The top priority for this type of company is service.  The success of their business is based on good service.  The best way to evaluate the service a customer is receiving is to ask the customer.  That is what mystery shopping companies do – they ask you!
Banks

You may go to a bank to evaluate the answers you receive when asking about a particular service they offer.  You may be asked to count the number of people waiting for service.  The bank may test for consistency by having you check the latest promotion or interest rates posted.  The mystery shopping company that you shop for will give you the exact scenario and questions to ask.  I’ve found some of these shops to be the quickest, easiest and best paying.

Fast Food

As a mystery shopper, you may place an order for a certain meal and record the time it takes to receive your order.   You may also evaluate your meal for taste and appearance. This helps the company maintain a particular standard throughout the chain.

Retail

Retail organizations might evaluate the customer service that their employees are offering by having you make a purchase and return the purchase a couple of days later for the purpose of evaluating the return process.  The company may ask you to record of how many employees are on the floor or ask if you are approached by someone offering assistance.

Apartment Complexes, Health Clubs and Automobile Dealers

These shops may take more time as you will need to listen to the details of renting, tour the health club or test drive a car.  These shops might also take a more extroverted personality as you will have to ask some questions and listen to the “sales pitch.” Those that have dreamed of acting, these are the shops for you, break a leg!

Grocery Chains

Grocery stores are another quick and easy shop.  The companies require you to evaluate several areas in the stores but they are not time consuming.  You might be required to ask a customer service question, purchase something from the deli or count the number of people in line at the pharmacy.

These are a few of my favorites. Try them yourself, you’ll find one or two you like then start signing up for them. Enjoy!

Companies want to know what you, the customer, think about the way they are doing business.  They want to know if you think their facilities are clean and welcoming.  They want to know if you feel the service is good, excellent or poor.   They want to know if you like the way the burgers and fries taste.  They want to give you free groceries for telling them if you were able to get prompt assistance at the grocery store.

Some of the shops will pay up to $25 but most are in the $12-$15 range.  If you plan your time well and commit a few hours each week, you can make or save an extra $100 by doing very little.   If you want work your mystery shopping business a little more seriously, you can make a nice stay at home income.

Mystery shopping is especially suited for stay at home moms, students, extra income or supplementing a fixed income.

You must have access to a computer to work this business from home.  You must have access to a fax or scanner to work this business from home.  You will have to sign up for shops online.  You will have to submit your reports online.  You will have other paperwork that can be faxed or scanned.

You will need to have transportation or access to public transportation.  Most mystery shopping assignments will be accessible by public transportation.  You will need to be reliable. This means you will have to keep to a schedule and make sure you handle the shops as scheduled.  Good recordkeeping is very helpful.

Mystery shopping is easy and fun.  You just have to commit to doing it.  Are you ready to make a little money doing the things you would do anyway?

Get ready to enter the exciting world of mystery shopping and earn a great work from home income.

Make a list including your dates of travel, where you are likely to stop or towns along the route and where you are likely to eat.  Go to the sites of the companies offering mystery shops and search for shops in the locations along your route. You should check specifically for the chains you know your family will shop.

If you will be staying overnight along your route, look for opportunities at hotel chains.  What would be better than evaluating your room and the hotel service and lodging for free?  This is a great way to save money.

There are companies that provide mystery shoppers and secret shoppers for amusement parks. If your family will be visiting an amusement park while traveling or visiting family and friends, be sure to check this out.

Check shops located in the geographic area of your final destination.  Don’t forget bank shops, dinner shops and theater checks. You can work these shops into your normal visiting routine. If you dine out with family over the holidays, try to dine where you can do a secret shopper evaluation.

Longhorn Steakhouse shops are posted for December at http://www.focusonservice.com

Bank shops are posted at http://www.athpoweronline.com

Sonic, McDonalds and Five Guys Burgers shops are posted at http://www.marketforceshopper.com

If your family and friends visit the mall or go to the movie theater over the holidays, your opportunities expand.  You should search retails shops and check out movie trailer checks or movie display audits.

Theater shops are posted at http://www.certifiedmarketingservices.com

If you plan ahead and think of making a bit of extra money on your travel vacation, this will be easy. Mystery shopping while traveling is also a good way to pass the time. Get the kids involved and maybe you will be spared the ongoing chant, “Are we there yet?”