How To Be A Secret Shopper

Imagine the type of job where you get to eat in restaurants for free and keep free merchandise you've shopped for, while getting paid for it because that is what it is like to be a secret shopper. Secret shopping isn’t all fun and games, though; you actually have to evaluate businesses and fill out surveys in order to get paid. Still want to be a secret shopper?

1. Go online and search for secret shopping companies. Be aware of scams, though; you shouldn’t have to pay to be a secret shopper. However, some agencies do sell lists of secret shopping companies.
2. Look for secret shopping opportunities in your area. It doesn’t pay to sign up to be a secret shopper if there aren’t very many opportunities.
3. Apply to many companies in order to keep busy with secret shopping. You will probably need to send resumes, fill out applications, and even send writing samples.
4. Find out if your state requires a private investigator’s license for secret shopping. It’s nothing to worry about, though—the license is only required in a few states.
5. Prepare for the assignments. Read over the written instructions very carefully to understand what is required of you. Don’t take an assignment if you can’t complete it.
6. Do not reveal, at any time, that you are a secret shopper. This means you will need to prepare ahead of time a method to help you remember the details of the shop. Once you have completed the shop and are a safe distance away from the store, you may stop to take notes.
7. Complete the survey. Read over your work and make sure you don’t leave anything blank. Then send any required information to the scheduler so you can get paid.

If you would like to eat or shop for free, plus make a little money on the side, then perhaps you would enjoy being a secret shopper. Realize, though, it may be fun, but it is also work. But don’t worry, as long as you follow all the instructions, you will be fine.