It's true.
You can get paid to shop.
Now, some people worry that it is a scam.
No. It's not a scam. The scam is when people make huge estimates of what you will make as a mystery shopper. Or, charge an arm and a leg for a list of expired links, spam sites and such.
The scam is NOT the industry but the ESTIMATOR making wild claims.
I make no wild claims about how much you'll make as a mystery shopper.
The pay varies widely. For one thing, it depends on how often you do it. That is a function, among other things, of how many mystery shopping companies you sign up with.
It also depends on where you live! If you live in a remote rural area, unless willing to travel, it will be hard to make a buck.
Of course, you can be paid to venture out of your domicile and stay at hotels, eat out - and be reimbursed for gas, mileage and lodging costs.
However, you are not always pay in CASH. Sometimes they just reimburse your expenses. But, hey, that's fine since it's basically paying you because you would otherwise have incurred that cost. For example, say you are in need of a hair cut. Well, it so happens that you can be paid to "shop" hair salons. This is where you go in as a regular customer and get a hair cut. So, rather than shell out, what, $20 for a cut, you can have the mystery shopping company cover your new "do".
I run a mystery shopping (and paid survey) newsletter, which is free. In it you'll find a few links per issue to mystery shop and online survey companies. Why only a few links per issue? I have discovered through research that that is the optimal amount to ensure people stay with it, and don't burn out.
And, in one sitting, most people don't want to join tons of companies; they prefer to have them staggered over time.
So, if you are seeking mystery shopping jobs (or online surveys), please click the link below and simply add your name (or nickname) and email address into the subscription form.
It's a good idea to list your PRIME email address to ensure that you receive all the invitations promptly.
We respect your privacy. You won't be spammed, I can assure you.
Best wishes on your shops!
Chris James, Editor
Mystery Shopping & Paid Surveys Ezine
