Mystery Shopping is still something of a...mystery!  Every once in awhile, you'll see an
add that asks if you'd like to shop for free or there will be an article written about
someone who never pays for anything, but gets everything for free by being a
Mystery Shopper.  As in all businesses, there are extremes.  

The Client:  Mystery Shopping is a legitimate (and fun!) business.  Companies are
concerned with their customers' opinions.  They will pay people to give an objective
report about their experience in a store.  Companies also use mystery shoppers to
find out more about their competitor.  Every type of business you can imagine uses
mystery shoppers from amusement parks to restaurants to places that change the oil
in your car.  A company will sometimes hire directly, but most often will use a
Mystery Shopping Provider company who has a database of independent contractors
that they use.  The Mystery Shopping Provider company works with their client to
develop a report with specific guidelines depending on what information the client is
interested in acquiring.  

The Shopper:  You need no experience although some type of previous customer
service experience is helpful.  It is also helpful to have good writing skills because
many of the reports will ask for "narratives" where you write 1 or more paragraphs
about your experience.  The most important trait to have is good observation skills
and a good memory.  You will not be able to take your notes with you into the store
or to reveal yourself in any way by writing things down or being obvious about
getting someone's name.  Do not ever pay to get or be on any mystery shopping lists.  
Applying to a Mystery Shopping Company should always be free.  You should apply to
as many as you can (there are probably 100 of them).  Have one email address for all
of them and watch the offers start coming in.  There are also job boards that you can
check daily to see if any shops come up.  Often the higher paying jobs will go quickly
so it's good to be proactive about watching for open opportunities in your area.  Do
not sign up for a shop if you are not 100% sure that you can complete it.  Cancelling a
job is the best way to not get any more offers!  This is real work and companies will
not use you if you have a record of being flaky. To start applying to the list of
mystery shopping providers, visit the Mystery Shopping Providers Association.  They
also have a job board so you can search for openings in your area.

The Shop:  A shop will usually have specific dates and times that it can be completed.
There will be a due date for submitting your report.  Almost all reports are filed online
and receipts need to be uploaded from your computer.  The report will have a
"scenario" that describes exactly what you are looking for, what questions to ask,
what you need to purchase, and more.  You will be asked for employee names,
descriptions, and quotations of what was said.  
Mystery Shopping