How to Become a Secrets Shopper: A Comprehensive Guide for Success

Secret shopping, more commonly known as mystery shopping, can be an enticing opportunity for individuals who are looking for a unique career or side hustle. It involves visiting businesses and providing feedback on their services or products. However, the field has its challenges and misconceptions. In this article, we will explore how to embark on a career as a secrets shopper and how to ensure you get paid fairly.

Understanding the Role of a Secrets Shopper

A secrets shopper is a person who visits a retail outlet, restaurant, or other business and provides feedback on their experience. This feedback can include service quality, product availability, and overall atmosphere. Secrets shoppers can earn money based on the complexity of their assignments, ranging from $10 to $20 per shop. Additionally, they may receive reimbursement for any items they purchase during their visits.

How to Get Paid as a Secrets Shopper

Unlike stores' regular employees, secrets shoppers can get paid in various ways. Some companies pay by check, while others may pay through direct deposit or another method. Depending on the company, they may hire you as a regular store employee or as a contractual worker. If hired as a contract employee, no deductions will be made from their pay, unlike regular employees.

Historical and Current Trends in Mystery Shopping

Mystery shopping gained popularity in the early 2000s, but it is often not as lucrative as advertised. In my experience, the best case scenario involves receiving an assignment, answering specific questions, and purchasing an item. After completing the task, you report your findings on the company's website, and potentially two months later, you may receive payment amounting to $10 per assignment.

There have been instances where companies have been less than honest, rejecting reports without reason and keeping the money for themselves. Therefore, it is crucial to be very cautious of any service that focuses solely on recruitment and does not provide details about their services to retailers.

Key Tips for Becoming a Secrets Shopper

1. Choose a Reputable Company: Not all secret shopper services are legitimate. Research companies thoroughly and ensure they offer genuine services. Look for companies that have a track record of paying their employees promptly and transparently.

2. Verify the Job Requirements: Legitimate secret shopper services are selective about who they recruit. Expect that the job requirements will be detailed and that those without the necessary skills will be rejected. Scams often accept anyone, without regard for qualifications.

3. Avoid Upfront Fees: Trustworthy secret shopper companies do not charge for training or materials upfront. Any company that asks for payment before providing services is likely a scam.

4. Know Your Rights: Be aware that many secret shopper companies do not have a high demand for services. Therefore, some companies may not be actively recruiting, or they may not have much work available.

5. Protect Your Purchase: If you have to fund test purchases, make sure you receive the money back before handing over any items, especially negotiable ones like gift cards.

Conclusion

Becoming a secrets shopper can be a rewarding experience, but it is essential to approach the opportunity with caution. By understanding the role, verifying the legitimacy of the company, and knowing your rights, you can increase your chances of success and earning a fair payment for your work.