Have you ever wondered if being a mystery shopper is a legitimate job? Mystery shopping is a great way to make extra money and gain valuable experience. It can also be a full-time job for those who are looking for flexible work options. But before you jump into the world of mystery shopping, it's important to understand what it is and how to find legitimate jobs. A mystery shopper is someone who is hired by a company or organization to secretly evaluate the services offered at retail stores.
The mystery shopper will make specific purchases in these locations and then provide feedback on their experience. To make purchases easier, the mystery shopper may receive a check for several thousand dollars, which they are instructed to deposit into their bank account. The Bureau of Labor Statistics explains that mystery shoppers are used to bring information about everything from customer service to the cleanliness of the establishment. Companies use observations made by mystery shoppers to determine areas where they could improve.
As a mystery shopper, you will always remain anonymous and you may be asked to behave a certain way or purchase a particular item and then report on how the situation was handled. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns against responding to companies that try to recruit mystery shoppers via email or through classified ads and never sending money as part of a mystery shopping task. It's also important to note that no real work, including mystery shopping, involves paying to get the job. You'll find that certification is worthless and that there's probably no work. Whether you're working as a mystery shopper for extra money or as a full-time job, there are some tips you can use to find legitimate jobs and succeed in your tasks.
FlexJobs is one great resource for finding legitimate companies that hire mystery shoppers. They scrutinize and research every company and job they list on their job board, saving you time and energy searching for mystery buyer positions. Other times, businesses don't pay buyers, but instead reimburse them for their expenses or allow them to keep the item they purchased. Some companies offer training to mystery shoppers they hire and will hire them based on passing a skills test. If you're looking for flexible work options with the potential to make extra money, then being a mystery shopper may be the perfect job for you. Just remember to do your research and only work with legitimate companies.
