Become a Mystery Shopper and
Earn Great Money? Really?

Some years back, one of my mom friends asked me, "Christina, why don't you become a mystery shopper with this company?" So as a test, I decided to learn more about the subject of mystery shopping, and I actually registered with that agency and took an assignment. I quickly became disappointed with the outcome, and you'll see why as you read on. Hopefully, what I learned from that experience will be helpful to you.

Before we get started, let me recommend that if you want to become a mystery shopper, you look at more than just this site. Get opinions from other people besides me and do your homework first. I'm only ONE person with a very limited view, so make sure you thoroughly research the subject first.

That being said, I'm going to start this review by laying the cards right out on the table.

Here's my opinion about mystery shopping:

I think it takes WAY too much time for the amount of money you make (especially considering the price of gas).

Oh, I've read that some people have success with it, but I've NEVER really seen it work. Plus, I don't really trust the multitude of mystery shopping web sites I see on the web because most are just NOT legitimate. They have outdated databases and no real jobs to offer. (And have fun trying to contact anyone in Customer Service!)

However, I'm a fair person and do realize that good companies exist in every line of work in this world, so I'm sure there has to be some good ones out there that I don't know about.

So help me out, please!

If you're working for a great company that has CONSISTENTLY paid you good money for a decent length of time (six months or more), then PLEASE share your experience with me so I can use it to help other moms.

"So what do you base your opinion on, Christina?"

My own experience and knowledge of the process.

First, once you decide to become a mystery shopper, you'll spend lots of time searching online and registering at different sites. Next, most of the applications (even if you're applying directly through an agency like I did) are very lengthy, and I understand now that some companies even require testing and writing samples before they accept you. In my case, I had to go clear through the application process before I could even see if there were any assignments in my area.

Of course, there's a process with everything, and I'm not against that, just so the pay is good once you start.

(Keep reading to see how much I got paid.)

Then, you're going to be bombarded with email that includes TONS of spam mingled in with your job assignment notifications (which usually tell you they have no jobs available in your area). The company I registered with did assignments for a restaurant chain, but only one of the restaurants was in my area (Olive Garden). I would've had to drive 45 minutes to get to any of the others.

So if you actually get some assignments IN your area, then you need to consider what they are. If they're stores, what do you have to do? How much time do you have to spend shopping? Can you take small children with you? How many pages do you have to complete? Get all your questions answered and check out the entire process FIRST. (If you don't and you don't do everything just right, they don't have to pay you.)

If you work for a restaurant, as I did, you may have to spend YOUR own money first and wait to be reimbursed (sometimes ONLY for a portion of the bill) up to 6 weeks later! What that means is that you'll need some spending money in reserve for your assignments, plus you'll need to make sure you keep accurate records of what you've been paid on and what's still outstanding.

Anyway, here's what happened to me...

I went to Olive Garden with my sister and started with a trip to the bar, which was required (something I'd never done before in my life - so glad they didn't require that I order alcohol). After that when I was seated, I do have to admit it was fun knowing inside that I was on a "secret mission" like a spy. That brought out the kid in me! LOL

Of course, the meal was good and I had fun. Once I got home, I can't say I even minded doing the paperwork, even though it did take a long time to complete. The bad part was the outcome. I had to wait 6 weeks for a response, and I ended up only being reimbursed for my meal (nothing more). So I earned my money in free food! Wow!

(I suppose it'd be okay if I was someone who was actually needing to "work for food," but in today's world, most of us aren't missing meals.)

Now can you see why I'm skeptical?

Even if I would've made $10 or $15, I still don't think it would've been worth it for me (especially with gas prices the way they are). I KNOW my time is more valuable than that!

So based on my experience, the whole thing was just a hassle. I think that having to be precise, submit your assignment in a certain length of time, and complete pages and pages online is all fine IF and only IF you make good money. (Again, if you're someone who DOES make good money doing this, please let me know so I can tell your story. Email me at christina@momsworkathome.com)

So I'll end with the same advice I started with...

If you want to become a mystery shopper, PLEASE do your homework first and be SUPER careful! Get referrals and talk to people who've done it before you spend your valuable time and hard-earned money driving around town for nothing.

I hope this review helps.

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I hope this information has been helpful to you!