It is really true that there are companies who will pay you to go shopping, not only giving you the money back for what you buy, but even paying you a fee on top of it. Two of the best known are Retail Eyes and Mystery Shoppers. In return, you will be expected to give them detailed information about your experience and provide receipts, photographs and other proof that you completed the assignment.
How Does Mystery Shopping Work?
First of all you have to register with a mystery shopping organisation such as the ones listed above. You will have to provide details of your location, age and interests, as well as bank details so they can pay you. Once you're registered you can pick jobs from the ones available.
Not all jobs will be available to you because the company paying for the research will usually want a specific demographic – for instance women aged 25 to 35 – so the job won't be offered to people who don't fit the bill. Out of the jobs that are available it's a first come, first served system, so you have to log on pretty frequently if you want to catch the most attractive ones.
“Mystery shopping” as often as not doesn't actually involve shopping. Drinking in a pub, having a meal out, and asking for advice in a shop without buying anything are common assignments. It's usually chains of pubs, restaurants or pubs that commission the research, so don't expect to get an assignment for your local, family-run, Italian bistro. The advantage of chains, though, is that there will usually be one or more in your local area. Very often you are invited to take friends on assignments such as pub drinks or meals out.
Is There a Catch to Mystery Shopping?
You almost never get something for nothing. In the case of mystery shopping your part of the bargain is providing detailed information. You will have to fill in questionnaires about the experience, and you will usually have to provide detailed comments. You will also have to notice details such as name tags and the appearance of staff, and will have to take a note of exact waiting times and so on. Payment, which usually ranges from £5 to £20 ($10 - $40) will reflect the length of time the assignment takes you, and the length and detail of the questionnaire.
Top Tips for Mystery Shoppers
It can seem overwhelming having to remember a lot of details. The best thing to do is go through the instructions for the two or three most important things to notice (such as name tags or the time you enter the shop), and focus on them.
Another useful tip is to use your mobile. Many of them have a timer function, and many allow you to write notes. If your phone is more basic you can still use the clock on the front to check times, and write notes in text messages, which you save as drafts or send to yourself. This way you can note down details you might forget without arousing suspicion, because it looks like you're just sending a text message.
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