Job posting say that I can get free stuff, free dinner, etc.
But I think it's too good to be true...
2006-07-20 07:35:04 · 8 answers · asked by ethan_daisy 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
I worked as a secret shopper for a couple years in California. The company was fairly reputable (DSG Secret Shoppers), and I had heard about them while watching a representative speak on Fox News. Caution: never sign up with a company that requires you to pay an upfront fee to work. The company I worked for did not charge anything. As far as being worth it? Well, it was very easy to get started -- all by Internet/email/phone/fax. They interviewed me, took my info, and within a month I had my first assignment. It's true you do get paid, but it's by reimbursement (at least in the beginning). For several months, this is how it worked: I would get a call to do a secret shop at Winchell's Donuts. DSG would e-mail me an assignment sheet (what to buy, how long to stay, what to say, etc.) along with a ratings sheet for the store/experience. You have to call or fax (rec. calling) either right afterward or within 48 hours. Once they verify the 'shop,' in about a week, they would send me a check reimbursing me for what I paid for the food and also paying me for the shop -- usually about $6. What was good with this job is that, after I grew tired of buying doughnuts all the time, they began to send me on larger shops with better pay, some without having to spend anything, and for things that I would like to keep. I did one where I had to visit about 10 electronics stores and see if anyone could help me. It paid $10 per visit and I only stayed about 5 minutes per store without spending anything. Only problem was it took about 2 hours driving from store to store across town. Another was I had to eat at a nice restaurant. There was a problem with that one, though. A couple times, even though I faxed them, they claimed they didn't receive my reviews, so I didn't get paid. So, it's going to be a gamble. This company was good, and if you pursue secret shopping, I recommend you look them up on the Internet. It's better to call them for assignments, rather than wait for them to call you. I haven't received a call from them in more than a year, and they probably assume that I no longer want to do it. You should probably only do this if you have another, more stable form of employment. Also, you'll need to manage your time for this. They start you out slow -- eateries, meager assignments -- before you get to the big stuff like cars, trips, etc. It can happen. I just didn't stick around long enough to see it. So, if the company you're looking at wants upfront money, don't do it. Reputable secret shopping companies don't charge. Keep a record of your income, because you'll have to 1099 yourself at the end of the year. DSG was very well documented, so you shouldn't have a problem with your taxes. Plus, DSG always sent me a check. I never had a problem receiving one. I may do it again, but the time commitment (driving around town to different shops) is one I cannot make right now. Good Luck!
2006-07-20 07:59:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
HI,
I did it for a while. The places I got were post offices. I would mail a package and answer questions as to what posters were up, if the personell were in uniform, etc. I was paid about $11.00 for each trip to the post office. I chose the locations, depending on the area I was working in at the time. That way the trip was not an extra one.
vinette
2006-07-20 07:43:27 · answer #2 · answered by vinette1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did it for about 3 years and enjoyed it. It's fun to go into a store and be able to judge the store and stuff, and get paid for it! The only complaint I had was the jobs weren't regular. I'd get 6-7 one month and one the next. I don't understand now why some places make you pay a fee now. I never had to pay a fee to start, so you might want to check that out.
2006-07-20 07:40:56 · answer #3 · answered by icddppl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think most of those postings want you to buy into the program and then you will pay up front for the things you buy, dinners and supposedly get reimbursed...it doesnt seem like a good plan to me at all. I researched it when I was out of work and found a lot of people saying it was a scam and not worth it.
2006-07-20 07:49:56 · answer #4 · answered by missesbean 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is to good to be true, any online solicitations for secret shoppers are generally a way to farm information and then to be true to their solicitations, so they don't get charged with fraud, they will often send you to places that are not worth the time on travel for the pay you get, or they put a clause in the contract stipulating qualifying purches, which is hard to meet the stipulations.
2006-07-20 07:50:08 · answer #5 · answered by Mark G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i became into one for years for Ryan's eating place. i in my opinion enjoyed giving compliments and assisting suggestions-blowing (luckily, the few) issues that necessary it. I prided myself on being actually honest. i became into reimbursed for my meal value plus $10.
2016-10-08 03:23:28 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.stuffafriend.biz/members/Cat118/ try this site its free and easy to make money unlike secret shopping where most sites require you to pay a fee
2006-07-20 09:35:11 · answer #7 · answered by blackcat62005 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I tried it and believe me it's not worth wasting your time on.
If you think it's too good to be true, believe it.
2006-07-20 07:41:30 · answer #8 · answered by Auntiem115 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋