So now let’s go make some money. You are simply put the eyes and ears of a company that wants to ensure a high level of customer service in its stores. They are typically large chains that have multiple stores. You are contract quality control for a company and you should treat the shop as a professional.

As a secret shopper you will find yourself getting haircuts, your vehicles oil changed and a few meals – on the house! Well, sort of on the house. You may first have to pay for the oil change but when you complete your post shop evaluation you will scan the receipt and submit it for reimbursement. There is typically a fee on top of the reimbursement but not always so read the detail section for the shop before you accept assignment.

Another shop that’s one of my favorites and one of the more lucrative shops is banks. Seriously, bank shops pay well! My experience with doing these shops has been a blast. I guess it’s because I get to let the closet actor out in me.

The shop details will give the secret shopper multiple roles they can play. You might have a checking account with another bank but you are here and are asking about a savings account.

The company will want to know if they ask you “prompting” questions to try and get you to shift all of your business over to them. Much fun begins with the back and forth with them.

A secret shopper can make some decent money doing mystery shops. You will also get to practice those not so lost acting skills you developed back in high school!

In this uncertain economy, more and more of us are opening our eyes to save money anywhere we can.  Recently while waiting for the car to be serviced at my local Jiffy Lube, I noticed plaques in the waiting area commending the staff on their superior performance observed by secret shoppers.  Interesting…someone has to be doing the mystery shopping. Why can’t that be me?

There are also secret shopping jobs available at Auto Zone.  While Jiffy Lube can help you with your car servicing, Auto Zone shops are perfect opportunities for you to handle any needed car repair needs.  In addition, they have general accessories and even some items not limited to automotive use.  For instance, I purchased a small outside power generator to power the outside patio lights that are along way from a power outlet.

Some of the service jobs offer little or not pay but can help out the household budget by saving you money on a service you would otherwise take money out of your pocket.  Whether it is money coming in or reimbursement coming in, it is always great to get paid to shop.

Auto sales shops are also available and these shops usually pay large amounts.  They also may take more of your time.  These automotive dealer shops evaluate customer service provided by salespeople at the dealers.  In some, but not all cases, these secret shopping jobs will require a test drive.

With any secret shopping job, you should be very observant and try to remember details.  The companies appreciate the feedback you give so they can modify training programs to address any problems identified in your report.  Just remember, getting paid to shop is the goal, don’t be sold on purchasing a new car unless you really need one.  If you are, in fact, in the market for a new car, you might be able to negotiate a discount or rebate with the secret shopping company.