I have friends that complain all the time about their jobs.  My response to them is to try mystery shopping.  The first thing out of their mouths is that it’s a scam.  I have said many times that mystery shopping is not a scam.  I know because I am a mystery shopper who is registered with over 40 mystery shopping companies.  I believe that this line of work is an excellent way to do something new, have a better job, and earn money.  So for all the doubters who are still not sure, here are four reasons why you should be mystery shopping.

1.  You can be your own boss.  You can work as much or as little as you want to.  You decide how many assignments you want to take.  You won’t have anyone looking over your shoulder and telling you what to do.  This in itself is very empowering. 

2.  The pay is good.  Some people will tell you that mystery shopping does not pay that much.  This is simply not true.  Yes there are assignments that may have a small amount of pay, but most of the time these assignments are short.  For instance, I completed a coffee shop assignment.  The pay was $8.00 and reimbursement for my purchase.  It took me five minutes to walk in and order, and then about thirty minutes to complete the online report.  So I made $8.00 for doing something I would have done for free, not to mention the free coffee. 

3.  You get paid to do daily activities.  Have you been to the movies lately?  The price of tickets is ridiculous.  Imagine if you could go to the movies for free and receive a check for doing so?  This is the norm with mystery shopping assignments.   There are assignments that include everything you do on a daily basis, from grocery shopping to going to the zoo.

4.  You get free stuff.  Most assignments reimburse you for your purchases.  So, if you take an assignment at a retail clothing store, and you are required to purchase a specified amount of clothing, you will be reimbursed for the clothing you purchased.  The list of freebies is endless:  free dinners, free movies, free clothing and accessories, free hotel stays.  The list goes on and on.  

Mystery shopping is a great way to make money.  Don’t get me wrong, there are also negative aspects to this line of work.  The reports can be tedious for some assignments, the mileage on your vehicle will increase, and assignments may be less abundant in certain areas.  Overall, I have found it to be a new, unconventional, and refreshing way to make money while controlling your own time.  That is why I am passionate about it.  Maybe you could be too.

Make sure to check out my free list of mystery shoppng companies.