Anyone who is observant and can follow directions can be a Mystery Shopper. It helps if you have flexibility in your schedule. This makes it an ideal opportunity for Stay-at-Home Moms, students, and retirees. A good mystery shopper must be detail-oriented, very reliable, an excellent multi-tasker, and have the ability to be discrete when needed. It is also important that the mystery shopper prepare before an assignment to assure the objectives of the shopping program are met with accuracy. Using information that is accurate and objective allows the client to receive valuable feedback on its customer service.

The first step is to apply with as many shopping companies and scheduling companies as possible. Legitimate Mystery Shopping companies do not charge an application fee, so beware of companies asking for payment. You may be asked for your social security number for tax purposes. Just make sure this information is submitted securely, which can be verified by looking for "https://" or "shttp://" before the website address.

I suggest doing some research on Volition and JobSlinger to see who is offering assignments in your state. This will give you a good chance of getting more immediate assignments. Also, sign up with the Scheduling Companies right away, as they often recruit shoppers across the country.

You may also want to get at least Silver Certified via the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA). Although not required, many shopping companies ask for your MSPA Certification number on the application and having it when you apply will save you the time of having to go back to enter it later. Some companies also give priority to Certified Shoppers, as it shows you have already invested time into getting to know more about the industry.

Pick up those "hard-to-fill" assignments to get your foot in the door with a company. These may be shops in out-of-the-way places, or low paying jobs. Look at these as being good training to get comfortable with the process. It may take some time to get your first assignment in an area with many mystery shoppers, but your chance will come to prove yourself.

For more tips on mystery shopping and making & saving money, visit http://www.momswallet.com

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