Single Parent of College Student Looking to Supplement Income

Hello everyone. I have been out of the mainstream workforce for 19 years now. I was blessed with the opportunity to be a stay at home mom. Now that my daughter is in college, I would love to find some flexable part time work. I have just started researching various options that are available and I came across this forum. I am located in New Jersey and I could really use your suggestions on how to get started as a Mystery Shopper as well as how to weed out the scams.
I have been using an app called Mobee for a few months and have made a few hundred dollars in gift cards....this is how they compensate members. Since I have never tried secret shopping until i joined Mobee, I didnt mind. The app is very easy to use and most gigs take less than 30 minutes to complete. Now I would like to find a few addition options that actually pays members in cash.
I could really use your expertise to guide me thru the process.

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Hello!

First, the Mobee app is just the tip of the iceberg for this industry. There are folks who do this full time to support themselves, folks who just do this for the experiences (i.e. cruises) that they would not otherwise be able to afford, folks who do this to cover every-day expenses (i.e. oil changes), folks who do this for a little spending money, and everything in between. You can make of this what you want - though don't expect to get rich. Me? I teach high school full time and brought in a little less than $25K (not including reimbursements) last year.

I suggest you start by going to the "New Members" area of this forum. There is a tremendous amount of information there. Second, there is a list of companies (MSC's) linked at the bottom of this page - over 200 of them and all legitimate. I suggest registering with the "15 Most Discussed" first as they are all larger MSC's with work nationwide. Thereafter, as you have questions, just ask. This is a reasonably friendly crowd. Many will share insights with you - though there will be limits. You can also just read the forum. Most questions that you could come up with have been answered many times over on these pages.

Good Luck!!

Hard work builds character and homework is good for your soul.
There are lots of shops in the off-season ( "winter" ) along the Shore from LBI south which all of the MSCs have problems filling. North Jersey seems to have lot of shops. I suggest that you register with Ath Power, North Forks Research, and Maritz just to start.
@DanyelleNJ wrote:

I am located in New Jersey and I could really use your suggestions on how to get started as a Mystery Shopper

Shopping Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware above the canal, and South Jersey since 2008
If you are not already a registered shopper with Ipsos, please register at [www.ishopforipsos.com]. It will take up to 30 minutes for you to receive the email from Ipsos with your login information. Once received, login and click on OPEN OPPORTUNITIES in the upper left corner (using a computer, NOT a smart phone and NOT a tablet). Apply for the ones you are interested in. We pay via pay pal and have shops in NJ!!!

If you are not already a registered shopper with Ipsos, please register at [www.ishopforipsos.com]. It will take up to 30 minutes for you to receive the email from Ipsos with your login information. Once received, login and click on OPEN OPPORTUNITIES in the upper left corner (using a computer, NOT a smart phone and NOT a tablet). Apply for the ones you are interested in.

Thank you!
JuliaUS@ishopforipsos.com
I did say "cruises." I have never done them - not my style - so I am going to let others direct you to them. If you keep poking about the forum, you just might find what you are seeking. Do be aware that, in order to have that sort of opportunity, you need to build up a reputation of reliability and good work with that MSC or get a very strong reference from another.

There are a few folks here who post about all sorts of trips, etc. that they get to do due to shopping.

Hard work builds character and homework is good for your soul.
@BajaNoel5 wrote:

Hi, Did you say "cruises"? Which companies offer those?
Why do you think a shopper who has spent years building up their reputations with the few companies that do cruises would voluntarily offer that information? Do a search here for cruises and you'll find one of them. Don't get your hopes up, though, unless you fit a unique demographic that they're searching for.

"Let me offer you my definition of social justice: I keep what I earn and you keep what you earn. Do you disagree? Well then tell me how much of what I earn belongs to you - and why?” ~Walter Williams
The reason that newcomers to MS are not offered cruises include that the shoppers really must prove themselves with many fine dining, upscale hotel and resort shops, all with very high marks, before even qualifying for a cruise. And, only a fraction of those who would then qualify are ever offered a cruise.

Those who have done a cruise will tell you that, while their guest had a great time, the shopper had to cram in so many activities, and write reams of very detailed reports on them all that they could never relax.

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.
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