Welcome to the Mystery Shopping Learning Center Blog

As this blog launches, we first want to address an important issue in this industry. Unfortunately, with the number of scams tied to mystery shopping out there today, people who are first seeking out work may have a jaded perception of mystery shopping and if it’s really legitimate.

We are very aware of this misperception, and it always reminds me of this story…..when I was first getting to know my neighbors, the woman asked about my job. As soon as the words “mystery shopping” came out of my mouth, her eyes lit up and she said, “Oh, wait! My husband knows all about that. I have to go get him.” So she runs inside her house, and I’m standing there thinking he’s going to grill me for information on how to become a shopper. Instead, her husband comes out of his house, finger waving and clearly agitated. He points at me and says, “YOU! You guys are all a scam! I’ve looked into that, and so have my coworkers, and you’re nothing but a scam.” And he turns and goes back inside.

Alrighty then…..

While we can laugh about that now that years have passed, it reminds me of what we’re up against. From radio commercials, unsolicited emails asking for people to perform mystery shops in exchange for gift cards, newspaper advertisements that ask for a $100 fee promising “hundreds of shops a month”, to the newest check scam, it’s no wonder mystery shopping has gotten a bad rap. This article provides a good base of information regarding scams related to the industry and is a must read for all.

It’s difficult to know where to start when you’re new. Our goal is to help people learn the ropes and get into the industry safely and without paying any money upfront. There are links to the right that provide some good sites that not only list legitimate mystery shopping companies, but also have great message boards for mystery shoppers. By reading what other shoppers experience, you will get a better feel for the industry and learn what to do (and not to do) during a shop.

The next installment will include more details on where to go online and how to get started, and some things to think about before you delve into the industry.

Mystery shopping IS legitimate and very useful to companies across the globe. Getting started may be tricky, but it can be a valuable and worthwhile experience – you are helping companies improve their customer service, one shop at a time.

Happy Shopping! Until next time…