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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 and you up-sold me! Here is your gift certificate, or $10 or whatever…’ If they don’t, no harm/no foul. You just write up your report and go about your day. They will never be the wiser.
If the reward is a gift certificate, the Mystery Shopping company will get that to you beforehand, (or the manager’s office will have it available for them) and if it’s a cash reward, you generally front that cost and the mystery shopping company will reimburse you along with your payment.
Either way, keep in mind that you WILL be giving yourself up as a Mystery Shopper. If you visit that location often, or have a habit of doing mystery shops there, keep in mind that you may have to give it up for several months. The employees WILL remember you since reward shops are a happy day for all!
Think about all the extra money you could make by being a mystery shopper, starting your own business, or working from home for a legitimate company. Take control of your income and check out our LEARN page for a list of classes, books, and more!
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