies large and small hire mystery shopping firms to make sure that their employees are treating every custom with the respect and dignity they deserve. With so many nightmare stories about shoddy customer service, it is easy to understand why so many employers are concerned. Mystery shopping companies provide a valuable service to their clients, and a valuable opportunity for dedicated and enthusiastic workers.

Beware the Get Rich Quick Come-On
While mystery shopping can certainly be a lucrative part time job, would be mystery shoppers should be wary of extraordinary claims. Any mystery shopping company that promises high pay with little or no effort is exaggerating at best and a scam at worst. Most mystery shopping gigs pay only a nominal fee, along with the opportunity to be reimbursed for a small purchase.

Some disreputable mystery shopping firms will tell potential recruits that they will be able to shop at the trendiest shops in town and keep high priced merchandise along with a significant mystery shopping payment. In almost every case these types of offers are scams, and the companies who make such claims should be avoided.

No Money Down
Those seeking to become mystery shoppers should also steer clear of any requests for up front payments or membership fees. Reputable mystery shopping firms do not charge their mystery shoppers a fee; those who request such a payment are most likely scams.

Another scam making the rounds of the mystery shopping world is the “cashier’s check scheme”. In this scheme mystery shoppers receive a cashier’s check in the mail, along with instructions to perform a number of mystery shops at car rental agencies, gas stations and retail stores. Upon completion of these shops the victim is instructed to keep a portion of the money they receive and wire the remaining funds to the firm sending the check. The catch, of course, is that the cashier’s check is a fake, and by the time the victim finds out the money is long gone. The victim is on the hook for the missing funds, and many well intentioned consumers have lost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to scams of this nature.

Taxing Considerations
After you have avoided the scams and found one or more legitimate providers of mystery shopping services, the next step is to sign up at their site and see what they have to offer. Many mystery shopping companies will allow potential shoppers to search the job board before they become a member. This is a good idea and it will allow you to determine if there are jobs available in your part of the country. Some mystery shopping companies are national in scope, but others are regional. It is a good idea to check for available jobs to make sure that signing up will be worth your while. A quick scan of the jobs available will also give you a good idea of how much money you can expect to make in a typical month.

It is also important to keep in mind that you will be working as an independent contractor and not an employee. This means that you will be responsible for reporting your income and paying any taxes due. When figuring your potential earnings be sure to factor in the cost of taxes, record keeping and other expenses. Mystery shoppers will also need to factor in the cost of gas to get to their mystery shopping jobs. It is a good idea to look for a mystery shopping company with a good selection of jobs in your immediate area. A concentration of jobs in a limited geographical area will help to reduce your expenses while maximizing your earnings.

The bottom line is that mystery shopping can be a fun and lucrative way to spend some time, especially if you love to shop. It is not, however, a road to easy riches. So look for a good quality mystery shopping company (or two, or three), look for jobs that interest you and have fun shopping and sharing your experiences.

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Written by: beconrad
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