MSPA Gold certification
Warning: For Full Access Please Log In or Create an Account (Free)
There has been a lot of discussion on MSPA certifications. Forum members are totally divided on this. To read the many discussions, use the "Search" function and select "all dates." Search for MSPA certifications, Silver and Gold. A number of threads will pop up for you to read.
I have it. How can I help you?
Mary Davis Nowell. Based close to Fort Worth. Shopping Interstate 20 east and west, Interstate 35 north and south.
I've been wondering the same thing. I've been mystery shopping for 2 weeks and have done 35 jobs for 16 different companies. I was planning on getting at least Silver certified as soon as I receive a payment from anyone but I've been so busy without it I'm wondering what the benefit would be.
Anyone???
Anyone???
"It's not THE way, it's just A way"
Hi, BusyMomma, Use the "Search" function on the forum and select "all dates" and you will see what everyone thinks. This has been discussed many times.
Well, lets see. Certification allows companies that are members of the MSPA to contact you regarding work. That can help you find companies to work with.
Alternatively, there is a list of MSPA member companies at [www.mspanorthamerica.com]. The advantage of this list is that it includes phone numbers for companies in case you get into a bind. Or you could go to this forum’s list at [www.mysteryshopforum.com]. The advantage of this list is that it has links to shopper discussions on this forum about many of these companies. Or you could go to the Volition.com forum’s list at [www.volition.com]. The advantage of this list is that it tells you what kinds of shops the various companies have available.
So if it is worth $15 to have companies find you, have at it. My understanding is that Silver Certification has little if any education to prepare you for mystery shopping, just beats you about the ears about being ethical. If you need training in that, then probably shopping is not for you. The test is ‘easy peasy’ because there is no meat to it and MSPA collects the gravy.
Alternatively, there is a list of MSPA member companies at [www.mspanorthamerica.com]. The advantage of this list is that it includes phone numbers for companies in case you get into a bind. Or you could go to this forum’s list at [www.mysteryshopforum.com]. The advantage of this list is that it has links to shopper discussions on this forum about many of these companies. Or you could go to the Volition.com forum’s list at [www.volition.com]. The advantage of this list is that it tells you what kinds of shops the various companies have available.
So if it is worth $15 to have companies find you, have at it. My understanding is that Silver Certification has little if any education to prepare you for mystery shopping, just beats you about the ears about being ethical. If you need training in that, then probably shopping is not for you. The test is ‘easy peasy’ because there is no meat to it and MSPA collects the gravy.
I am VERY new to all of this (I have 2 whole weeks behind me) but so for I'm finding that no company has turned me down for NOT being certified, although they all ask if I am or not, and I'm able to find more work than I can possibly handle.
At this point, at least for ME, I see no advantage in being certified.
At this point, at least for ME, I see no advantage in being certified.
"It's not THE way, it's just A way"
I've been a shopper for 18 years, am not certified and get the same shop offers the certified people get. I choose not to put my money in the MSPA's pockets.
Her Serene Majesty, Cettie - Goat Queen of Zoltar, Sublime Empress of Her Caprine Domain
It's not that any comoany will turn you down for lack of certification. It's more a matter of how quickly you get access to better assignments. However, no amount of certification can help if the shopper is unreliable, writes poorly, or cuts corners. By getting gold certified in my second month of shopping AND being very reliable I think that I moved into higher paid jobs faster than most. YMMV
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.