Industry Tips
Mystery Shopper / Secret Shopper Job Opportunities
Market research firms, training companies, merchandisers, temporary agencies and other businesses specialize in recruiting mystery shoppers. Unfortunately, so do scam artists. BBB advises applicants to carefully research any "mystery shopper" business. Understand whether the company is offering to employ you directly. If you are asked instead to purchase training materials or a directory of companies that supposedly offer mystery-shopping opportunities, exercise caution. BBB experience shows these can be unproductive avenues.
Look for reputable firms that:
- Qualify and train mystery shoppers to perform specific evaluations;
- Enjoy a good reputation with their clients and shoppers, and
- Do not charge a fee to complete an application.
To steer clear of get-rich-quick offers, the BBB advises mystery shopper applicants to:
- Ignore claims that you will make big profits easily. Mystery shopping will not make you rich; at best it provides part-time income.
- Avoid falling for claims that "guarantee" a position, without training.
- Be cautions of unsolicited e-mails offering "work-from-home."
- Never pay money up-front. A legitimate mystery shopping service will not charge money for materials, training or recruiting.
- Obtain the name of the company and check the business out with the BBB, local consumer protection agency, and state attorney general.
