Here is how it works:
You need to first apply, this really means just signing up. I don't know that anyone has ever been denied. It does ask for your bank info. You can send them an email to get a response from a human before signing up if you feel nervous. I signed up and have had not issues with fraud on my accounts.
Once accepted you will be able to view open shops in your area. You can search by city, state, or radius. I usually search within 100 miles of my location. Sometimes it can be worth a drive to Chicago for me to shop, get dim sum, and do 5 or 6 mystery shops in a day. As a newbie you won't be able to sign up for more than 4 or 5 in a day. As you successfully complete more shops you will be able to assign your self open shops without a waiting period.
Selecting Shops: Being a mystery shopper wasn't quite what I pictured. My mind always produced images of me in huge sunglasses talking to make-up counters or shopping in big malls. I have found that most commonly the shops are not at your classical retail establishments. Most of my shops have been collecting info and brochures from pop up tables trying to sell internet services. Others shops have been purchasing cigarettes, even though I don't smoke, and checking to see if the cashier asks me for ID. In that case I was reimbursed up to a specific amount for what I purchased. Recently I have done a few retail ones where I go to a store and try on athletic shoes to see if the associates try and sell me insoles or laces as a compliment to the shoes. I did not get to purchase or keep the shoes. I have done a few food ones but I find they pay the least and have a lot of steps that you must complete.
How much do you earn: This is designed to be extra income. I don't think it would be possible to support yourself as a mystery shopper, and if you don't live in a city or have a car it can be challenging to get to enough shops. For me it is only secondary and a fun way to get a little extra money. Right now there are 56 open shops within 100 miles of me. They range in payment from $8-
$35. The high dollar ones are often for banks. These shops take longer than your average grab brochures and ask about a service. In one instance I was given a role and I had to stick to that while in the bank and converse with a banker about my options. But 2 $35 shops on a Saturday is $70.
Getting paid: Second to none pays out for shops on the 17th of the following month. So for shops completed August 1-31 you will be paid out September 17th. I have made over $200, doing this in a very relaxed manner. I could have absolutely made more than that if I done these every weekend.
Taxes: I have not yet filled out taxes since being a mystery shopper but I will have to this year. I have made over $200 and this does count as income, when tax season rolls round I will need to fill out a form for an independent contractor. Second to None provides this on their website.
Ever thought of being a mystery shopper? Tried out a different company? Any other ideas for a side job? Tell me about it in the comments!
