Jan 03 2009
Alternative Means of Income Part 1: Secret Shopping
Secret Shopping: Is It A Gimmick or Legitimate Income?
It almost seems too good to be true! Companies all over the globe are looking for people just like you to provide honest feedback and observe the actions of their employees.
Fact: Secret shopping is a real, reputable job.
Fact: Secret shopping allows you to have a relaxed schedule while still making cash.
Fact: Secret shopping pays well and requires little time and effort.
Fact: Secret shopping is easier if you have regular access to a phone and a computer.
Fact: Some secret “shops” reimburse you for items you purchase.
Fact: Some secret “shops” reimburse you for the food you eat.
Fact: Secret shopping is a fun alternative to working full-time and is also a great way to make extra income!
Fact: You are in control when you’re a secret shopper. Although there are people you report to, secret shopping eliminates the middleman. You are your own boss.Fact: Some secret “shops” can be done with guests or children.
For a few minutes of your time, you can receive compensation for your efforts in the form of cash, free goods and services or both. Better yet, most assignments can be completed leisurely and often involve businesses that you already patron. Some companies even let you work from home and only require that you make outbound customer service calls. People looking for a way to leave the nine-to-five grind or increase their cash flow have been pleased with the perks secret shopping has provided for them. Unfortunately, far too many grow discouraged because their lack of organization makes this type of work impossible for them.
Throughout this article, I will address the topic of secret shopping and provide tips that will not only make you money but also ensure that your efforts are not wasted. Secret shopping is a reliable, legitimate way to make a living. With a little time and some carefully worded direction, you, too, can be on your way to becoming a successful secret shopper.
Secret shopping is an inexpensive way for companies to obtain accurate feedback on the people that they employ and the services that they provide. Big corporations hire secret shopper companies to “shop” their businesses so that they can expose problem areas and address consumer concerns. Secret shopper companies then assign projects to various independent contractors throughout their area and give them a timeframe to complete their work. Project guidelines are either posted on the company website or sent to the shopper’s email account. Upon receipt of a shop, the company compensates the contractor for their time and any items they were required to purchase. Some companies have even been known to pay travel expenses and mileage.
Websites boasting that you can “get paid to shop” often require a fee to register in their databases. Do not consider working for a company that charges you! There are plenty of companies willing to hire you for free! Some of the best I’ve worked for are: Trendsource, Maritz Research and Shoppers, Inc. A simple web search will help you to identify which websites are legit and which ones are not. Remember that you’re looking to increase your income not your expenses.
Secret shopping is a wonderful way to earn income. If your current job isn’t as flexible as you’d like it to be or doesn’t pay enough, adding a couple of assignments a month will surely help you in the long run. Working for more than one company will also give you better opportunities. This is especially true if you live in larger cities where secret shoppers are abundant.
Paychecks are usually cut once a month but some places will pay you more frequently. It is helpful to learn what payday is for each company you work for. Keep track of the shops that you have completed and the pay for each one in a notebook or on a calendar. No one likes to work for free. Also remember that if a shop requires you to purchase an item, you must have the money up front to pay for your it. You are reimbursed on your paycheck for your purchases. There are no exceptions to this rule. If you don’t have $10 to spend on expenses from time to time, this is not the job for you.
Some shops pay really well while others pay considerably less. Some shops must be done in person while others can be completed over the phone. It is best to do a lot of phone shops if you have free long distance or a fixed rate phone service. An exceptionally large phone bill will squelch any desire to do phone shops in the future. If you are concerned about this, it may be best for you to purchase a prepaid calling card. Make sure it is equipped with adequate minutes if doing a lot of shops over the phone.
Having a few inexpensive supplies on hand will help you in the long run. Purchasing a cheap stopwatch will be a lifesaver. I recently did some shops without one and realized that I couldn’t complete the paperwork because the time wasn’t recorded properly. Do not forfeit your reputation with a company by not completing a shop. Buy the stopwatch and always inform the scheduler if problems arise. It is better to earn less for a shop than nothing at all. It is also important to keep track of your shops on a calendar.
It is easy to get confused if you work for several companies. Record the due date of each assignment on the calendar. Also make sure to list its fee and the company’s pay period on there as well. Keeping your glovebox stocked with extra pens and paper will eliminate confusion. Keeping a pocket sized notepad that can be carried and written in discreetly is also a wonderful tool.
Owning a digital camera will give you an advantage as most companies require strict documentation of the things you observe. Photo shops often pay better than others because they do require more work. The smaller your camera is, the easier it is to conceal. Keeping your identity anonymous is crucial. Never reveal yourself as a secret shopper unless instructed to do so by the company you are working for.
Every company has established its own criteria for assignments. In order to fill their needs, you must carefully read the instructions for each shop before completing it. Gather all the supplies you need beforehand and pay attention to the timeframe given to you to complete the shop. If problems do arise, contact the scheduler immediately. Most shops can be completed at a later date if necessary. Remaining communicative with the company you work for is an absolute necessity. Reliable internet and phone service is a must if you wish to work in this profession.
Not every shop will fit into your schedule. That’s where your friends and family come in. By referring them to the companies you work for, you accomplish two things. You give them extra income and the companies you work for pay you a referral bonus. The more people you refer, the more money you make!
A big push for companies to improve their procedures has caused the secret shopping industry to swell with opportunities. With a few simple tools, these tips and the desire to succeed, you, too, can start your career as a secret shopper today.
COMPANIES TO WORK FOR:
Trendsource http://www.trendsource.com/
Shoppers, Inc. http://www.shoppercomments.com/
Maritz Research http://www.virtuoso.maritzresearch.com/
Service Intelligence http://www.secretshopnet.com/
About Face http://www.aboutfacecorp.com/
National Shopping Service http://www.nationalshoppingservice.com/
Satisfaction Services, Inc. http://www.satisfactionservicesinc.com/
Bestmark http://www.bestmark.com/
Pacific Research http://www.pacificresearchgroup.com/
