ekedolphin
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|  #1 Posted on 13.2.07 0258.08 | Instant Rating: 2.29 | I've been needing to make some extra money, and it occurs to me mystery shopping might be a fun way to do that. But the Google and Career Builder searches are melting my brain, making it hard for me to determine which sites are legit, which sites are bullshit... So... I turn to my fellow Ws for advice. How does one go about being paid to be a mystery shopper? Where should I go, and which sites are just trying to screw me outta $29? (edited by ekedolphin on 13.2.07 0358)
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Big Brother
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| #2 Posted on 13.2.07 1049.46 | Instant Rating: 9.00 | It's all bullshit. (Hey, prove me wrong.)
 | Guru Zim
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| #3 Posted on 13.2.07 1113.46 | Instant Rating: 8.81 | Originally posted by ekedolphin
I've been needing to make some extra money, and it occurs to me mystery shopping might be a fun way to do that. But the Google and Career Builder searches are melting my brain, making it hard for me to determine which sites are legit, which sites are bullshit...
So... I turn to my fellow Ws for advice. How does one go about being paid to be a mystery shopper? Where should I go, and which sites are just trying to screw me outta $29?
(edited by ekedolphin on 13.2.07 0358)
You should never have to pay to work. You should be paid for work.
I doubt that this simple thought has cost me much money in my life.
Sign up for Folding@Home and join our team. PM me for details.
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Knackwurst
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From: Hawthorne, CA
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| #4 Posted on 13.2.07 1128.23 | Instant Rating: 6.86 |
What exactly IS a mystery shopper?
 |
| rinberg
Boudin rouge
Since: 30.1.02
From: South Georgia
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| #5 Posted on 13.2.07 1129.32 | Instant Rating: 4.78 | As a former assistant manager at a large chain drugstore, I can verify that Mystery Shoppers exist. What I don't know is who they contract with for the work. I don't believe there is a large corporation for Mystery Shoppers. More likely, it's done by local contractors, so contact info will vary from region to region. My recommendation would be to make friends with a store manager and ask them to ask their corporate office for the contact info for their Mystery Shoppers program.
It's probably not as fun as you think though. From what I understand, a single Mystery Shopper will cover a large geographic area, like four or five counties, they don't get to choose which stores they shop, and they don't get paid very much. Now that I've made it sound horrible, good luck and let us know what you find out.
BTW, I have to agree with Guru. If you have to pay them, it's probably a scam.
---edit to answer Frosty's question---
A Mystery Shopper will enter a store anonymously and grade you on specific criteria such as:
1)Were you greeted as you entered the store?
2)Rate the cleanliness of the store: 1 2 3 4 5
3)Could you find (product X) easily?
4)When you passed an employee, did they speak to you or acknowledge you?
...ad nauseaum
You (The Store) receive a copy of your score from the corporate office and either a commendation or a drubbing from your district manager. At my former employer, we were Mystery Shopped about once a quarter, but YMMV by company/region/????
(edited by rinberg on 13.2.07 1235)
One of the Thirty-two (or maybe Thirty-four....)!
 | PeterStork
Sujuk
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| #6 Posted on 13.2.07 1146.40 | Instant Rating: 6.72 | Usually mystery shops are done by retail rep firms like Action Link and Mosaic; I'm not sure if the former does them, but I know the latter does.
How one gets one of those jobs...remains a mystery.
exit 670 dot com | digital route 66 | Dutchie
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| #7 Posted on 13.2.07 1734.53 | Instant Rating: 9.19 | I've seen classified ads for mystery shoppers in the paper. It might have been listed under 'General Employment.' The one I saw yesterday advertises for $150/day, no details given on how many hours/miles of work that involves.
Bananas bruise...on the inside | StaggerLee
Scrapple
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| #8 Posted on 13.2.07 1945.52 | Instant Rating: 2.38 | | All I know is when I was a register jockey for a year, if the mystery shopper came in on your shift and you got a passing grade, you got a $50 gift card for your efforts. | Deputy Marshall
Liverwurst
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From: Troy, NY
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| #9 Posted on 13.2.07 2130.32 | Instant Rating: 5.45 | Originally posted by StegDutchie
I've seen classified ads for mystery shoppers in the paper. It might have been listed under 'General Employment.' The one I saw yesterday advertises for $150/day, no details given on how many hours/miles of work that involves.
Or how many days, I bet.
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Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Propheices of Anges Nutter, Witch (The W at Amazon) by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett
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Mrs. Guru
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| #10 Posted on 14.2.07 0141.35 | Instant Rating: 9.03 | | You might look into being a mystery eater, or drinker as well. You have to go order certain items or drinks at eating establishments and bars. | StaggerLee
Scrapple
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| #11 Posted on 15.2.07 0011.02 | Instant Rating: 2.38 | Bars you say?
where do I sign up? |
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