Mystery Shopping > Reviews (32)

****Mystery shopping in general****

This is not a way to get rich but it does have its advantages.

You can earn money on things you would have done anyway. I often go out to lunch at places i have a mystery shop for and not only do i get lunch for free but i often make money out of it as well.

It is flexible so you can fit it around work or if you have children.

Employers love it!!. Saying that you have done mystery shopping on your CV looks great. It shows you know what mystery shoppers look for in terms of customer service etc and in theory you will do it yourself.

Other good things include direct payment into your bank account and the chance to try things you wouldn't normally.

Like all jobs out there it also has disadvantages

The money is not that great.On paper it can look like you are losing money
Most of the jobs have to be done during the day so it is not as suitable for those in full time employment trying to make extra cash.

You have to register as self employed within 3 months or face getting fined from th inland revenue.

Some jobs have to be payed up front and you get reimbursed later.Which means if you don't have the money you can't do the job and get your shopping rateing higher.

Some companies limit the jobs you do at first so you might have to do some rubbish ones.

This is not a full list but includes some of the more common mystery shopping companies .
Grass Roots
abai
retail eyes
bare
amber arch
abai
optimumcontact.com
gfk
GAPbuster WebXpress
I can't mention jobs but they include hotel visits,plane trips,banks...
One thing i don't like is that some of them send emails when there is a job available so if you are not in you miss out.