Erick, at the bottom of this page, in blue, is a link to Official Mystery Shopping Companies. There are tons of companies. I suggest starting with a few MSCs who have nationwide shops. MarketForce, Bare International, Maritz, and Corporate Research are good starters. Click on the official list, and find these companies. Each of the companies has a link to their site. It is necessary to register with them on their site. After clicking on their name, you will go to their site, and then follow instructions for signing up.
The trick, for all of us, is to find out which mystery shopping companies have shops where we live, that we are interested in doing. The only way to find out is to sign up with as many MSCs as possible. Most will then email you when they have something available in your neck of the woods.
Some mystery shopping companies will approve your sign-up immediately; others take some time, and then email you when your application has been accepted. After registering and being accepted, mystery shopping companies have a job board. We have to search the job boards for shops near us.
One helpful way of finding out which mystery shopping companies have shops where you live is JobSlinger. [
www.jobslinger.com] You can use them to search your area, and then see which mystery shopping companies offer shops near you. You would then sign up with those mystery shopping companies. JobSlinger has a free service, and a service for a fee. I see no benefit, especially starting out, for any shopping to pay one cent to become a shopper. It is not necessary.
Takes some time, wherewithal, and determination to get started. Get your feet wet by starting with a few companies, and then a few shops. Read the forum, and ask questions. See if mystery shopping is for you.