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It is always nice to go out to a very fancy restaurant, but it can get expensive. There are some mystery shopping companies that allow a shopper to visit a nice restaurant to evaluate their services for free.

Most companies require you pay for the meal upfront, but the company will reimburse you for all the costs associated with the mealtime and you only have to answer a brief questionnaire and rate how well the service and food was at a particular restaurant.

You can always save even more money by looking for ads for that particular restaurant that your scheduler has assigned you, which often gives you a discount off your meal or sometimes you can find a two for one meal deal price.  This helps to further reduce your upfront costs to the meal and then allows you invite someone to dinner for free.  It only takes a few minutes to look through the paper or search the computer for restaurant discounts and that would help supplement your budget until the company reimburses you for the entire cost.

There are also a few mystery shopping companies that provide a credit type of card for you to use at these restaurant shops so you just charge the meal on their card.  Other mystery companies pay you a mystery shopping fee for completing the shop on top of reimbursing you for the entire meal.

Earning a cash fee plus obtaining a company credit card for the meal is the best shop that I have uncovered, but generally most companies reimburse you for the meal.   In either case, feel free to visit that fancy expensive restaurant for a nice day or evening meal since this freebie is on the company and they might also pay you a fee to shop that restaurant.

You heard about mystery shopping jobs and wonder what you need to start.  Mystery shopping jobs are generally listed online. A computer or a technology type I-pad, laptop, or any other computer type system to have regular access to the Internet is absolutely a necessity to find and apply for jobs. You normally need to log on and set up an account with each mystery shopping company.

The mystery shopping companies usually send emails on a regular basis to notify shoppers of potential jobs, cancellations, or other company updates, so having access to a computer is a necessity. Mystery shopping generally comprises of part-time work and once you find certain types of work that you enjoy and are comfortable over their pay amount, pay, you can focus on selecting several companies for jobs each month.

You should ensure that you set-up a banking type payment system to receive payments.  Many companies now offer electronic payments which require a checking or savings account.  Others, still process company checks and they are mailed to your home or office, so you should be open to both of these options.  Having a printer is helpful since you can easily print out information on your various assigned shops or you could use a notepad and pen to write down the information on each shop.

Further, most shops require a vehicle to drive to a particular store in order to perform their shop.  Or some companies have telephone shops where you can shop out of your home.  With a couple of basic needs, you can start earning hundreds of dollars in a couple of hours and mystery shopping jobs are very flexible around your schedule.

The importance of anonymity in the mystery shopping business is much empathized and listed often in shop instructions. How can you expect the leasing agent, sales clerk or wait staff to act normally if they think they are being watched?

 
You can imagine how I honed in on a story on my local TV news station when I heard the words “Mystery Shopper”. The report of the suspicious incident in the parking lot of a Bay Area outlet mall identified the woman as a long time mystery shopper from Mesa, AZ. The co-worker and friend interviewed for the segment wore sunglasses and a scarf in her attempt to remain anonymous.

When I later reviewed the news articles posted on-line I found the names of two other mystery shoppers who seemed to know the Mesa woman and were identified as belonging to a mystery shopping association.

The more I thought about this incident the stranger it seemed. How often do you hear of the occupation of a victim in a new report? Okay, maybe if the person was a celebrity or well known, but, a mystery shopper!

I have been in this business for a few years and, while I enjoy the role playing and mystery involved while on the job, the secrecy when I am not working is the thing I like least. My friends and family are aware that I am a mystery shopper. Not being able to discuss what I am doing with them is like going on vacation and not being able to ‘bore’ them with the photos. Now I have to wonder about how bored they really would be. It seems the title Mystery Shopper holds great interest.
It would be good to hear other’s thoughts on this. Be assured, I will still remain anonymous.

Sandy M.

Do you enjoy learning about computers or like playing with techie type gadgets and want to earn extra money?  If so, then mystery shopping might work for you.

Numerous mystery shops offer jobs that focus on evaluating a computer store personnel’s presentation on their explanation of selling computer products and software.  These shops not only provide extra cash, but you can learn about the latest upgrades in computers and software and this can provide you with a smart shopper list on comparing prices for the best buy if you’re a computer savvy person.

Do you want to know the latest difference between an I-phone or a Smartphone?  Or do you want to discover the latest computers, and video games for your children or friend?  If so, then computer mystery shopping can help you learn the differences while you earn extra cash.

One bonus, when mystery shopping for electronics, is that this allows you compare products with other store brands and you can be more informed on the latest game videos for children.  These shops usually require a simple fill in the blank question and answer survey online and an overall rating of the store employee’s presentation. Most forms can be completed in less than hour and payment for performing a technology shop is usually 30-60 days.

Most companies only require that you obtain a business card and take good notes of your conversation with the employee.  So, if you’re interested in learning more about computers and technology, or just have a nerdy side and enjoy gadgets and video games, these types of shops are easy to perform and provide valuable information on what the latest news is in the world of techie toys.

Elisa E.

If you need to make some extra money, or are a stay-at-home mom or student, performing telephone mystery shops are an easy and quick way to earn income. All that is required is a telephone, access to a computer, a notepad and pen, and a few hours each week.
There are many mystery shopping sites that cater to paying shoppers for telephone calls. Normally, the average pay for a telephone call shop is approximately $5 to $15. These shops often involve asking certain questions and recording the employee’s responses on a computer survey form. Many telephone shops involve a banking situation or may involve a question and answer conversation on an apartment or home.

If you sign up for several telephone shops, be sure to remember that during the later part of the month, many shops offer bonuses to complete their shops by the end of the month. You can make several hundred dollars each month right in the comfort of your own home.

You don’t have to waste any gas by having to use your car to drive to a job, no more driving delays, and with these types of jobs, you do not even need to own a car to make extra money! The telephone calls are all “800” type of telephone numbers, so there is no upfront charge to perform these shops.

You just make the call, ask the questions, record the individual’s answers, type it in the computer form, and submit your job for payment. Earning money and making a few hundred dollars each month from the comfort of your home couldn’t get any easier!

Elisa E.