Work at Home Ideas: Mystery Shopping

What It's About: Mystery shoppers are basically used as market researchers. They are used to provide feedback about a company's products and services. After their assignment, they are asked to fill out a questionnaire or report about their shopping experience. Shoppers receive payment in the form of cash, freebies, merchandise vouchers, and coupons.

Startup Costs: None. This is an ideal opportunity for those wishing to start on a limited budget. Editor's Note: You should never have to pay a company a filing fee or registration fee for working for them. While there are many legitimate mystery shopping firms out there, beware of those that ask for such fees or post an 809 or 900 number to call.

Tips and Hints: Even if you're a great shopper, you're probably not going to get more than a few assignments a month from each company. To maximize the likelihood of getting assignments, sign up with as many companies as you can.

Bottom Line: While you will probably not get rich on a mystery shopper's salary, you may get some nice perks such as meals out, video rentals, and the like.

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• Mystery Shopping by Niccole Rogers   Developing a business plan is crucial in becoming a successful secret shopper
  
  
• Getting Started in Mystery Shopping (The Right Way) By Melanie Jordan   Despite what others may say, the biggest mistake you can make as a newbie shopper is wasting your time applying directly to mystery shopping companies. You wouldn't look for a job in the "real world" this way, and the "mystery shopping world" is no different. Learn to work with schedulers and you'll have started your mystery shopping career the right way.