Imagine the position of mystery shopper. How much fun would it be to shop in your favorite stores and then get paid for it? You wander around in the store, evaluate different products, the clerks or the store’s layout, depending on the assignment, and then fill out a short report. It is a great job and there are a number of scams that take advantage of the excitement you might feel. Be wary of these scams and you may be able to have a second job that gives you money for things you would have done anyway.

How to Become a Mystery Shopper: Rule Number One

Companies need mystery shoppers to make their businesses better but they don’t need them so badly that they are looking for you. Legitimate jobs are posted on job search sites, scams often come mysteriously via email after you have searched for these positions in other places. If the email asks for money or promises very high pay, then count it as a scam. You are not going to buy a new home after being a mystery shopper for a month or two.

There are also mystery shopper scams that require that you pay for the full posting, teasing you with little bits of information that make it seem so tempting that you just can’t resist. They also tell you that there are several levels that you can pay into, with the best jobs at the highest level.

How to Become a Mystery Shopper: Rule Number Two

Offer something that other mystery shoppers do not. Those with top notch writing skills might be in higher demand than those who are just writing very basic reports. People who have technology degrees might be asked to evaluate those types of businesses based on their specialized knowledge. Certain companies pay more than others and those that require a bit more than just basic knowledge may be the cream of the crop.

How to Become a Mystery Shopper: Rule Number Three

There will be some companies that pay their mystery shoppers in gift certificates or free merchandise rather than in cash. If you need extra money, then a free sandwich at the local diner is not going to help you. On the other hand, these gifts and other items can really add up and may be entirely worth it. You might be rewarded with certain items that might be great as gifts for holidays and other events.

How to Become a Mystery Shopper: Rule Number Four

Keep records of your mystery shopper assignments, especially if you are getting a lot of the higher paying ones. You will have to be able to prove how much you earned and how much you spent in the process for tax purposes. You will want to learn the rules about how to claim the free gifts and the other merchandise that you get if that is how you are paid instead of cash.

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