Get Paid To Be A Mystery Shopper

This article is posted under Income Opportunities.

Many people consider mystery shopping as one of their dream jobs. Who wouldn’t? It’s fun to get paid while doing something that you love.

Market research companies regularly hire secret shoppers to check how their client’s business is performing in terms of customer service.

Mystery shopping measures the consumer’s experience against the set standards of the company and evaluates if the business is delivering quality goods and optimum performance in service.

Being a mystery shopper is more than just going inside a store, buying a merchandise and reporting back how it went. Secret shoppers are like movie actors who need to memorize a script and follow a set of instructions while inside the establishment.

Aside from purchasing an item, they can also be tasked to go inside a store and complain about a service, inquire about a specific product, or simply observe the flow of business, among other things. A mystery shopper must have a good memory, is a keen observer and have satisfactory acting talents.

To give you a better picture of the several things that a mystery shopper does, here are some of my own personal experiences on three assignments:

secret shopper Get Paid To Be A Mystery Shopper

Mystery Shopping as a Drive Thru Customer in a Fast Food Restaurant
I was tasked to evaluate the drive thru system of a famous fast food restaurant. Three branches were assigned to me which I was able to visit in two days.

Some of the things that I needed to do were to observe and take note of the cleanliness of the drive thru area, the efficiency and politeness of the staff, the waiting time in the car queue and the quality of the food they served me. Overall, this was an easy assignment.

Mystery Shopping as a New Depositor in a Commercial Bank
I was tasked to open an ATM account in a commercial bank. I’m supposed to pretend that it’s my first time to open a savings account and had a script of questions which I needed to ask them.

I am required to remember and report back the answers which the bank representative gave me and likewise note the time it took for them to complete and process my application. This was again an easy task, the only thing I didn’t like is that I had to wait for a month before I can close the account so I can get my money back without incurring penalty for early closure.

Mystery Shopping as an Interested Buyer in a Car Dealer Shop
I was tasked to inquire and pretend that I’m interested in buying a car from a dealer. I had to ask the salesman several questions and likewise report back his answers. I also needed to take note of how the payment options was presented and explained to me.

This assignment was difficult for me because I had little knowledge about cars and the assignment required me to carry a natural conversation with the dealer about motor and engine performance specifications.

If you think that you can do this type of freelance work, then your first task is to find a legitimate company where you can get your assignments. There are many promoters out there who shamelessly scam consumers into becoming a mystery shopper, so beware. The first thing that you need to know is that applying as a mystery shopper DOES NOT cost anything. You will not be required to pay a sign-up fee. You don’t need to enroll and purchase information for a certification program.

Simply put, you do not have to give them money for any reason. Moreover, fraudulent mystery shopping promoters often use anonymous newspaper ads and unsolicited emails to get victims. Do your homework and do a background check. Visit their office if possible. It will also be helpful if you can check with your local business directories to make sure that the promoter is listed or registered.

To help you get started, here are some websites and directories of legitimate mystery shopping companies. Source: Mystery Shopper Jobs Information Online

National Shopping Service (NSS)
Website at: http://www.nationalshoppingservice.com

Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA)
Website at: http://www.mysteryshop.org

Shop’n Check Worldwide Inc. (SCWI)
Website at: http://www.shopnchek.com

Frontline Focus International
Website at: http://www.frontlinefocus.com/

To my fellow Pinoys, check out John Clements Consultants, Inc. They are the local licensee of SCWI. This is where I get my assignments from.

Also, Frontline Focus has a Philippine office in San Pedro, Laguna. Go to their website to get their contact details.

The payment is reasonable and you will be assigned to establishments near your locality. Furthermore, they understand that this is a part-time job so you will not obligated to conduct every assignment that will be presented to you. You will have the option to refuse a project if it will create conflicts in your schedule.

Good luck and happy shopping!

For more genuine income opportunities, subscribe to Ready To Be Rich.

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This entry was posted on Saturday, January 19th, 2008 at 10:39 pm and is filed under Income Opportunities. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. If it's your first time to comment here, they will be held for moderation. Off-topic responses may be deleted.

46 Responses to “Get Paid To Be A Mystery Shopper”

Win $250 on January 20th, 2008 at 8:25 pm

This is good. Are they based in the Philippines?
Fitz on January 21st, 2008 at 1:27 am

The NSS, MSPA and SCWI are all international companies which offer mystery shopping services to various countries.

Here in the Philippines, SCWI is working under John Clements Consultants, Inc. Their office is in Makati, and they constantly need mystery shoppers so if you have the time, then go and sign up for their program.

If you’re not based in Metro Manila, you could send them an email and inquire if they have assignments available for your locality.
RICHARD on February 1st, 2008 at 7:27 pm

It’s fun to get paid while doing something that you love. I did this job it was a good experience for me. It is some thing more than shopping because you need to recollect your experience and report back but all I can tell you is that Mystery Shopper Jobs are fun to do.
LJ on August 3rd, 2008 at 1:41 am

hi! let’s say you were assigned to purchase something to eat in a fine dining restaurant. Are they going to give you money for this project or you have to shell out first, then it will just be refunded back to you?
Fitz on August 3rd, 2008 at 3:26 am

@Richard
Yes I agree. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

@LJ
Hi! Regarding your question, unfortunately, you’d have to shell out your own money first. But it’s rare that you’d get projects that would require spending a large amount. Thanks for dropping by!
Rhey on September 1st, 2008 at 5:11 pm

hi Richard,

I am interested in becoming a mystery shopper.Which companies do you recommend (can I also have the website / email address?)
I tried signing up for SCWI but I wasn’t able to finish with the options as it asked me whether I’m from the US or Canada. Don’t they have operations in the Philippines? If they do, how can one apply?
Fitz on September 2nd, 2008 at 12:31 am

Hi Rhey.

Please refer to the John Clements website and contact Shop ‘N Check Philippines. Just tell them that you want to apply as a mystery shopper.

I haven’t talked to them in a while, I think there was an influx of applicants when I posted this and they might have temporarily stopped accepting mystery shoppers. Nevertheless, have yourself listed and surely, you’ll get an assignment once slots open up. Thanks and good luck!
Nicely on September 2nd, 2008 at 4:14 pm

Uso din pala ito sa Pilipinas?
Fitz on September 2nd, 2008 at 5:35 pm

Yes Nicely, they mystery shoppers do exist in the Philippines, and I’m one of them.
itot on September 16th, 2008 at 6:11 am

sabi ko na e mysteryoso ka fitz.ahehehe.joke!
Milbert on October 29th, 2008 at 11:21 am

Hi Fitz,

I am an avid subcriber of your site. Infact Im always excited to scheck my mail evryday what’s new with your blog.

I never thought that there was indeed some companies looking for mystery shoppers. Well I just signed up recenrly, hopefully Ill get an assignment soon!

Good day and God Bless.

Best Regards,
Milbert
abby revilla on December 9th, 2008 at 10:20 am

Hi Fritz,

im from frontline focus and i would like to invite you to be one of our mystery shopper. Should you have questions,send me an email or gimme a ring at 0918-9419451. Hoping to hear from u soon
Princess on March 5th, 2009 at 3:36 pm

Hi there! I also want to be a Mystery shopper. I read an article about it in a business magazine. I also visited the website Of John Clements and learned they need Mystery Shoppers. I am planning to apply for this position. Thanks.
Lala on April 27th, 2009 at 9:45 pm

hey Fitz!

thanks for the info! it was really helpful.

I’m planning to contact them by tomorrow. Is it okay if I call them? or should I just contact them thru e-mail?

thanks again! and God Bless!
Fitz on April 27th, 2009 at 11:03 pm

Hi Lala, just send them an email first and then call them to follow up. Good luck!
Miracel on April 28th, 2009 at 11:09 pm

Hi, guys! I have written a similar post about Mystery Shopping in the Philippines. Here’s the link
edelweiza on May 6th, 2009 at 8:33 am

i want to be a mystery shopper, too.i think i have the three qualities you mentioned…haha.i don’t think though if i’ll have the time.
Maricel on May 7th, 2009 at 1:20 am

I saw this on the PROBE Episode tonight. I searched for info on mystery shopping here in the Philippines and I found your blog. You were one of those who were interviewed, right? By the way, nice blog. I just became a subscriber.
Fitz on May 7th, 2009 at 3:09 am

@edelweiza and Maricel,

If you want to become mystery shoppers, just visit the website of John Clements Consultants, Inc. I provided the link above.

Thanks!
ph_investor on May 7th, 2009 at 8:49 am

My wife would make a perfect mystery shopper, she has so many questions and they are usually based on a script… haha. I think I can also do this when I’m out of the rat-race. Thanks again Fitz, I learned about this first from your blog.
obet on May 7th, 2009 at 11:28 pm

is this mystery shopper exist here in saudi arabia?
Myster carl on May 11th, 2009 at 3:24 pm

HI fritz, ang ganda ng mga sinadi mo sa iblog 5.
I read your Story. It was amazing.Parang gusto ko din i try.
hanny_lo1 on June 19th, 2009 at 11:01 am

Nice fitz,

i like what you’ve done here! very informative and very interesting topics!

keep it up! many people are viewing your blog everyday!
hanny_lo1 on June 19th, 2009 at 11:20 am

besides from John clements do you know any other mystery shopper company?

pls email me here at hanny_lo1@yahoo.com

i dont have internet access all the time…
JAy on July 10th, 2009 at 12:38 pm

hi fitz,

this is so amazing i am so interested to hook my self in your industry, any openings for this query?i would be glad if there is.i saw this once on t.v. Is it still active?btw you can reach me at enduser___@hotmail.com or selfkillingdiscipline@yahoo.com.ph

thank you so much, hope to hear from you soon

- jay
Paula on August 16th, 2009 at 7:36 pm

hi. .i want to apply at John Clements but I can’t find the requirements. btw, are there any? like age or anything? coz u see i’ll be turning 18 this November so i’m still considered a minor:)

tnx:)

btw, nice blog!
nina on August 24th, 2009 at 10:59 am

Hi everyone, I’m interested with this mystery shopper thing and I’d like to know more. Can you send me info on my e-mail?Thanks
Meemee on August 25th, 2009 at 1:42 am

Hello Fitz your blog is very helpful
Can you share other companies aside from John Clements
Do John Clements accept walk in applicants?
If possible a contact person.
Need a job badly our company stopped and need part time job for my family’s needs. Please message me if you have time. Thanks so much

emceegee168@yahoo.com.ph
Claire Apit on September 17th, 2009 at 10:56 am

i want to be a mystery shopper. where or how can i apply this?
contact me soon.

God bless.
KimiLu on October 12th, 2009 at 2:38 am

Oh this is interesting! I’d love to be one since I have a lot of time in my hands! Please do email me if you know of any openings. Thank you so much!
kimberlu@gmail.com
Miracel on October 28th, 2009 at 6:45 pm

Mystery shoppers needed from Batangas, Antique, Davao, Iloilo, Ilocos Sur, Malaybalay. Email alessandro@aq-services.com.
danggit on November 4th, 2009 at 12:32 pm

Hi! looking for a part time job and i think this would really fit in…any other listings of company that is looking for a mystery shopper?! thanks…this is a big help!
carmie on November 8th, 2009 at 7:33 am

does it operate until now? I mean the one that is base in the Philippines. thanks in advance! and by the way I like you site…it’s informative and “astig”. I’m creating my own site from scratch and it is still on the process I just admire your page.

carmz
1316 on November 15th, 2009 at 3:51 pm

hi,
i am currently working for a private company.
strict rules are implemented against moonlighting but for obvious reasons, i believe everybody really needs other sources of income nowadays. how are you paid for being a mystery shopper? tax deduction is alright with me but i just don’t know how i would resolve getting into both work. i really need extra income and fast. hope you could help me with this.
26 on February 2nd, 2010 at 5:43 pm

Hi, I was just wondering how do you apply? I mean what do you have to send them to apply? Do you have to be a college graduate to be a mystery shopper. I hope you can help me! I would love to try being a mystery shopper Thanks!
Toni on February 5th, 2010 at 10:44 pm

Hi! I’ currently working for a US based company but I need extra income. I’m very interested to be a mystery shopper. How will i apply? What are the requirements? I’d love to become a mystery shopper. Hope you could help me. Thanks!
dov_c on February 20th, 2010 at 11:00 pm

Hi! I’m looking for a part time job. I’m interested to be a mystery shopper. what are the requirements and how will i apply. looking forward for your response. thanks in advance.
desiree antido on March 15th, 2010 at 8:31 pm

yes i have appointments nx wk as mystery shoppers!!!!
anne on March 27th, 2010 at 6:31 pm

im interested to become a mystery shopper …
where can i apply ?
here’s my contact no. : 09235541980
Aerdan on March 29th, 2010 at 4:59 pm

Hi Fitz,

Thanks for your blog, I learned of this extra income job and have been receiving assignments from John Clements! By the way, are you aware of Bare International? I just learned about them from one of the Internet forums. They also give assignments in the Philippines. Do you think they’re legitimate? Thanks and more power to your blog!
jenie88 on April 28th, 2010 at 1:03 am

I need work ………. pwde ba ako dyan mahirap single mom……… wala ako work hayskul lang natapos ko 3 pa anak ko send me email if pde ako aply dyan
Margaret L Generoso on May 23rd, 2010 at 7:27 pm

would like to apply as a mystery shopper i live in paranaque and work in pasay city macapagal blvd
Mary on June 15th, 2010 at 6:23 pm

Good Day!

hello Mr.Fitz i wqas a mystery shopper before but since i got company job that time i stop now im vacant for almost 8 months and no job i realized to comeback again in this partime job as i wish to be stable to me in everyday task i hope to be part of your team. thank you …