Yes, I've done Mystery Shopping (sorry this is long!). It doesn't pay a huge amount. I work with DSG Associates and here is there phone number if you are interested. 1-800-462-8765. There is no start up fee or any type of cost to get into it. Several internet companies for mystery shopping want to charge you to get into their system and get leads,etc.... Don't do that, I've tried that and it is waste of money.
DSG is the only company I've worked for and can comment about. They are reputable and out of California, so they are 2 hours behind us, so you have to remember that when you call in to them. The best shops I've done are from home with car/home insurance companies. You don't spend any money except for the phone call/gas, which may be long distance. Sometimes they will pay you extra if you will do a shop/call for a shop the day they call you or if they email you and you agree to do it that day, short notice type of thing. To make a decent amount of money you will have to do lots of mystery shopping. DSG works with Sonic, Insurance companies and now cell phone shops. I've enjoyed going to Sonic and doing the insurance companies. You set your own hours and you can accept or decline the offers. You also can say where you want to go, as far as the distance. It does take awhile to get reimbursed, so I wouldn't count on the money for paying a bill that month. It usually takes a month or so to get paid, maybe a month and half to get a check. That is the part I hate, is the wait for your check. There is lots of checks and balances and lots of paperwork, so they have to go over your paperwork with a fine tooth comb, before you can get paid. You can actually get certified for mystery shopping, there are some websites you can take tests on it and get certified too. DSG doesn't require any type of certification. I've taken a few of the tests and if you want to do many different mystery shopping companies, I would suggest you get certified. You could always try it and see how you like it. You will need a stopwatch and have to fill out their reports. I've done Sonic and at times I get tired of their food, so I take breaks with Sonic and do some for awhile and then take a break and come back to them.
What you make depends upon how many places you go and mystery shop. I've always done it part time 2-3 shops a month. Sonic pays around $11, however your meal you pay for ahead of time and then you get reimbursed for your meal later. The insurance shops, can pay up to $10, however some of them are $5. The cell phone shops are new and I haven't done them, so I'm not sure how much they pay.
Basically how it works, is you get registered wtih them and tell them how much time you have/hours/days. They call you occasionally, however they don't always call on a regular basis. They do send emails, so you can respond to the emails. I usually call when I want to do mystery shopping and they will find me some Sonic Shops or the insurance shops. You tell them the area you live in and the area you want to work in. They will tell the shops addresses they need. Then they will email you the paperwork and instructions. The instructions are very detailed, so you have to go over those really close, if you don't follow all the directions, then sometimes they won't pay you. You basically are buying the product-food, getting a quote, taking survey's then you call in your results to the company. You tell them all the answers to the questions on their report. Then you mail in your forms with your receipts. It is easy work, however it is a lot of writing. At Sonic, you are evaluating the food, looking at the property for any trash, damage to the property and upkeep on the maintenance-grass, landscaping,etc.. You are also timing the restaurant on how long it takes them to deliver your food. It can be lots of fun and I like that I can set my own hours. I don't make lots of money, but I make a little and it helps out. If you have any other questions, let me know.
