Mystery shopping is a legitimate way to make money; however, if you received a large check and were told to wire money somewhere, don't do anything until you read about mystery shopping scams.

Mystery Shopper Companies – How to Find Them

I hear from a lot of people who want to become mystery shoppers, but say they do not know how to find secret shopper companies that do not charge.

They are on the right track knowing that they should not pay to sign up with a company. Legitimate mystery shopping companies do not charge you to register.

The companies that charge may be providing a service (which you do not need) or they may just be out-and-out scams. In either case, you should never pay a fee to any company claiming to offer mystery shopper jobs.

So how can you find the legitimate mystery shopper companies that do not charge?
…continue reading Mystery Shopper Companies – How to Find Them

Can Men Be Secret Shoppers?

Posted on October 1st, 2009 in How to Become a Mystery Shopper by Cathy Stucker

male-mystery-shopperQuestion from a mystery shopper:

I am interested in becoming a mystery shopper, but it seems like mystery shopping is for women only. Can I be a mystery shopper even though I am a man?

Sure! In my non-scientific observation, it appears that nearly 90% of mystery shoppers are female, but both men and women can be mystery shoppers. In fact, at times you may have an edge as a male shopper.
…continue reading Can Men Be Secret Shoppers?

Is There an Age Limit for Mystery Shoppers?

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Question from a mystery shopper:

My husband and I are retired, and we think mystery shopping would be fun. I would love to be a mystery shopper, but I am concerned they might think we are too old.

Is there an age limit for mystery shoppers?

…continue reading Is There an Age Limit for Mystery Shoppers?

Do You Have What it Takes to Become a Secret Shopper?

Posted on March 4th, 2008 in How to Become a Mystery Shopper by Cathy Stucker

When several mystery shopping companies were asked what makes someone a good mystery shopper, they came up with remarkably similar answers. They said that their best mystery shoppers are those who care about customer service and want to help businesses improve. The best shoppers understand the importance of the work and take mystery shopping seriously. And, although they like making the extra money and getting the free perks that come with mystery shopping, they truly enjoy the work and aren’t in it just for the money.

According to the companies surveyed, a mystery shopper must be: …continue reading Do You Have What it Takes to Become a Secret Shopper?

How NOT to Get Mystery Shopper Jobs

Posted on January 2nd, 2008 in How to Become a Mystery Shopper by Cathy Stucker

I just read an online article about mystery shopping that, among other things, recommended that you get mystery shopping jobs by going around to businesses and asking if they get mystery shopped and what company provides their secret shoppers. Then, you could approach that mystery shopping company and offer to work for them.

Can you spot the flaws in this theory? …continue reading How NOT to Get Mystery Shopper Jobs

“How Can I Become a Secret Shopper?”

Posted on December 23rd, 2007 in How to Become a Mystery Shopper by Cathy Stucker

What do you say when friends and relatives ask about how they can get in on this cool job? It seems that everyone wants to become a mystery shopper, and they want you to take them by the hand and show them exactly what to do. Should you help them? Do you want to encourage someone who could suddenly be competing with you for the same assignments? If you do help them, how can you do so without violating your confidentiality agreements? And what if you know they just aren’t cut out for secret shopping?

…continue reading “How Can I Become a Secret Shopper?”

Mystery Shopping for Fun and Profit Class in Houston

Posted on November 6th, 2007 in How to Become a Mystery Shopper by Cathy Stucker

Have you wondered what it would be like to be a mystery shopper and get paid to shop, eat and more in your spare time? In this class, you will get the truth about what mystery shopping is all about, how to get started, how not to get scammed, and lots more insider secrets from Cathy Stucker, author of “The Mystery Shopper’s Manual.” …continue reading Mystery Shopping for Fun and Profit Class in Houston

How to Become a Mystery Shopper

Posted on October 21st, 2007 in How to Become a Mystery Shopper by Cathy Stucker

One of the questions I get a lot is how to become a secret shopper. What is the best way to get started and get your first mystery shopping assignments—without getting scammed along the way? There is a lot of information available online and elsewhere, but not all of it is accurate or trustworthy.

You need a plan to get you started fast, without wasting time or money. So here it is . . . …continue reading How to Become a Mystery Shopper