A lot of life happens from 9am to 5pm, do you really want to spend it in a cubicle?
Just the honest truth about working from home with legitimate companies and resources to get you started and keep you motivated!
If you’re interested in Mystery Shopping specific businesses, (like Disney Cruises!) but don’t know which Mystery Shopping Companies have those assignments, this episode will answer your question on why it can be really difficult to find out “who shops who”. Read More…
Mystery Shopping may sound a little too good to be true, so it makes sense that you’ll want to protect your private information, like your social security number. But, mystery shopping is a job – and companies need to pay you! In this episode, we discuss alternatives to giving out your SSN so you can stay protected. Read More…
Dear WAHFAQ, I just started Mystery Shopping…got your training program…love it! And I was wondering if I really need a separate email address to do mystery shopping with. I already have so many, it just seems like a hassle! Thanks for the kind words! I’m glad you liked the Mystery Shopper Training Program 🙂 Y’know, it’s totally up to you if you want to use another email address specifically for mystery shopping. I guess it depends on what you use the others for. For me, personally, I like to keep it separate from even my business account simply because I Read More…
Dear WAHFAQ, I’ve been mystery shopping for a little over a month now and yesterday I got an offer for a “reward” shop. What is this? Reward shops can also be called Revealing shops. They are when you are required to give up your identity as a Mystery Shopper and reward an employee on the spot for doing something fabulous. For example, you could go into a movie theater and purchase something at the concession stand to see if the employee up-sells you to a larger drink or popcorn size. If they do, you say, ‘Congratulations! I’m a mystery shopper Read More…
Dear WAHFAQ, I know you said that Mystery Shopping companies don’t deal with certified checks, but I had an assignment recently where I had to cash a check at a payday loan place. So, I’m confused. What are good and bad shops that deal with money? To clarify: Mystery Shopping companies do not PAY by certified check. That’s actually a really big scam! Financial institutions have a variety of shops available. Here are the main ones you’ll see out there: 1) Pay-day check cashing: The mystery shopping company will give you a check to cash. It is usually pretty small, Read More…
Dear WAHFAQ, I heard that apartment buildings get shopped. Is that true? Would I actually have to rent an apartment? That just seems weird, plus I don’t have the best credit, so I would probably be denied anyway. I don’t really understand how they would work. Apartment shops are actually my favorite shops to do! You do NOT need to rent an apartment, fill out an application, or leave a deposit to do an apartment shop. It’s pretty simple: You call up the apartment building and talk to a leasing agent over the phone, setting an appointment to view the Read More…
Dear WAHFAQ, I was recently assigned a movie theater shop, and 2 restaurants. I’m so excited to get started! The only thing is that my baby sitter cancelled on me, and I have to get these shops done TODAY! What should I do? Can I bring the kids with me? Ok, first of all, RELAX. Then, call your scheduler! They are your life-line to help you when situations like these arise. I cannot specifically speak for your scheduler or company, but most restaurant shops allow you to take a few people with you. In fact, Mystery Shopping companies LIKE Read More…
Dear WAHFAQ, What does “bait and switch” mean in mystery shopping? I can’t quite figure it out. “Bait and Switch” is a practice with some not-so-nice Mystery Shopping companies. It’s a rare occurrence, thankfully…but it can happen. When a Mystery Shopping company posts an assignment, they’re supposed to give you all the details, so that you know what you’re getting yourself into. Sometimes, they don’t do that, and bait you into taking an assignment that looks easy to do. Once you accept it, they throw a whole bunch of details, stipulations, and extra work that you weren’t counting Read More…
Dear WAHFAQ, What is a retail shop? Do you have to buy something? Do you have to spend your money, or will they give you some? Are you supposed to keep the merchandise or send it to the company? Retail shops vary by company and assignment. Here are the main points you need to know: 1) You generally will NOT receive money from the mystery shopping company to buy anything. You’ll have to use your own if a purchase is required. 2) If a purchase is required, they may have something specific for you to buy. 3) If a purchase Read More…
Interested in Mystery Shopping? Great! Here’s a list of common FAQ’s compiled to save my poor hands from carpal tunnel in answering questions one at a time: (If you’re looking for other random jobs, check out the Work at Home FAQ) What is Mystery Shopping? Mystery Shopping is an aspect of Market Research. Mystery Shoppers are needed to go into establishments to give honest and objective evaluations on products and services they receive. The businesses then use this information to improve productivity, gauge competition, provide training, and reward employees. Watch our video on Mystery Shopping basics below: Who hires Mystery Read More…