One night several weeks ago Hubby Tony and I were in the family room, where he was watching a Cardinals game on TV and I was giving the game half of my attention and surfing the Web. At one point I came across an article about secret shopping. I have no idea why (maybe because I like the challenge of trying new things?), but I followed the links in the article and eventually signed up to be a shopper.
I recently completed my first assignment, evaluating a store a couple of miles from my house. The secret shopping company gave me a scenario to follow. I had to go into a specific department of the store and ask an associate to recommend a product based on information I provided. Next I had to ask if the store carried a particular brand (which I knew in advance they didn't) and see what they said. Before I left, they asked me to make a purchase and evaluate the checkout procedure. When I was done I came home and filled out a report about my experience.
Somewhere down the line I'll get paid a small amount and be reimbursed for my purchase. I certainly wouldn't get rich doing secret shopping, but it was a lot of fun.
Five years ago today: In A Pickle
One of my old boss' used to do that! I think she was a secret shopper at McD's and it seems like they would send her a coupon to order beforehand so she didn't have to pay for it outright. I'm not sure if she also got paid, but I kind of remember her saying they got prizes sometimes. I tried signing up a few times for secret shopping, but it seems like most of them are scams.
ReplyDeleteThe article I read led me to the website of MSPA, an industry trade organization. I would think all of their members are reputable companies.
DeleteWhat fun. I've come across the offers, but not for a long time.
ReplyDeleteIt WAS. Evidently mystery shopping is still going strong.
DeleteA friend of mine did this for Jack in the Box. She had to travel to various stores in the San Joaquin Valley and purchase certain items at certain times. She enjoyed it, but I'm not too sure what the pay was like. She only did it for a few months so I'm assuming it wasn't worth her time and effort.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure they could pay me enough to buy something at Jack in the Box!
DeleteSounds like you had fun! Once I was asked to do a survey at the mall they took me into a room then I got paid $20. It was about toilet paper I think.
ReplyDeleteI'm registered with a survey company here in town, and occasionally get emails asking me to fill out preliminary questions for something or another. Last year I got selected for a cat litter survey, and got free litter and a little bit of money.
DeleteHow adventurous. I've always been interested in being a secret shopper, but found the asking me to make a purchase questionable.
ReplyDeleteIn this case the store had merchandise I actually needed, so I didn't mind making a purchase.
DeleteHow fun!
ReplyDeleteAnd you get paid to boot!
I know...a win-win.
DeleteI've heard of this! I though it really sounded fun!
ReplyDeleteIt was!
DeleteThat does sound fun Kathy. I never would be brave enough to follow through. Like one of your commenters wrote, I'd be afraid it was a scam.
ReplyDeleteI think scam companies ask you for money up front before they'll show you any jobs. That hasn't happened to me, and if I don't get reimbursed for my small purchase it's OK. I would have bought the things anyway.
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