Telephone Mystery Shoppers are required to call certain establishments to determine the phone skills of phone techs and then report all findings to the sponsoring company.

What are the different METHODS of Mystery Shopping?

There are many methods of mystery shopping.  

• Product Sampling

Have you ever gotten free samples at a grocery store? I bet you thought the people giving away the samples were store employees. They're not! They are independent contractors who are paid to give away samples.  Samplers are needed every where - not just at grocery stores but also at malls, retail parking lots, and even sporting events! Samplers must be friendly, inviting, enthusiastic, and outgoing individuals who enjoy interacting with the general public.

• Product Demonstrators

Product Demonstrators are designed to educate consumers on how a particular product or service is used, worn, or works and how the consumer can benefit from the particular product or service. This job is very important being that, as a product demonstrator, you control the public's view point about the product or service that is being demonstrated. A poor demonstration could mean the failure of a product launch or your agency losing a client. Sometimes called "brand ambassadors", demonstrators must be enthusiastic, outgoing, professional individuals who enjoy interacting with the general public.

• Retail Entertainment

This is a method used to generate enthusiasm about a product or service and create an exciting shopping experience for shoppers. Retail Entertainment specialists are extremely outgoing and enjoy being "on stage" in retail environments.

• Costume Character representatives

This is a method where an individual is required to dress up and play a particular role. Costume characters vary from clowns to hippos to super heroes and more.  Costume Character representatives must enjoy interacting with the public, especially children.

• Merchandising

This is a method that requires you to visit store locations and maintain a manufacturer's line of products. Have you ever seen someone stocking pop in a grocery store but they didn't work in the actual store?  Well, that was an example of a merchandising.  The main goal is basically to present products in their best light so that they generate more sales. 

• Surveyors

Surveyors are individuals stationed at retail locations who are responsible for encouraging consumers to participate in brief Q & A's to measure customer satisfaction. Surveyors are very aggressive, outgoing individuals who don't mind a little rejection.

• Tabling representatives

An example of tabling representatives would be the individuals who you see sitting at tables at retail establishments, events or festival locations. They are typically seen promoting enrollment/sign-ups for particular products or services. Tabling representatives must be inviting but very aggressive as they are paid based on performance.

• Distribution Representatives

Distribution Representatives are people who contact merchants and ask their permission to place "Take-One" displays in their office. Take-ones are brochures or flyers that invite consumers to "Take-One" to learn a little more about a product or service. Distribution Representatives are highly motivated self-starters who can set goals, meet deadlines and can handle rejection. They are typically paid based on performance.

• Event Marketers

Event Marketers are representatives who conduct tabling (see tabling) at special events to promote a product or service and generate applications or enrollments. This is a fast paced environment which calls for an inviting, yet aggressive and energetic person. Pay concerning this opportunity is usually based on performance.

• Modeling/Talent Representatives

Modeling/Talent Representatives have a particular look or talent that is needed and requested for certain promotions. Head shots must be submitted in order to be considered for this opportunity.  However, please do not send your head shots to Divinely Successful, Inc.  The company who is offering the assignment will request them from you.

• Interviewing:

Interviewing is simple. Get contracted for an interviewing assignment and then meet people and get paid! Have you ever seen people conducting surveys outside of a retail store? How about coming to your door to ask you questions about common household products? Did you know that these people are getting paid to do this and that these jobs are in high demand? That's right! Interviewing is an exciting way to make money simply by asking people what they think. Interviewing is an important part of market research. In fact, interviewing is the only way that manufacturers and service providers are able to find out what the public thinks or need in a product.  If you can talk to people and ask them questions in a polite and professional manner, then you will most likely be a good interviewer.

What are the qualifications of a mystery shopper?

You must be at least 18 years of age or older with a computer and internet access, be a U.S. citizen, be reliable, observant, able to follow directions, have a positive attitude, with reliable transportation along with the competence to complete assignments. Other terms and conditions may apply. However, you don't have to have a degree or any special training,skill or experience, although experience in customer service (such as having worked in hospitality or retail) is helpful. Also, if any training is needed, the mystery shopping companies will provide it. 

Do I have to be a private investigator to be a mystery shopper in Nevada?

No. Although Nevada is strictly regulated, it is NOT necessary for mystery shoppers to become private investigators in order to receive assignments. If you want to complete mystery shopping assignments in Nevada, you would have to register with firms that are associated with the Private Investigative Licensing Board and also be an employee of a private investigator. 

What will I be required to do as a mystery shopper?

When chosen to be a Mystery Shopper, you will be required to visit scheduled establishments, pose as a regular consumer, and observe cleanliness, service, quality and other standards important to the business and its customers as defined on the evaluation form. Questions on the evaluation form might include things like: Were you greeted within 60 seconds of entering the establishment? Were the floors clean? Did the person who took your order suggest additional items? Was the salesperson able to demonstrate product knowledge by answering your questions? Was your food fresh and served as you ordered it? Did the cashier count back your change and say thank you? Was the rest room clean and fully stocked with soap and tissue? etc. When you leave the establishment, you will need to enter the answers on the evaluation report form that will be given to you, or write a narrative report describing your visit. All of your findings must be reported back to the sponsoring company according to the parameters outlined in the contract.

How long will each assignment take?

Most Mystery Shoppers only work 1-2 hour per assignment, and can accept or reject an assignment with just a day's notice.  

How much will I earn per assignment?

FYI, Mystery Shopping is a billion dollar industry. Most Mystery Shoppers average about $24 an hour and up to $40k a year without any special skill, training or degree.  You also need to remember the fringe benefits of this fun and exciting opportunity-FREE products and services. Also, the New York Times published an article about a woman that was earning around $7,000.00 a month as a mystery shopper.  Nevertheless, the amount that you'll earn per assignment will be disclosed by the sponsoring company prior to you accepting the assignment. If it is not clear to you how much the assignment pays, simply ask. Sponsors want you to feel comfortable with working for them.

Is there any way for me to increase my money making abilities?

Yes. Sign up with all of the companies that we reveal to you and closely watch your email for study invitations, participate in studies, leverage your time, be organized and do a good job with each assignment and you'll be highly valued by mystery shopping companies and schedulers, who will give you as much work as they can.

If you live in or regularly travel to an area where there are national or regional chain stores, banks, and restaurants, then you can rest for sure that mystery shopping is likely done there. Almost any business that does business with the public is mystery shopped.

What do companies look for when they hire shoppers?

Most importantly, they want to know that you are reliable, observant and able to follow directions. They will train you on how to mystery shop. That's no problem.

How long will it take to get my first assignment?

If you apply to several companies, you may get your first assignment within a couple of days or up to two weeks or longer, depending on availability and your desire to participate. Some shoppers have reported getting their first assignment(s) the very same day they applied, but it will vary. The more flexible and available you are, the more assignments you could get.  

Is there a limit to the number of assignments I can apply for?

Absolutely not! We suggest you sign up with all the companies that we send you and manage your time so that you can get as many assignments as you can.  Just be sure to allow yourself enough time to properly complete each assignment.

Is it ethical to work for more than one company?

Yes. Most companies understand that you will work for other companies. Whatever you do, just remember not to share information about one company with another, and don't share one company's report forms, completed evaluations, or other confidential information with another.  

Can I take my spouse, friend or child with me?

Yes. If, it is a place they would normally go with you. For example, you might take your children to the grocery store or a family restaurant, but perhaps not a more formal restaurant. Don't take anyone else along if they will distract you from properly completing your assignment, or if you have not been told by the sponsoring company, that you may. Remember you are a mystery shopper. If you have young children, don't tell them you're mystery shopping. You don't want them asking, loudly, in the middle of a shop, "Mommy, Daddy, are we doing the mystery shop now?" Also, any accompanying adults must know that they are not to talk about mystery shopping or give away that you are the shopper.

Will the employees know that I'm the mystery shopper?

No. At first, you might feel like you have a neon sign that says MYSTERY SHOPPER blinking on your forehead, but they really won't know. If for some reason someone asks you if you are the mystery shopper, just play dumb. "Mystery shopper? What's that?".

How and when do I get paid for my assignment?

Most companies will pay you by check, but a few use direct deposit. The job scheduler will explain the payment procedure and when you can expect payment when you are selected for an assignment. Normally, you'll be paid within 3 and 5 weeks after you've completed your assignment(s). Sometimes it'll be quicker and sometimes it may be slower. Keep in mind that many mystery shopping companies wait until payment is received from their client, at which point they pay their shoppers but they will let you know prior to you accepting the assignment. However, if it is not clear to you, simply ask.

Yes. As an independent contractor, you will be responsible for paying your own taxes. In almost every case you'll receive a 1099 form from each mystery shopping company that paid you $600 or more. Some companies will send you a 1099 form regardless of the amount they paid you.