I began mystery shopping nine years ago. Mystery shopping has served me through many life changes; a second income when I worked full time, a way to help me get back on my feet after a divorce and a move across state, an only source of income while caring for my daughter's three little ones during her year long cancer treatment, and one of three part time job paths in an attempt to piece together a full time income. I have stuck with mystery shopping through it all, even when I have promised myself to "get out of the business." But there is something slightly addictive or compelling when you get that next email, or see that new job posting......I recently took a basically year long hiatus from mystery shopping to care for my terminally ill dad, see him through to his last day, and quit my bookkeeping and child care jobs while making the major move into my mom's home as her primary caretaker now that my beloved Dad is gone. I stopped almost all mystery shopping emails so I would not be tempted or sidetracked during this demanding time period. As things have finally settled down into some sort of a routine now, I thought I might dabble in mystery shopping again as a way to put aside some extra money. I am not yet retirement age but will be in a couple of years. I am able to make ends meet by a government funded program that pays me to be my mother's caregiver and keep her at home. Mystery shopping seems the most likely avenue as it provides the flexibility that I definitely need these days. I am a seasoned shopper registered with over 100 companies. Even though I periodically added a new company I have found that the majority of my work remains with the same 20 or so companies. I recently began perusing the job boards again and I realized that in all these years there has been little to no increase in payments and/or reimbursements. I most often see the exact same payment as I did in 2007. Nothing seems to have changed in nine years. Some companies have even decreased their fees or reimbursements. To you seasoned shoppers out there, those of you who have more experience or knowledge than I do, what do you say about this? Are you in agreement? Have I missed something? I would like your opinion/s before I decide to find another income source or once again jump into mystery shopping and get "hooked in." Also, I live in a large northeastern city; not as large as Boston or NYC but a substantially large city. Thank you.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/02/2016 02:34AM by JumpForJoy.