Dear Moneymaking Insider,

Would you believe me if I told you that you could get paid to shop?

Or to be pampered at a spa?

To enjoy fine cuisine?

Or even to go on holiday?

You should. Because that’s exactly what one of our members did by following my advice in a previous issue of Insider Confidential. She sent through this note a few days ago:

Mystery shopping seemed to be the one and I immediately contacted companies that offer the business. React Surveys is the one that responded promptly while the others kept on saying that they will come back to me.

I was based in Pretoria at the time I started and I was doing all the McDonald’s. The lady from React Surveys was really helpful; she explained to me everything that needed to be done. She also provided me with examples and samples from the previous reports done by other people.

At times it was hectic because I had to do three surveys in one week and you can imagine eating at McDonald’s everyday, but I really enjoyed being there with my one mission while others were not aware of what I was doing.

In December 2008 I got a new job in Rustenburg and informed React Surveys. The good thing is I am now not only doing McDonalds, but I was also allocated to do two Pick ‘n Pays and the Mugg ‘n Bean in Rustenburg.

Keep it up and let’s join hands and fight the poverty!

Kind Regards,
Winnie, Rustenberg

Here’s how you can do the same…

Mystery shopping is an anonymous form of market evaluation. What happens is various people pose as customers to evaluate the service of particular shops or enterprises. This helps management to understand the entire customer experience in their shop or venue.

How does it work?

Firstly, the research agency sends you into a specific venue. Then you observe and record your customer service experience. Thirdly, the agency quantifies and analyses your findings. Finally, they give the results to the company and get paid.

Who can do it?

Anyone over the age of 18 can become a mystery shopper: Men, women, old and young. The research agencies are always keen to employ new and varied shoppers. Old faces can be recognised. The agencies also ensure you’re appropriately placed as a typical customer in the shop you’re observing. This of course helps you fit in and stay undercover.

How do you get started?

Just get in touch with any of the major consumer research companies in your city and tell them that you want to become a mystery shopper. You could try:

• Revealing Research or enquiries@revealingresearch.com.
• Clandestine Marketing

The agency will send you an application form and often request copies of important documents such as your driver’s licence, I.D., latest bank statement and so on. Once these formalities are sorted out they will guide you through the process and place you in a suitable position.

It’s as simple as that!

In the name of making money,

Chris Densley
Managing Editor of MoneyMaking Insider