Mystery Shoppers Unity

I thought it would be good to start a group with people that mystery shop. I recently became a scheduler and this would be a good way to find those who do shopping assignments and those who would like to do mystery shopping.

Feel free to share any funny, notable or unbelievable experiences that you may have experienced on a shop.

Give advise to beginning shoppers

Vent, laugh, share..... Do it all here!

Good luck with your new gig!

I've pretty much retired due to fees going down, observations going up, and the price of gas....

I had to take a picture of a certain banner at a mall once....of course, the mall has some rule about "no picture taking in the building..." and the security guard confronted me. I was having trouble with the angle/glare thing, and once he understood what I was doing, he proceeded to go to the banner, and "adjust" it and move it around and stuff for me so I could get a "non-glared" picture. It was somewhat comical as this security guard was really old and didn't look like he was physically suppose to be moving the way he was. Needless to say, with his help, I managed to get a decent shot of the banner.

I did mystery shopping pretty regularly for probably close to two years however haven't done it so much in the last year or so just due to time restraints mostly! I do once in awhile do some though when schedulers call and ask me! But I am curious...how is it that you become a scheduler?

Originally Posted by csandfs I did mystery shopping pretty regularly for probably close to two years however haven't done it so much in the last year or so just due to time restraints mostly! I do once in awhile do some though when schedulers call and ask me! But I am curious...how is it that you become a scheduler?

I was doing mystery shops for 2 years and I wanted to do something more since I wasn't working. I contacted all the compaines that I had shopped for and asked if they had any openings for editors or schedulers. I started out editing for one company. You can earn pretty good extra money doing this, around $200-$800 a month depending how many reports you can edit. I got bored of the editing and looked for scheduling positions which are a lot more challanging! I got hired with Kerns Scheduling.

About ten years ago, I completed an assignment for a couple who could no longer do the job at a local food establishment. I enjoyed it then and would love the opportunity to do it again if anyone knows of someone who can help me get involved. Doesn't have to be food, but that was fun.

I've done a little mystery shopping in the past, but I don't get contacted too often. I've done some restaurant shops and a couple stores. I used to do a pizza place every month. Free pizza is always nice.

I have done mystery shopping for many years and now that hubby and I have our own P.I. business I am trying to incorporate this into our business. Being a mystery shopper these days pays very little, I dont do it for other companies anymore because I know what the actual companies are being paid and what they are paying the shoppers is tiny compared to what they get. It kind of makes me mad that these companies are making hundreds and shoppers who are actually doing the work make less than minimum wage. But I have no issues with doing shops if I am going to be repayed for a meal or a movie. Thats a bonus in my mind. But knowing what I know about the industry I do eventually plan on making this part of the services we offer with GOOD PAY for shoppers. Mystery shopping used to be a great way to make extra cash on the side but it seems as the years have passed the pay has went down hill.

What city and state do you live in? I am sure that we have some kind of assignments near you!

Originally Posted by TAWANDA About ten years ago, I completed an assignment for a couple who could no longer do the job at a local food establishment. I enjoyed it then and would love the opportunity to do it again if anyone knows of someone who can help me get involved. Doesn't have to be food, but that was fun.

Originally Posted by Jellenholder I have done mystery shopping for many years and now that hubby and I have our own P.I. business I am trying to incorporate this into our business. Being a mystery shopper these days pays very little, I dont do it for other companies anymore because I know what the actual companies are being paid and what they are paying the shoppers is tiny compared to what they get. It kind of makes me mad that these companies are making hundreds and shoppers who are actually doing the work make less than minimum wage. But I have no issues with doing shops if I am going to be repayed for a meal or a movie. Thats a bonus in my mind. But knowing what I know about the industry I do eventually plan on making this part of the services we offer with GOOD PAY for shoppers. Mystery shopping used to be a great way to make extra cash on the side but it seems as the years have passed the pay has went down hill.

I know what you mean, I will only do shops now that pay $20 or above (Which aren't that many, mainly apartment shops.)

I live too rural to have places around to mystery shop.. and due to limited income (draining the old 401k) don't have the cash to drive to the "big" city..

could someone like me do editing? I'd like to find out more about something like that.

The only mystery shopping I ever did was for Wendy's many years ago where they would pay for your meal once a month or so if you sent them feedback on their store.

KSS International is looking for shoppers in IL and AZ to complete alcohol compliance shops. These are super easy shops for shoppers age 21-25. The shop pays $8 plus reimbursement. You don't have to be a drinker in order to perform these shops. Shoppers will enter a store and attempt to purchase an alcoholic product without an ID. If sold to you, you will be reimbursed for your purchase up to $5. If you are not allowed to purchase, we will reimburse you up to $1 for a small item purchase. A receipt is required and all purchases must be done in cash. The report form is a simple yes/no questionnaire with one comment block.

If you are interested in this assignment please contact me at KSSStarla@kernscheduling.com
and register at http://www.sassieshop.com/2sutter

If you know of someone else who may be interested in performing these types of shops, please pass on this information. I have several shops available.

Thank you!

I did mystery shopping for a few years--still pick up restaurant shops here and there if something comes up that pays well, sounds good, and fits into my schedule! LOL.

My work schedule is just so all-over-the place that I just don't have time or patience anymore. It seems like have time to do the shop, but not to enter it the same day! Ack. Oh well! Maybe if/when I can stop working 55 hours a week, I can get back into it.

I've done a lot of smaller jobs, but my biggest ones were my best.

I had a job where 4+ times a year I got to go with one other person and eat at a VERY snazzy restaurant in New Orleans. We got to order one item from every category on the menu (appetizers, salads, entrees, etc.) We also had to order a bottle of wine and at least one mixed drink at the bar beforehand. (I don't really drink, but I'd drink a small amount of the wine so I could be honest in describing it. The mixed drink I'd just sip to taste, but didn't drink hardly at all. THOSE parts of the shop were wasted on me in that I'd do what I needed to, but never really "enjoyed" that part. Since I had to drive 2 hours there and back, though, it was definately for the best!)

I didn't get paid much at all, but got reimbursed for the WHOLE thing after submitting the report (usually around $200 or more!)

The reports were LONG and very detailed, but I LOVED doing them.


No more since Katrina, though....




I've also done a "hotel" shop where you stay at a hotel for 2 nights and get reimbursed after your report. It was pretty neat for my family as we got to stay somewhere pretty cool.


I'd LOVE a cruise "shop" (those do happen, but rarely!) or an amusement park shop.


SIGH!




-Sarah