Can anyone tell me if the Mystery Shopper deal is for real?

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

They advertise it on AAR, and I've seen cyber ads as well. I can't believe that it is anything but a scam, but I'm curious how it works. Has anyone tried it or looked into it?

[DesertRat]

1. If you have to pay anything, don't do it

I've done mystery shopping and there are no fees involved. I signed up directly with the companies. (Check Google) There is very little $$ in it, but I do get occasional free meals in exchange for a detailed report on the dining experience.
I think that most of those ads that you see are scams.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. Thanks

I wondered when I started getting offers. The reason is that "my area" is rural Arkansas, and I'd have to travel over 100 miles to reach a chain restaurant (including McDonald's-hey that's one of the reasons I live where I live!). I know the Nail Store or the Ozark Cafe wouldn't pay for a mystery shopper, so I figured it was a scam.

[abluelady]

2. Mystery Shoppers Are Real

I have a friend who did it for years. She never let on, though, until she stopped.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. thanks for this information

Personally, I hate to shop, buy used or local whenever possible, so I know it isn't for me. But I've gotten some offers, and since I live far away from malls and chain stores, I couldn't figure out why they were so desperate to have me shop.

[abluelady]

8. They Also Have People Who Mystery Shop

restaurants and hotels. Imagine being paid to go to a spa! It is real.

[whistle]

5. I suggest if you are serious about becoming a mystery shopper

...you become a certified Silver and Gold mystery shopper through MSPA. That will give you leads and credibility that you are in fact qualified to perform such shopper evaluations. Don't expect to become a millionaire doing mystery shops, but if you are interested MSPA is one of the best organizations in the field to be a part of.

<snip>
What is the MSPA?
The MSPA is the largest professional trade association dedicated to improving service quality using anonymous resources. With over 150 member companies worldwide, our diverse membership includes marketing research and merchandising companies, private investigation firms, training organizations and companies that specialize in providing mystery shopping services. Our member companies work with their clients to establish mechanisms to measure and improve levels of service. <more>

http://www.mysteryshop.org/

[mdmc]

7. nice info and link

:toast:

[Holly_Hobby]

6. There is a VERY good chance

the company will go under and you won't get paid. I worked as an Auditor for the largest mystery shopping co. and got burned for over a grand.

And oh yeah - the Dept. of Labor WILL NOT investigate a defunct company. The local Police dept. was no help either.

[Marblehead]

9. Scam

They send you a cashiers check for $2000, you have to send them some money back and it turns out the check is no good and you are responsible for the $2000.So you are out what ever money you had to send back to them.I just saw a blurb on my local news show.