Ads for mystery shoppers are on almost every job board. They claim you can earn over $1000 a week. Can you really make this kind of money? Theoretically yes, but don’t quit your day job just yet.

Mystery shopping is a legitimate business used by many companies to evaluate their products and services. A business will hire an outside company to send mystery shoppers to their establishment. The shopper will evaluate the employees and products based on certain criteria. Mystery shoppers are not actual employees of either company. They are independent contractors. This gives you the flexibility to work for many different companies.

Becoming a mystery shopper is fairly easy. You fill out an online form with a company and they put you in their database. When they have a job in your area that fits your profile, you are contacted by e-mail or phone. Some companies have a job board where you can choose the assignments yourself. After you complete the job, you usually have 24 hours to submit the paperwork online. You will receive payment in about 4-6 weeks.

The keys are being organized and detail-oriented. You must record all the details accurately. Remembering everything about the shop is a must. You can’t write anything down during the shop or it will blow you cover. Filling out the paperwork promptly and accurately will eventually lead to higher paying assignments.

Making money depends on you and where you live. If you live in a large urban area you will get more assignments. Sign up for as many companies as you can. Try to hit at least 50 companies. This will get you quite a few jobs. The first jobs you get will normally pay you $5-$15. You also get reimbursed for any products you are required to buy. As time goes by, you will eventually get higher paying assignments. You just have to be persistent and prove yourself.

If you work hard and pursue it diligently, you can get several assignments a day. Can you make $1000 a week? Don’t count on it. Most people who do it full time average $200-$400 a week. A few make more but this is the exception rather than the rule.

Don’t respond to the ads for shoppers on the job boards. These ads are placed by people who only sell you a list of mystery shopping companies. These companies can easily be found on the internet for free. Try it part time at first and see how it goes. This could be the job for you.

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