If you tried being a "mystery shopper," what was your personal experience? Scamm

1. 63

   Perspycaciousposted 11 years ago

   If you tried being a "mystery shopper," what was your personal experience? Scammed, made money, good
   
   My personal experience, recounted on a Hub on this subject, was that of an enticing scam.  I know others have had a good experience.  This "opportunity" is now well enough known on Hub Pages that we can benefit from each other's experience.  What can you add to the discussion?
   
   

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2. 87

   innerspinposted 11 years ago

   I worked as a mystery shopper for a couple of years, for one company. It was a good way of earning a little extra money, and it was interesting to learn some trade secrets. ( No, I'm not telling!)
   
   I did various assignments, visiting large, established stores. For one chain, I had seven eye tests over about three weeks, sending the spectacles back for inspection each time. Other stores sold baby products, car accessories, and , erm, adult products.
   
   If you find the right firm to work for, it can be handy extra money, but I'm highly suspicious of most adverts. It doesn't seem realistic to do several  visits in a day, or make lots of cash. Interesting experience.

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3. 85

   Annsaloposted 11 years ago

   I do mystery shopping now for many companies. None of which are scams. I get what equals out to free food, clothes, and gas. mysteryshop.org is in my opinion the only reliable source for mystery shop companies.

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   freecampingaussieposted 11 years ago

   I had to travel a fair way to do mystery shopping but it was interesting lol and earned a bit but it is not great pay . Did a lot of petrol stations etc !

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5. 72

   catgypsyposted 11 years ago

   I tried it years ago and became burned out very quickly. There is more work involved (with all the things they want you to send back in the report) than you think and all I really got was free meals and a tiny bit of extra cash. I wouldn't trust many of them now though, because they seem to be at the top of most scam lists.

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6. 87

   MizBejabbersposted 11 years ago

   I enjoyed it and felt like it was a positive experience. It was for a legitimate company that sent me to a good medium-budget restaurant.

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7. 74

   Li Galoposted 11 years ago

   It's actually WORK!  I've done it and the pay is so-so - not great, not terrible.  But don't expect to make a living at it.  It's just for fun-money, nothing more.

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   plussizepixieposted 10 years ago

   I work as a mystery shopper in the UK. As long as you research the companies first and ensure they are members of the Mystery Shopper Providers Association you won't get scammed. Never ever pay money up front or cash cheques - any firm that asks you to do that is a scam.
   
   My best mystery shop recently was an over night stay with my partner in a hotel with all meals and drinks paid for.

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   clairewaitposted 10 years ago

   A reputable company I'm working with now has openings all the time and in my experience: https://ace.shopmetrics.com/document.asp?alias=ace. I find them to be fair. The jobs are interesting, and often somewhere I need to be anyway, which is a bonus. Great gig for a stay at home mom with a little extra time on my hands.

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