Cathy I am glad to be a reader. Anything I can do to constructively contribute.

Oh by the way, I had attached a worthwhile PS that for some reason I think got cut off, anyways, here it is:

PS I thought those reading this article may want to also take a look at this resource which may help them understand how to maximize that 600$ from the USG in benefiting their mystery shopping companies:

http://www.coylehospitality.com/secretmysteryshopping/free-no-fee-mystery-shopping-jobs-opportunity.asp

Many companies will offer some types of shops first to certified shoppers, or will give preference to certified shoppers when making assignments. Some companies that use self-assign will give advance notice of shop postings to certified shoppers. Sometimes this is due to a request from the client. Clients are becoming aware of certification and its benefits, and they often request that shops be filled by certified shoppers when possible.

Mystery shopping companies know that certified shoppers, especially Gold certified shoppers, are less likely to flake and more likely to do a good job. Shoppers who go to the effort and expense of getting certified tend to be the ones who take mystery shopping seriously to begin with. The training they get through certification reinforces and builds on their knowledge and experience.

Many shoppers find that they can make more money after certification because they have access to more and better shops. Companies generally do not pay more because a shopper is certified, but certified shoppers may be more likely to get the shops that pay more.

The circumstances where certification may not have much of a payoff would be (1) if you live in an area where there are not very many shops available or (2) if you already have all of the assignments you want.

Remember that certification will open doors. If you are not known to a company, many are more likely to give you that first shop if you are certified. Of course, having a certification does not mean that you can get away with being a bad shopper or flaking on shops. Certification opens the door, the rest is up to you.

I hope this answers your question, Karen.

Also, does having the certification increase the offers of shopping assignments that a mystery shopper might receive?

Thanks,
Karen
http://become-a-secret-shopper.com

The suggestions in this article will not be right for everyone. However, shoppers who look at mystery shopping as something they are doing for the long-term will benefit from implementing a couple of them.

If investing in your business allows you to get more shops and better shops for a long time to come, your investment will be repaid many times over.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I’m glad to have you as a reader.

That being the case, to spend money on classes and printers and such is really not the best or most effective way to go. I would recommend that someone agree to go to a few more mystery shopping gigs farther away than where they usually go and pay for the extra gas costs with that money. For at least in this case your investment will return capital directly and immediately, and have little to no chance and becoming waste.

I have learned a lot about secret shopping over the years and appreciate your site, it makes good point and has good content, I’m just not on the same page with you on this one.

Take care.