Mystery Shopper Information on the Web

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mystery shopper?

A mystery shopper is someone who provides an evaluation of a store and/or service to the company they work for. For example, as a mystery shopper, you may be given an assignment to evaluate and describe the cleanliness of the facilities, the help you received from the staff, or the wait time in line at the cash register. You could be asked to simply go to a grocery store and observe the displays or go to a theater and watch a movie or go to a department store and ask for help selecting an item.

As a mystery shopper, your job is to remain undetected as an evaluator and simply follow the assignment you are given. After completing the assignment, you will be asked to fill out a form or evaluation. The form is completed online, emailed or faxed to the company.

Why do they want my opinion?

In order for businesses to be successful, they must maintain customer satisfaction. They can best accomplish this by paying real everyday customers, like you, to provide them with evaluations of the service and experience you encounter in their stores. So if you thought this job sounded too good to be true or a scam, you can see that it is not. These companies pay you for your opinion, so they can improve and maintain their customer service. The better their customer service, the more money they make.

How do I find a job as a mystery shopper?

I've compiled a list of over 150 companies that hire mystery shoppers nationwide, so no matter where you live you can find a job. You can apply to as many companies as you like. Most of these companies provide online applications and if hired, will send you assignments to your email inbox. You are never obligated to accept any assignment. You may accept or deny any assignment you are given. You can simply choose only those assignments that are convenient for you.

How much money can I really make as a mystery shopper?

It all depends on how many assignments you accept and what type of assignments they are. A part-timer can make a several hundred dollars a month and a full-timer can make many times that amount.

How do I find out if there are jobs in my specific area?

The companies in the list employ mystery shoppers in the USA and Canada. There are over 150 mystery shopper employers in the list and each one has several clients, mostly retail chains. So if you live anywhere near a retail store such as Neiman Marcus, McDonald's, Taco Bell, K-Mart, or hundreds more just like these, you will be able to find an employer to give you assignments.

How do I apply to the companies?

Go to the list of employers. Each one contains a link to the employers web site where you will be able to learn about that particular company and how to apply for a job with that company. Most if not all provide online applications.

How long does it take to get a job?

There are over 150 employers in the list, so it depends on how many you apply for, but with so many to choose from it shouldn't take long. You could apply today and be hired tomorrow.

Once hired, do I have to take the assignments I'm given?

No, you may choose to take only the assignments you want to do.

What types of assignments are there?

It usually deals with going to a store and making observations of the service you receive and the condition of facilities. Once that is complete you will have to fill out a questionnaire or evaluation form provided by the company that hired you. This is often done online, by email or fax.

Copyright © 2005 mysteryshoppers.netfirms.com. All rights reserved.