The Mystery Shopper’s Manual

Nobody likes spam emails, but something you may be doing to avoid spam can also keep those all-important mystery shopper job offers out of your inbox. I am talking about using a challenge/response anti-spam program.

Here is how it works: You sign up for a service such as Spam Arrest that uses a challenge/response system. Whenever someone sends you an email for the first time after you begin using the system, the email is not delivered to you. Instead, the sender receives an email saying that they have to click on a link, go to a website and enter a code. Only then will the email reach your inbox. If the email sender does not confirm by clicking on the link and entering the code, the email never gets to you.

Sounds great. The spammers won’t take the time to do this, so you don’t get any more spam. The problem is that …continue reading The Email Mistake That Costs You Mystery Shopper Jobs

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Most mystery shoppers spend a lot of time online. We all know that there are dangers on the Internet, but it is possible to keep yourself safe. In this post, my friend Leo Notenboom explains some simple things you can do to avoid online security threats.

This is a guest post by Leo Notenboom of Ask Leo!

Internet safety seems like an oxymoron these days with all the threats aimed at our computers. Staying safe online doesn’t have to be difficult, and this article covers the basic steps that every computer user should take. The phrase “Internet Safety” often seems like an oxymoron. Every day we hear of new threats aimed at our internet connected personal computers which seems to just make it that much harder to actually stay safe while connected online.
…continue reading Stay Safe Online – 7 + 1 Steps to Internet Safety and Security For Your PC

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Mystery shoppers may get dozens, or even hundreds, of daily emails about mystery shopper jobs. How can you handle the flood of email without spending all day at the computer?

A good first step is to set up an email address that is dedicated to mystery shopping. Use that address whenever you apply to a secret shopping company. By keeping shopper emails separate from the rest of your emails you can manage them more easily.
…continue reading Managing Mystery Shopper Emails

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A while back I let you know about Field Agent, a smart phone app that connects you with paying assignments in market research. Now there is another: Zapiddy lets you make money with your smart phone while you shop. For every job you complete, you get paid and Zapiddy donates money to the Children’s Miracle Network.

For now the app is only available for the iPhone. Just download the free app from the app store, then set up an account. You can look for jobs through the app. You may be asked to answer a few questions, do a price check, or take a photo of a product in a store. Many jobs are location-based, and require that you have the GPS function enabled on your phone.

Jobs typically pay between $2 and $10. Although it may not be worthwhile to make a special trip to do a job, if you can squeeze in one or two between mystery shops or while you are running other errands, it could be a way to make a few bucks without a lot of extra work. On the “good karma” side, every time you do a job Zapiddy also makes a donation to your local Children’s Miracle Network hospital.

The Zapiddy app is available in the app store for the iPhone4 and 3GS. You can get more information at http://zapiddy.com/

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Subscribers to my free Mystery Shopping Tips newsletter learned about Field Agent three weeks ago. Sign up for the Free Mystery Shopper Course in the box on the left and you will get a free seven-lesson course on mystery shopping, plus ongoing tips, industry news and newsletter exclusives. Get your free subscription today!

Do you have an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad? Want to use it to make extra money? The free Field Agent app can help you do just that.

Field Agent offers small market research jobs, such as price checks, short surveys and other jobs and pays you (in cash, not points or contest entries) for completing them. Some jobs can be completed from home, while others involve going to a store (such as WalMart) to check a display or demo, answer a few questions or perhaps snap and upload a photo. …continue reading Field Agent – The iPhone App That Pays You

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If you print a lot, you know how expensive replacing ink and toner cartridges can be. This is a guest post from Steve McDowell about saving money by buying remanufactured ink cartridges.

In today’s world, it’s good to pinch every penny that you can, especially on things that aren’t a necessity. People are now learning that it’s a good idea to buy used and that it’s a good idea to purchase the generic brand of items that they used to purchase the name brands of. One way to save money is through purchasing remanufactured printer cartridges. …continue reading Tips For Buying Remanufactured Ink Cartridges Online Successfully

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Are you on Twitter? If so, you might want to follow these mystery shopping companies on Twitter. Most of them tweet things about available shops, tips for secret shoppers, industry news and more.

Not on Twitter? Don’t get it? Learn about Twitter and how it works here—be sure to watch the video embedded in that post. It is a great introduction to Twitter.

Now, let the tweeting begin! (BTW—you can follow me on Twitter at http://Twitter.com/CathyStucker.)
…continue reading Mystery Shopping Companies on Twitter

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Mystery shoppers spend a lot of time on the computer. When it is cluttered and disorganized, every task can take longer than it should. In this guest post, time management expert Karen Leland offers tips on getting your computer in order.

Has your computer become the junk drawer of your electronic life? Do you have files stacked ten to a one-room apartment, e-mails were gathering mold in dark corners and bookmarks living in chaotic squalor? So much so that finding things on your desktop and hard drive had begun taking significant amounts of time?

If so, follow this simple three-step process to do a basic declutter of your computer and begin the process of simplifying your electronic life. …continue reading Three Steps to Declutter Your Computer

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Many mystery shopping assignments require that you submit a receipt. The receipt verifies that you were at the location and when you were there, as well as how much you spent.

The mystery shopping company will state in the shop guidelines how they prefer to have receipts submitted to them. These days, most prefer to receive them electronically. They may ask that you upload an image of the receipt when you complete your report, or that you send the image as an email attachment.

Of course, you should always follow any guidelines you are given by the mystery shopping company. If they say to use certain settings when you scan a receipt, or to keep the file size below a specified limit, do so. Also follow their guidelines regarding how they prefer to receive receipts and other documentation. Here are some general guidelines and tips for submitting receipts. …continue reading Submitting Secret Shop Receipts

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