Hello I would like to know why you have to pay for mystery shopping? I would also like to know how to tell if it is a real company or not.

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER pay anyone to do mystery shopping...the idea is for them to pay you!

There is a list of "real" companies that you can register with (all free) here as well as at volition.com, walletboosters.com and others. Register with as many companies as you can (start out by registering with just 3-5 a day during your first month and soon you will have a list of companies that you are registered with that surpasses that of most newcomers...and some long-timers too! There are some 400-500 companies or more that do mystery shopping, so registering with new ones (like learning about all the aspects of mystery shopping) can be an ongoing thing.

Keep an alphabetical list of of all the companies along with your shopper number for each and any "unique" login information (username, password, etc.). In most cases, you will be directed to their login page. I have found it helpful to create a MS Company folder in my "Favorites" and add this link for each company as it may be different than the company's name.

Be sure to create a separate email address for your mystery shopping emails and an account with PayPal that uses THAT address before you register with anyone, as you will need this email address and account information to register.

In a day or two, you SHOULD be on your way.

If you need help, just ask...SOMEBODY is bound to know the answer.

I'm so grateful and relieved to have found this website! I paid $29.95 to join shoppingjobs.net and, through that source, registered with Anonymous Insights which led me here. It's a bit overwhelming since I have no previous mystery shopper experience. I believe I have the skills to be successful but I admit there is more involved than I expected. Thankfully I found this forum before I went blindly off unprepared or unrealistic about the requirements. Any advice and insight from seasoned shoppers will be much appreciated. Any opinions about organizations such as shoppingjobs.net, GetPaid2shop.net, shadowshoppers.net, etc.? Thanks for your feedback! Deidre

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Deidre,
The best advice that I can give you is to start signing up for as many companies as you can, DO NOT pay for shopping assignments. Also if you apply and are scheduled for a job follow through with it. There are alot of people mystery shopping and the schedulers are looking for people that follow through with the assignments. The more you follow through the more assignments you will get from the shopping companies.

Mike