Q&A for How to Become a Secret Shopper

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Question

Is it usual for a company to send a check in advance for mystery shopping expenses and wages?

Katherin Miller

Community Answer

No. "Companies" that send payment in advance are scammers. Legitimate companies normally expect shoppers to pay for any required purchases, and want copies of receipts so they can reimburse. Once a shop is finalized and approved, the shopper is paid what was agreed upon - usually reimbursement of a certain amount as well as the fee for performing the duty.

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Question

How old do I have to be to become a mystery shopper?

Community Answer

You have to be at least 18 years old and able to drive, as most of your assignments consist of traveling.

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Question

Is there a website that tells me about the potential jobs in my area?

Community Answer

Start with the Independent Mystery Shoppers' Coalition, (IMSC), the only mystery shopper owned and managed association, Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA), International Association of Service Evaluators (IASE), or National Association for Retail Marketing Services (NARMS). Verify a company via the Better Business Bureau (BBB) if you're curious.

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Question

Can I shop on my own schedule?

Community Answer

Yes and no. Companies generally have windows of time in when they want the shopping to be done. Some of them even have a minimum requirement for the amount of time you spend on a shop. If you determine the day/time works for you, then you accept the shop.

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Question

Do mystery shoppers use real names and information?

Community Answer

It depends on the specification of the shops you are looking into. Each assignment has specifications, but you often need to pay with a credit card. Using a fake name would trigger fraud and create a whole bunch of issues. If you have questions, contact the agent in charge of the shop.

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Question

Are the Mystery Shopper assignments in your local area, or all over the state you reside in?

Community Answer

You may choose where to do mystery shops. If you travel to another area to visit family, for example, you can search for jobs in that area by postal code.

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Question

Do I get shopping assignments sent to me, or do I have to look for shopping jobs myself?

Community Answer

Both. The company will send regular newsletters with new job postings, but you can also log in and search for yourself through their available shops.

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Question

Can I be a mystery shopper without a credit card?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as you can pay for your purchase in case this is necessary. Most of the time, this won't be mandatory.

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Question

Where can I apply in person to become a mystery clothing wear shopper?

Community Answer

Generally, there is no applying in person. It is mainly online through the company's website and your personal email. Also, a word of advice, I would look to more than just fashion shopping. Since opportunities are seemingly random and unplanned for, I would recommend being prepared for many different chances when they arise.

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Question

Where do I find the legitimate mystery shopper sites?

Community Answer

The company will send newsletters with new job postings, and you can also log in and search for yourself through their available shops.

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Question

How do I find companies for which I can be a secret shopper?

Community Answer

Search online. You can begin with the following organizations for the industry: Independent Mystery Shoppers' Coalition (IMSC), Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA), International Association of Service Evaluators (IASE), and National Association for Retail Marketing Service (NARMS). Be sure to check on the companies prior to giving them personal information.

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Question

How do I get an application?

Community Answer

Applications should be on each website for each respective secret shopping company. You would have to fill an application for every secret/mystery shopping company you want to work for.

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Question

Can a Canadian be a mystery shopper in Canada and the USA if they have appropriate accounts in each country?

Community Answer

Yes, although it could cause problems when filing taxes with the IRS.

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Question

What does a mystery shopping company charge for data?

Community Answer

If they charge, they are a scam. Legitimate mystery shopping companies won't charge secret shoppers fees.

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Question

What's a good website to apply to if I want to become a secret shopper?

Community Answer

Here are some suggestions, none of which are condoned by wikiHow, they are only provided by way of information: Independent Mystery Shoppers' Coalition, (IMSC), Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA), International Association of Service Evaluators (IASE), or National Association for Retail Marketing Services (NARMS).

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