which mystery shops are legit?

Answer 1

Below I listed 3 Mystery Shopping Companies for whom I have done Mystery Shopping. Each shop experience was fun. Please post any other questions you have about the industry.

http://volition.com/mysteryUSA1.html

You must apply for MS jobs to be assigned! As a new shopper you may not be assigned to a shop right away, first preference is given to "long time" shoppers. You must provide your SS# so you can get paid.

http://ishopforyou.com/Home_Page.html (Register here)
BeyondHello.com (register here)
http://www.conferoinc.com/ (register here.)

Most companies require a "writing sample." It's easy, typically you will be asked about your best or worst experience as a consumer, dining in a restarant, at a store, etc. The companies want writing samples because the reports you submit must be typed online, usually on the website of the MS company.

Each of these companies are legitimate Mystery Shopping companies. You must fill out an application on each MS website. The more companies you register with, the more shops you will be assigned. You must have excellent writing skills, as you may be required to submit your mystery shopping report in writing, via fax or email.

Answer 2

SCAM SCAM SCAM. The way this works is that the check they sent you is fake. However most tellers won't notice, and will let you deposit it into your account. Then, when you send off your money back to the "company", their check will bounce for being fake. The bank will not only take back the entire $3950 from your account, but will also charge you a fee for depositing a bad check. This may not happen for a month or two. Meanwhile, the "company" will have disappeared...along with the cash (your cash!) you mailed to them. My wife does mystery shops, and NONE of them have EVER asked her handle a check in this manner. If the particular job required her to buy something, they would either send her a gift card, or have her submit her receipts for reimbursement. She also did not have to pay anything to join the service. Unfortunately, the authorities don't want to hear about these attempted scams unless you've actually lost money from them. This strikes me as rather stupid since right now, you have a valid address and contact for the thief, who is attempting to commit a federal crime. If you wait until you've lost money, then all they can do is take down your information, and tell you "don't do it again." Yeah, really helpful...

Answer 3

I shop with companies listed on Mysteryshop.org or
http://volition.com/mysteryUSA1.html

Mystery Shop company listed on: Mysteryshop.org
is legit, as that organization monitors the MS industry.

http://www.mysteryshop.org/shoppers/forum/viewforum.php?f=2
Mystery Shopping Companies:

http://www.mysteryshop.org/shoppers/forum/viewforum.php?f=2&sid=b4e892fd435a0bae6a3058e0066ca935

Always use good judgment when registering with any MS company, make sure they are on the list at: mysteryshop.org

Free MS info online at: mysteryhop.org
the organization that monitors the Mystery Shopping Industry.

The Mystery Shops at: Volition.com are legit.
http://volition.com/mysteryUSA1.html

I have Mystery Shopped for years. It's a legitimate business. The pay is low $3.00 and up. Fee is determined by the company requesting the Mystery Shop.

http://www.mysteryshop.org/shoppers/forum/viewforum.php?f=2&sid=b4e892fd435a0bae6a3058e0066ca935

I shopped and recieved dinners, lunche, CDs, Godiva candy, gallons of paint, and other products. One doesn't always get "keep the shopped for merchandise." Requirements: Knowledge of Excel (some reports must be submitted as an Excel Spreadsheet). Must be able to "pretend to be an average customer."

Shoppers are assigned when a store or any business receives customer complaints regarding poor Customer Service, discrimination, long wait in-lines, poor quality merchandise, etc. MS'er goes to store to act as a "typical customer," he/she fulfills the scenario given to him/her. Sometimes the shop is simple as asking to "use the restroom." I shopped Subway Sandwich. MS shop rates are low $3.00 - $10.00. Often you keep merchandise you buy, sometimes not, depends on whether the company requesting the shop allows you to keep "what you purchase."

NEVER respond to "banner ads" about Mystery Shopping. They want to sell books with contact info for Mystery Shopping Companies.

Answer 4

You have to apply to become a mystery shopper at the websites of these market research companies. They will then contact you if they have any assignment in your area. List of companies where you can apply free and links to relevant websites available at http://tinyurl.com/n474j