In general, if your intent is to be a professional mystery shopper, either full time or as a side hustle, you need to follow the various guidelines as closely as possible. Businesses hire mystery shoppers because they really do want to know how they are doing on various aspects of their business. You may or may not fit what any given company is looking for. That said, there are a lot of MS companies out there, if you find it hard to fit into what one wants, sign up with some more MS companies. Although a little dated, meaning you will have to wade through it, there is a very good list of good MS companies on this forum.
As to maximizing the value of the restaurant shops, I study the menus carefully before I even take a shop. Some are a much better deal for shoppers than others. It is not always as clear cut as it may seem. Some will pay reimbursement only, but others will pay a fee and reimbursement. Some of the ones that pay reimbursement only have very generous budgets in relationship to the menu prices, so you end up having to make sure you actually spend all you can, because you don't get the difference back. With others we all know, you have to struggle to even find something you can order that is in the reimbursement budget, but they pay a decent shop fee. The math is not consistent in how they all figure it up.
While staying within the guidelines, I try to maximize the value out of every foodie shop I take. If there is an appetizer involved, I will try to order something that works well as leftovers, because I know I won't likely eat it all. Ditto on the entree. If it is allowed, and there are a few dollars left-over in the reimbursement budget, I'll throw in a kids meal or an extra side on carry out orders. That also stretches the leftovers. Although not always, if you can afford it, it frequently works out a little better overall to allow yourself to go a couple dollars or so over the stated reimbursement. Study on that too, as it may provide either left-overs or a meal for other family members. The gist of what I am saying is to learn the ropes and handle your assignments like a professional, and you will likely make more and do just fine.
How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg?
"Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg."
-- Abraham Lincoln
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/09/2022 08:54PM by GinnyLynn.