Mystery Shopping Companies

Special equipment needed: camera, expense; ink, expense; new printer with scanner, expense; new computer, expense==

See where this is going?

GACryptic


sferro Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'd just like to add that there are hundreds of
> brake inspection and oil change shops. Atleast in
> my area alone, there are. Plus miscellaneous other
> auto shops if you have a newer vehicle by a
> certain maker. There are even occasional tire
> shops that pop up. I used to do EZ Lube? when I
> first started, 5 years ago,I love their service.
> The last time I saw them on a job board (which was
> in 2010) they changed things up. There was pay,
> not just reimbursement, but it was an undercover,
> recorded shop. I don't see enough shops like that
> to go out and buy special equipment.
>
>
>
>

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dr.lloyd@sbcglobal.net Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Slamming Bare is an error. They are one of the
> most legitmate companies out there. Compare a Bare
> to a CORI and tellme then what is really
> happening. I have done over 200 shops for Bare
> with Jeff who is one of their project managers. I
> work for a lot of msc and this one is the absolute
> best. If you have a problem, they will talk to you
> instead of giving you a one finger salute. Stop
> slamming them as you are probably at fault here.

I have no problems with Bare & they just paid me.
Curly Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Trish, the libraries, cyber cafe's and Kinko have
> cumputers to use. I have paid to send my reports
> on time. I believe the cost is a business expense,
> therefore deductable. AND most important it keeps
> your working relationship with the company secure.
> We as shoppers have to remember the company we
> work with have deadlines, too. They are
> independant contractors serving the companies we
> shop for them.


Curly,
No offense, but the computers at Kinkos are too expensive to use. It wouldn't be worth it, unless you are just trying to save your work history, which I would probably do, which is why I know it wouldn't be worth it.

The library might be open, and it is unconfidental to work in cafes.
I may be old and crotchety but I am finding in my dotage that the MSCs are becoming more demanding and paying less than before which was poor then. It is a great business for them but the poor shoppers are getting sc-----. Many are @#$%& about our government getting involved and I also do not like goverment regulation over business but someone has to stop the abuse that MSCs do to poor (literally poor) shoppers who have to work for peanuts. I shop for something to do....I feel for the shopper who has to do this and take this abuse of necessity.l
Hi all and thanks to the many posters for so much information. I'm a fairly new shopper so reading this forum is really really helpful.

There was a post awhile back that reminded me of something I'm being offered which when I read it carefully I decided not to do. Supposedly a reputable company and one mentioned here..but something says to me this is not right. They want me to go BUY the eyeglasses that turn from dark to light and vice versa and then return them...AFTER I send the eyeglasses to them...Duh? How am I going to return them in a timely manner if they have to be sent to the company? Sounds kind of scammish to me. And I dont care if they're paying a good bonus. Eyeglasses today with prescription can be $200 to $400 layout of money - and I should send them to the company before returning them to the store where I'm doing the shop? mmmm NO - I dont think so.

And thanks for the tipoffs about schedulers. I did an oil shop where it took me
three hours to fill out the questionairre and comments - and submitted it the same evening as the shop, as it had to be in by 10 AM the following day after the shop. Well I did the shop on Feb 17 and they showed that it was "processed" on Feb 19, as if received on Feb 19. That bothered me for a couple of days, and I decided to email the scheduler, thinking it might be because it was a holiday weekend after the shop. I said my printer/scanner automatically prints the date the thing was submitted on the bottom of the page and I'd be glad to fax it to her..She more or less said the process date didnt mean anything,??? I haven't been paid yet..and I'll kick up a fuss if they say it was late and deduct or anything like that - my first shop with them.. Meanwhile now they want me to have my tires rotated - have called me, emailed me... but I cant do it - maybe just as well til I see if I'm paid properly or not. And I wouldn't know to be cautious if I hadnt read all your posts here.

And that brings up another question? How come it takes 45 to 60 days for most of these mystery companies to pay you for the shop ? Makes me wonder if they are waiting for the client to pay them before they pay us.

Anyone know of any companies that pay within two weeks???

Again thanks to all smiling smiley

Shoppinalong
shoppinalong Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> Anyone know of any companies that pay within two
> weeks???
>
>


There are a few companies that pay within a week, you just have to be sure you are registered with them, and have shops within your area. Also, most companies pay within 30 days. This gives them time to clarify any information; send the report to the company to see if they are going to reject it; or complete any issues with the reports/shops. This is common.

Good luck
GACryptic Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> shoppinalong Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> >
> >
> > Anyone know of any companies that pay within
> two
> > weeks???
> >
> >
>
> There are a few companies that pay within a week,
> you just have to be sure you are registered with
> them, and have shops within your area. Also, most
> companies pay within 30 days. This gives them time
> to clarify any information; send the report to the
> company to see if they are going to reject it; or
> complete any issues with the reports/shops. This
> is common.
>
> Good luck

Thanks GA Cryptic - I'll keep looking for those good timely payers - most are saying 45 /60 days.

Great education on these threads: that the mystery shopper has to beware. Tis a shame.But since it's done all over the internet , the disreputables may figure they can get away with it and people wont follow up with the law. Apparently they're getting away with thousands of dollars by not paying and over periods of years, maybe hundreds of thousands or more.

Thinking about it, these threads are very important!
Barbara Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am interested in mystery shopping in Northeast
> Mississippi and I don't have any money to pay to
> get into it. I want to MAKE money, not spend it
> on hot ideas about how I can earn more money.
> When a person goes out and gets a job, he doesn't
> need to pay somebody to hire him, does he? Well,
> I'm not interested if I have to pay anybody to get
> me a job!!

Hello Barbara, and Hello Everyone:

I am a new shopper, but I did not fall into the practice of paying a company to get jobs. A few posts prior to this one, Jacob gave you the most precious information you can get as a shopper. He made the comment of applying to as many of the 250 companies he posted.

That is exactly what I did. I visit the site, read about the type of shops the company does, and if possible, look for the region they work in. I have applied to at least 20 companies. I plan on applying to at least 100 before the end of March. My email box is hit throughout the whole day, and I make an effort to visit all the companies I have applied to so I can view the job boards. I suggest you keep a notebook handy to jot down all the companies, usernames and passwords. Otherwise, you will lose track of everyone you are involved with.

I have done many phone shops (very easy and fast), apartment shops, auto dealership shops, fast food shops, and I am scheduled to try a couple of gas station audits. I even have video equipment that will be shipped to me within the next week to complete a couple of apartment shops.

Barabara, I vowed not to pay for any shops, and I went back on my word. I did do a burger joint, and got paid and reimbursed $11,00. Ok, I went over the $11.00 by 32 cents, but I am still getting paid to eat a very good meal.

So, don't spend any money to shop. Try the ones that pay you first, then when you have become confident of the companies' reliability: take a few bucks and do some shops where you get to keep the product, eat the food, or service your vehicle. I hope this helps some.

I have not gone one day in the last month without having the opportunity to self-assign, or apply to shops that are near to me. You most likely will find companies that have clients in your area. You might want to open a new email account. If you are anything like me, I have gotten bombarded by many get rich quick scheme emails due to the research I did before figuring out how others are doing this mystery shopping. It causes me to proverbially "eat the meat and spit out the bones," which takes valuable time away from searching out mystery shopping assignments I can do, and which pay very well. You need to be proactive to have any degree of success. I definitely see the advantages of working hard at this. Good luck, keep your head down, and happy shopping!

M. Monty

MSPA Silver Certified.
Undercover Essentials video certified
PV 500 ECO...Will Travel
Debra J Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Although I have just started doing shops, in
> general they are fun! I walk with canes, so I
> find it VERY interesting to watch reactions when I
> am doing a mystery shop. I would really like to
> find more to do, but unfortunately we live in a
> rural area, and have to drive pretty far to do
> them.
> I especially like GfK (roper), but I have found
> CRI does not pay very well for the amount of work
> required to do. GAPbusters pays well (I think)
> for the shop, although reimbursement is not always
> in full.
> Thank you for this list, it will be "fun" to see
> how many of them I am already registered with.


Dear Debra,

I think you can still enjoy shopping if you consider phone shops. When they pay $7.00 to $9.00 for less than 20 minutes of work, it is very rewarding. I have tried to wait out some of the shops to see if the fee goes up, but all I have gotten in return when I apply for the shop is, "Sorry, this shop has already been assigned..." So, I try to apply for as many on the list there is. If I apply to 20, I always get at least 4-5 out of it. Most times I don't have to call my local area.

Sincerely,

M. Monty

M. Monty

MSPA Silver Certified.
Undercover Essentials video certified
PV 500 ECO...Will Travel
JacobJ Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> NEW: The Official MysteryShopForum.com Directory
> of Mystery Shopping Companies, available here:
> [www.mysteryshopforum.com]
>
> For reviews of companies, check out:
> [www.companiesformysteryshoppers.com]
>
> The old index:
>
> Here's a giant list of almost 250 mystery shopping
> companies...!
>
> If you're serious about mystery shopping, apply to
> as many of these companies as you can!
>
>
> A Closer Look Inc. --
> [www.a-closer-look.com] --
> A Customer's Point of View, Inc. --
> [www.acpview.com] -- - Mystery shopping
> services for retail, restaurants, transit
> providers, housing, living and care facilities,
> entertainment facilities and health care
> providers. Online application.
> A Step Above Service Evaluations --
> [www.serviceevaluations.com] --
> A Step Above Service Evaluations, Inc. --
> [www.serviceevaluations.com] -- -
> Florida-based service evaluations to varied
> industries.
> A Top Shop -- [www.atopshop.com] --
> A&A Merchandising Ltd. --
> [www.aamerch.com] --
> Acorn Management Associates --
> [www.acorn-ma.co.uk] -- - Mystery shopping
> provider. Specializes in automotive after sales
> care. Also offers design, development and
> manufacture of specialist tools.
> Acra Inc. -- Out of business -- A Lot of
> California shops
> ACRA, Inc. -- Out of business --- Retail,
> restaurant, service, sales and entertainment
> complex mystery shopping. Online application.
> Advanced Phone Ups -- [phoneups.com]
> -- - Telephone training and mystery shopping of
> all types of vehicle dealerships.
> All-Star Customer Service, Inc. --
> [www.mysteryshoppingexperts.com] -- -
> Offering traditional, audio, and video mystery
> shopping, and market research. Also training
> training programs.
> Amusement Advantage --
> [www.amusementadvantage.com] --
> Amusement Advantage, LLC --
> [www.amusementadvantage.com] -- -
> Amusement park mystery shopping. Online
> application.
> Ann Michaels & Associates Ltd. --
> [www.ishopforyou.com] --
> Anonymous Insights --
> [www.a-insights.com] --
> Anonymous Insights, Inc. --
> [www.a-insights.com] -- - Marketing
> research firm that specializes in customer
> satisfaction programs. Online application.
> Anonymous Shoppers & Assessments of Pittsburgh
> -- [www.asapittsburgh.com] --
> Anonymous Shoppers and Assessments of Pittsburgh
> (ASAP) -- [www.asapittsburgh.com] -- -
> Shopper evaluations of restaurant, fast food,
> retail, health care, insurance, banking, grocery,
> automobile and sales and service. Online
> application.
> Apartment Shoppe --
> [www.apartmentmysteryshopper.com] --
> AQ Services International --
> [www.aq-services.com] -- - Mystery
> shopping, quality research, and consultancy
> services. Company profile, locations and
> contacts.
> Ardent Services --
> [www.ardentservices.com] --
> Ardent Services, Inc. --
> [www.ardentservices.com] -- - Mystery
> shopper services catering to retail, restaurant,
> hotel, airline and car rental industries. Online
> application.
> Ascent Research Associates, LLC --
> [www.ascentresearch.com] -- - Offers
> mystery shopping and consulting services for
> restaurant, property management, retail and a
> variety of other industries in the United States
> and Canada. Web-based reporting. Online
> application.
> Associate Consumer Evaluations --
> [www.acemysteryshopping.com] --
> Associate Consumer Evaluations Mystery Shopping
> -- [www.acemysteryshopping.com] -- -
> Offering customer service evaluations, exit
> interviews, and employee training with web access.
> Resource for shoppers and online application.
> Assure Quality Systems --
> [www.aqsshopper.com] --
> At Random Communications --
> [www.arllc.com] -- - Telephone based
> shopper evaluations of service quality and
> efficiency. Customer follow-up and competitive
> analysis services also available.
> At Your Service Marketing --
> [www.aysm.com] --
> Ath Power -- [www.athpower.com] -- -
> Mystery shopper services catering to retail and
> financial services. Sales staff and management
> training and market research. Online application.
> Bare Associates International --
> [www.baiservices.com] -- - Mystery guest
> retail, hotel and restaurant reports since 1987.
> Video training and guest intercept programs also
> available. Online application.
> Barry Leeds and Associates --
> [www.barryleedsassoc.com] -- - Offers a
> range of mystery shopping services with a core
> focus on the financial services industry and
> service-oriented retail companies. Core competence
> is helping companies prevent discriminatory and
> unfair sales practices.
> Berring HIne Consulting --
> [www.berring.co.uk] -- - Telephone-based
> mystery shopper programmes as part of a wider
> evaluation of public sector services.
> Best Mark -- [www.bestmark.com] --
> Beyond Hello -- [www.beyondhello.com]
> --
> Beyond Marketing Group --
> [www.beyondmarketinggroup.com] --
> BMA Mystery Shopping Services --
> [www.mystery-shopping.com] --
> Business Evaluation Services --
> [www.mysteryshopperservices.com] -- -
> Business and retail on-site, telephone and
> customer feedback secret shopper services.
> Business Insights Group --
> [www.businessinsights.com] --
> Byers Choice Inc --
> [www.byerschoiceinc.com] --
> Campus Consulting --
> [www.shopaudits.com] --
> Capstone Research --
> [www.capstoneresearch.com] --
> Captain D's Seafood --
> [www.captainds.com] --
> C-Chex -- [www.c-chex.com] -- -
> Partners with retailers to ensure cashiers comply
> with age-restricted sales policies while providing
> an objective view of operations.
> Certified Reports Inc. --
> [www.certifiedreports.com] --
> Certified Reports, Inc. --
> [www.certifiedreports.com] -- - Mystery
> shopping and market research surveys for
> financial, restaurant, retail and service
> industries. Also offer proof-of-performance
> theatre audits. Online application.
> Check Mark, Inc. --
> [www.checkmarkinc.com] -- - Mystery
> shopper services to banking, restaurant, retail
> and entertainment sectors. Online application.
> Check Up Marketing --
> [www.checkupmarketing.com] --
> Checkout (UK) Ltd --
> [www.checkoutuk.co.uk] -- - A customized
> mystery shopper program using specialized secret
> shoppers with a video recorded analysis.
> CKA Group Inc. -- [www.ckagroup.com]
> --
> Commercial Services System --
> [www.commercialservicesystems.com] --
> Confero, Inc. -- [www.conferoinc.com]
> -- - Nationwide mystery shopping and customer
> satisfaction measurement services for automotive,
> banking, restaurant and real estate. Online
> application.
> Consumer Impressions --
> [www.consumerimpressions.com] --
> Consumer Research Group (CRG) --
> [crg2000.com] -- - Mystery shopper
> consultant services to the retail industry.
> Consumer Research International --
> [mysteryshops.com] -- Lowe's, K-Mart,
> Pizza Hut, CiCi's pizza, Papa John's, Dominoes,
> East of Chicago, Stride Rite, and many others.
> Count On Us -- [www.ucountonus.com]
> -- - Mystery shopper services to restaurants,
> bars, hotels, banks, retail and service
> industries. Licensed investigators. Online
> application.
> Coyle Hospitality Group --
> [www.qualityaudit.com] --
> Creative Image Associates --
> [www.creativeimage.net] -- - A consulting
> and training company specializing in assisting
> financial institutions to achieve a successful
> sales and service culture. Training, evaluation,
> and incentive programs designed to maximize
> employee performance.
> Customer 1st -- [www.consumer-1st.com]
> --
> Customer 1st -- [www.customer-1st.com]
> -- - Full service mystery shopping company
> providing on-line reporting for customer service
> evaluation.
> Customer Perspectives --
> [www.customerperspectives.com] --
> Customer Point of View --
> [www.mystery-shopper-business.com]
> t-mystery-shopping/ -- - A mystery shopping
> service catering exclusively to the restaurant and
> hotel foodservice industries since 1985.
> Customer Service Experts Inc. --
> [www.customerserviceexperts.com] --
> Customer Service Perceptions --
> [csperceptions.com] -- - Website,
> telephone and on-site mystery shopping services.
> Online application. Employee surveys and
> competitor price check services also available.
> CV Marketing Research Inc. --
> [www.cv-market.com] -- - Full-service
> mystery shopping and market research company
> serving Canada and the US. Custom designed
> customer service and satisfaction surveys, and
> secret shopping programs designed to help
> businesses improve their critical customer
> satisfaction levels
> CyberShoppers NOP --
> [www.cybershoppers.nopworld.com] --
> Data Quest Ltd. --
> [www.dataquestonline.com] --
> Data Quest, Ltd. --
> [www.dataquestonline.com] -- - Monitoring
> customer service performance and employee honesty
> in a broad range of industries (Hotels,
> Retaurants/Bars, Retail).
> Datatron -- [www.usd-datatron.com]
> --
> David Sparks & Associates --
> [www.sparksresearch.com] --
> Douglas Stafford International --
> [www.douglasstafford.com] -- - Video,
> telephone, and physical mystery shopping.
> Automotive industry specialists. Streaming video
> and audio results online.
> DSG Associates -- [www.dsgai.com] --
> Does Cingular shops
> DSG Associates, Inc. --
> [www.dsgstars.com] -- - Mystery shopping
> services to the retail food service industry.
> Online application.
> Dynamic Advantage --
> [www.dynamic-advantage.com] -- - Provides
> mystery shopping and customer satisfaction
> measurement services. News archive, and monthly
> newsletter.
> eMysteryShopper --
> [www.edigitalresearch.com]
> -- - Independent review of website usability and
> efficiency from a customer's point of view. Online
> application.
> Evaluation Systems for Personnel --
> [www.espshop.com] -- - Provides mystery
> shopping and sales training services.
> Eyes R Us Inc. --
> [www.eyesrusinc.com] --
> Feedback Plus, Inc. --
> [www.feedbackplusinc.com] -- - Customized
> mystery shopping programs.
> Focus on Service --
> [www.focusonservice.com] --
> Franchise Compliance Inc --
> [www.franchisecompliance.com] --
> Frontline Shoppers Inc. --
> [www.frontlineshoppers.com] -- - Offering
> mystery shopping and merchandising compliance
> evaluations. Also consumer research and training
> services.
> Full Scope Mystery Shopping --
> [www.fullscopemysteryshopping.com] --
> G3 Mystery Shopping --
> [www.sparagowski.com] --
> Game Film Consultants --
> [www.gamefilmconsultants.com] -- - Video
> mystery shopping.
> Gapbuster -- [www.gapbuster.com] --
> Does Mcdonalds, Radio Shack. Low pay, but not A
> bad place to start.
> Grantham Orilio & Associates --
> [www.goashoppers.com] --
> Graymark Security Group --
> [www.graymarksecurity.com] --
> Greet America Inc. --
> [www.greetamerica.com] --
> Greet America Mystery Shopping --
> [www.ga-mysteryshopper.com] -- - Conducts
> many types of evaluations and surveys across North
> America.
> Guest Check -- [www.theguestcheck.com]
> -- - Offers mystery shopping investigative
> services exclusively to hotels, restaurants, and
> resorts.
> Hidden Concepts Inc. --
> [www.hiddenconcepts.com] -- - Mystery
> shopping and secret evaluating in person, online,
> by telephone or via competitive shopping. Case
> studies, tips and publications. Company profile
> and contacts.
> Hilli Dunlap Enterprises --
> [www.dunlapenterprises.com] -- - Services
> offered, contact details, and application to be a
> shopper.
> Hindsight -- [www.hndsight.com] -- -
> Business evaluations by mystery shoppers, customer
> service information collectors, local and US
> national. Comparison graphs for managers.
> Howard Services Service Sleuths --
> [www.howardservices.com] --
> ICC - Decision Services --
> [www.iccds.com] -- - Mystery shopping and
> merchandising solutions. Services retail and
> restaurant industry. Programs customized to meet
> the objectives and budget of customers.
> ICU Associates Inc. --
> [www.icuassociates.com] -- - Provides
> services in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico to fast
> food chains, restaurants, airports, and convenient
> stores. Also provides private investigations in
> the US. Shopper application available.
> Image Checkers --
> [www.imagecheckers.com] -- - Providers of
> mystery shopping services.
> Imaginus Training & Development Inc. --
> [www.imaginusinc.com] -- - Mystery
> shopping, web shopping, training, motivational
> seminars, and focus groups.
> imyst -- [www.imyst.com] --
> Imyst, Inc. -- [www.imyst.com] -- -
> Provides customized mystery shopping services for
> automotive dealerships, retail locations,
> restaurants, hotels and apartments, telephone
> programs, and customer service evaluation.
> Infinity Assurance Group --
> [www.infinityag.com] --
> Infotel -- [www.infotelinc.com] -- -
> Serving retailers, restaurant/quick-serve,
> manufacturing and service industries with
> custom-designed mystery shopping programs.
> Inland Retail Services --
> [inlandretailservices.com] -- -
> Specialists in mystery shopping and merchandising
> services. Includes services and contacts.
> Instant Reply --
> [www.mysteryshopservices.com] --
> IntelliShop -- [www.intelli-shop.com]
> -- - Wide range of mystery shopping services,
> on-site, telephone and web-based to the retail
> industry. Online application.
> ITS (Incognito) --
> [www.itsincognito.com] -- - Offers
> assessment of customer service, call handling and
> sales skills through the implementation of mystery
> customer programs. Specialising in the hospitality
> industry.
> J. E. Lowery Professional Services Corporation
> --
> [members.hometown.aol.com]
> myhomepage/index.html -- - Customized mystery
> shopping services.
> J.M. Ridgeway Co. --
> [www.jmridgway.com] -- - A market research
> and mystery shopping company providing national
> coverage.
> Jancyn Evaluation Shops --
> [www.jancyn.com] -- - Secret shopping
> services used by the retail, restaurant and rental
> housing industry.
> JC & Associates --
> [www.jcandassociates.com] --
> JKS Mystery Shopping Ltd --
> [www.jksmysteryshopping.co.uk] -- - Offers
> mystery shopping for retail, leisure and tourism
> sectors. List of services, profile and contacts.
> Ken Rich Retail Group --
> [www.ken-rich.com] --
> Kinesis CEM, Redefining the Customer Experience
> -- [www.kinesis-cem.com] -- - Web-based
> reporting that targets all levels of an
> enterprise. Mystery shopping, focus groups,
> web-site pop up surveys, telephone interviews and
> customer feedback.
> LeBlanc & Associates --
> [www.mleblanc.com] --
> Locksley Group Ltd. --
> [www.locksleygroupltd.com] --
> MacPherson Mystery Shopping and Research --
> [www.macphersonmysteryshopping.org.uk]
> -- - A British company specializing in worldwide
> mystery shopping and market research.
> Maritz Research --
> [www.virtuoso.maritzresearch.com] --
> Market Viewpoint --
> [www.marketviewpoint.com] --
> Marketing Systems Unlimited Corp. --
> [members.aol.com] -- - Details
> about the company, services offered and how to
> become a shopper.
> Mars Research --
> [www.marsresearch.com] -- - Offers a wide
> variety of quantitative research studies,
> including mystery shopping and customer surveys.
> Mass Connections --
> [massconnections.com] --
> Melinda Brody and Company --
> [www.melindabrody.com] --
> Mercantile Systems and Surveys --
> [www.mercsurveys.com] --
> Merchandise Concepts --
> [www.merchandiseconcepts.com] --
> Michelson & Associates --
> [www.michelson.com] --
> Michelson & Associates, Inc. --
> [www.michelson.com] -- - Description of
> the company and services offered. Apply online to
> be a shopper.
> Mosaic InfoForce --
> [www.mosaic-infoforce.com] --
> Mystery Guest Inc --
> [www.mysteryguestinc.com] --
> Mystery Shop Inc. --
> [www.mysteryshopinc.com] -- - Print,
> telephone, and video mystery shop services.
> Mystery Shopper Metropark --
> [www.metropark.com] --
> Mystery Shopper, USA --
> [www.bmiltd.com] -- - Sign up to be a
> shopper or inquire about using this business's
> services.
> Mystery Shoppers --
> [www.mystery-shoppers.com] --
> Mystery Shoppers --
> [www.mystery-shoppers.com] -- - Evaluates
> customer service and quality control. News for
> potential clients and shoppers, contact
> information, and details about the business.
> Mystery Shoppers Ltd. --
> [www.mystery-shoppers.co.uk] -- - Mystery
> shopping and customer service training and
> consultancy services. UK.
> Mystery Surfing --
> [www.mystery-surfing.com] -- - Independent
> website usability evaluation service.
> Mysteryshopomatic.com --
> [www.mysteryshopomatic.com] -- - Online
> tools for mystery shopping providers:
> web-accessible form and report editors, ftp
> transfer, automatic scoring of submitted forms,
> and report downloading in ZIP and CSV format.
> Monthly fee for access to these tools.
> Mysteryshopper.com.au Pty Limited --
> [www.mysteryshopper.com.au] -- - Focuses
> on Australian shops but also New Zealand, United
> Kingdom and the United States of America.
> Mystique Shopper --
> [www.mystiqueshopper.com] --
> Mystique Shopper LLC --
> [www.mystiqueshopper.com] -- - Mystery
> shopping services to varied industries. Web-based
> reporting.
> National Shopping Service --
> [www.nationalshoppingservice.com] -- -
> Mystery shopping in America and Europe.
> National Shopping Service Network, LLC --
> [www.mysteryshopper.net] -- - Offers a
> variety of mystery shopping services.
> Nationwide Services Group Inc --
> [www.nationwidesg.com] --
> Northwest Loss Prevention Consultants --
> [www.nwlpc.com] --
> Northwest Loss Prevention Consultants --
> [www.nwlpc.com] -- - Restaurant, apartment
> and retail mystery shops. On line shopper
> application.
> Pacific Research Group --
> [www.pacificresearchgroup.com] -- -
> Services include mystery shops, site inspections,
> and phone surveys.
> PatronEdge -- [www.patronedge.com]
> --
> Performance In People Ltd --
> [www.performanceinpeople.co.uk] -- -
> UK-based telephone and video mystery shopping
> services.
> Person To Person Quality --
> [persontopersonquality.com] -- - Provides
> transaction experience studies, mystery shopping,
> customer surveys, competitive intelligence
> services, and special consulting services. Apply
> online to be a shopper.
> Petro Truck Stops --
> [www.petrotruckstops.com] --
> Pinkerton Field Research Services --
> [www.pktnshop.com] -- - Customer service
> mystery shopping, marketing data collection and
> compliance audit programs. Apply online to be a
> shopper.
> Power Information Gathering Services --
> [www.pigservices.co.uk] -- - UK business
> specializing in phone and personal visits, and
> mail and email inquiries to customer service
> departments.
> Premier Service --
> [www.premierservice.ca] -- - A
> Montreal-based firm in business for over 11 years,
> provides mystery shopping and consulting services
> across Canada, the US and Puerto Rico.
> Presence Quality Mystery Shopping --
> [www.presence.fr] -- - Specialists of
> network assessments.
> Promotion Network Inc. --
> [www.promotionnetworkinc.com] --
> PROS Professional Review & Operational Shoppes
> Inc. -- [www.proreview.com] --
> PulseBack -- [www.pulseback.com] --
> Quality Assessments Mystery Shoppers, LLC --
> [www.qams.com] -- - Details how to become
> a customer and receive feedback on quality
> service, how to stimulate word-of-mouth, and
> suggestive selling.
> Quality Assurance Consulting --
> [www.qacinc.com] --
> Quality Consultants, Inc --
> [www.qualconsultant.com] -- - Conducts
> mystery shopping and quality reports for
> restaurants and lodging facilities.
> Quality Eye Mystery Shopping --
> [www.qualityeye.com] -- - A UK-based
> company providing telephone audits, mystery
> shopping, website evaluations, and competitor
> comparisons for the retail and public sector.
> Quality Insurance Inspection Specialists --
> [www.qsispecialists.com] --
> QualityWorks Associates --
> [www.qualityworks.com] --
> QualityWorks Associates --
> [www.qualityworks.com] -- - A market
> research organization that conducts surveys and
> mystery shopping.
> Quest for Best --
> [www.questforbest.com] --
> Reality Check Mystery Shopper --
> [www.rcmysteryshopper.com] --
> Reality Quality Assurance --
> [www.rqa-inc.com] --
> Restaurant Cops LLC --
> [www.restaurant-cops.com] --
> Restaurant Evaluators, Inc. --
> [www.restaurantevaluators.com] -- -
> Customer feedback and evaluation services. Company
> profile, news and contacts.
> Retail Biz Consulting --
> [www.retailbiz.com] --
> Retail Maxim --
> [www.retail-maxim.co.uk] -- - UK-based
> mystery shopping services including competitor
> visits and internet and telephone shopping.
> Retail Rapport Ltd. --
> [www.mysteryshopagency.com] -- - Mystery
> shopping agency. List of services, details about
> applying, and contact information.
> RetailTrack -- [www.retailtrack.com]
> -- - Retail, service, hospitality and call center
> mystery shopping.
> Richey International --
> [www.richeyint.com] -- - Quality management
> programs to enhance performance, measure product
> quality, and maintain brand stature.
> Rickie Kruh Research and Marketing Group --
> [www.rkrmg.com] --
> Ritter & Associates --
> [www.ritterandassociates.com] --
> Rocky Mountain Merchandising --
> [www.rockymm.com] --
> Satisfaction Services, inc. --
> [satisfactionservicesinc.com] -- -
> Providing customized quality and service
> evaluation programs (a concept of mystery
> shopping) to restaurant, hospitality, retail, and
> service companies. Online service available.
> Schryver Enterprises. LLC --
> [www.schryverenterprises.com] -- -
> Develops and customizes training courses in
> customer satisfaction, and provides mystery
> shopping services.
> Second To None, Inc. --
> [www.second-to-none.com] -- #NAME?
> Secret ShopNET --
> [www.secretshopnet.com] -- - Mystery
> shopping services. Apply online.
> Secret Shopping Company --
> [www.secretshoppercompany.com] --
> Secret Shopping Services --
> [www.secretshoppingservices.com] --
> Secret Shopping Services --
> [secretshoppingservices.com] -- -
> Specializes in retail, restaurant, malls,
> jewelers, coffee houses, integrity issues and
> customer service audits. Company profile and
> contacts.
> Secret Sleuths -- [servicesleuths.com]
> -- - Services offered, staff, contact details, and
> shopper application.
> Sensor Quality Management Inc. --
> [www.sqm.ca] -- - Mystery shopping
> services with either local residents or shoppers
> who have experience in a particular industry.
> Information for clients; application form for
> prospective shoppers.
> Service Advantage International --
> [www.servad.com] --
> Service Alliance --
> [www.serviceallianceinc.com] --
> Service Alliance, Inc. --
> [www.serviceallianceinc.com] -- - Provides
> mystery shopping services to a variety of
> industries throughout the United States.
> Service Check --
> [www.servicecheck.com] --
> Service Check --
> [www.servicecheck.com] -- - Customer
> service audits performed throughout North
> America.
> Service Evaluation --
> [www.serviceevaluation.com] --
> Service Evaluation --
> [www.serviceevaluation.com] -- - Provides a
> comprehensive solution for keeping on top of the
> front line.
> Service Evaluation Concepts --
> [www.serviceevaluation.com] --
> Service Excellence Group --
> [www.serviceexcellencegroup.com] -- -
> Provides customer service development through
> mystery shops, customer service/management/sales
> training, personalized consultation, and a
> quarterly training publication. Find contact
> information, list of services, and details for
> potential shoppers and
> Service Impressions --
> [www.serviceimpressions.com] --
> Service Intelligence, Inc. --
> [www.serviceintelligence.com] -- -
> Provides actionable, real-time Internet-based
> mystery shopping and performance assessment across
> all of North America.
> Service Performance Group --
> [www.spgweb.com] --
> Service Performance Group --
> [www.spgweb.com] -- - Mystery shopper
> program designed to objectively measure employee
> customer service skills, sales skills, product
> knowledge and other related criteria.
> Service Research Corporation --
> [www.serviceresearch.com] --
> Service Sleuths by Howard Roberts --
> [www.howardservices.com] --
> ServiceProbe --
> [www.pwgroup.com] --
> ServiceSense -- [www.servicesense.com]
> -- - Service evaluation programs and customer care
> consulting for restaurants, retail stores, service
> businesses and call centers.
> ServiceTRAC, Inc. --
> [www.servicetrac.com] -- - National and
> international mystery shopping and full service
> market research firm providing market analysis,
> measurements and solution services.
> SG Marketing Group --
> [www.sgmarketing.com] -- - Company
> description, services offered, and online shopper
> application.
> Shadow Shopper Agency --
> [www.theshadowagency.com] -- - Video
> mystery shopping company. Shoppers wear microvideo
> equipment to record interactions. Services, press
> releases and news, dealers, and contact
> information.
> Shop'n Chek -- [www.shopnchek.com.au]
> -- - Offers mystery shopping and market research
> services for customer satisfaction measurement in
> Australia and New Zealand. profile and contacts.
> Shop'n Chek International --
> [www.shopnchek.com] -- - Mystery shopping
> and market research services for customer
> satisfaction measurement.
> Shopper Anonymous --
> [www.shopperanonymous.com] -- - Australian
> mystery shopping organization.
> Shoppers Inc. --
> [www.shopperjobs.com] --
> Shoppers Critique International --
> [www.shopperscritique.com] -- - Provides
> independent customer service evaluations by using
> guest mystery shoppers to evaluate employee
> performance. Details about services and industries
> served, mystery shopping details, FAQs and contact
> information.
> Shoppers' View --
> [www.shoppersview.com] -- - Provides
> mystery shopping on site and by telephone to the
> retail industry. Online application.
> Shoppers, Inc. --
> [www.shoppercomments.com] -- - Mystery
> shopper services to bank, restaurant and retail
> industries. Employee incentive plans and surveys.
> Online application and shopper resource.
> Sights on Service --
> [www.secretshopper.com] --
> Sinclair Service Assessments --
> [www.ssanet.com] -- - Company provides
> mystery shopping services throughout the U.S. and
> abroad. Site includes a sign-up area for
> shoppers.
> Sipe and Associates --
> [www.sipeandassociates.com] -- - Provides
> customer service evaluations, mystery or secret
> shopping services.
> SNEAK PEAKms -- [spbon.com] -- -
> Offers a variety of customized mystery shopper and
> caller services.
> Sonya's Mystery Shoppers --
> [mysteryshoppercentral.homestead.com]
> .html -- - Has some current jobs, a polling area
> where shoppers can rate shopping companies, and a
> private list of companies looking for shoppers
> (list is available for a fee).
> Sparagowski & Associates --
> [www.sparagowski.com] --
> Speedmark Information Services --
> [www.speedmarkweb.com] --
> Speedmark Information Services --
> [www.speedmarkweb.com] -- - Marketing
> services company that specializes in providing
> customized data collection for Consumer Products
> Manufacturers and multi-unit retailers. Services
> offered, and mystery shopper application.
> Spies in Disguise --
> [www.spiesindisguise.com] --
> Support Financial Resources, Inc. --
> [www.serviceexperiences.com] -- -
> Customer-driven mystery shopping and consultative
> services specializing in the financial services
> industry.
> Sutter Marketing --
> [suttermarketing.com] -- - Mystery
> shopping and compliance audits powered by Palm
> technology with digital photo documentation.
> Website accessable data. Find details about the
> business, services offered, and contact
> information.
> SystemChec by Orillio & Associates --
> [www.systemchec.com] --
> Tenox Appraisal Systems --
> [www.weshop4u.com] -- - Customer
> satisfaction measurement specialists.
> Tern Consultancy --
> [www.ternconsultancy.co.uk] -- - Works
> with retailers to improve and track customer
> service primarily by developing corporate
> standards and providing mystery shopping.
> TES/Rapid Chek -- [www.rapidchek.com]
> --
> Texas Shoppers Network --
> [www.texasshoppersnetwork.com] --
> The Field Force --
> [www.thefieldforce.com] --
> The Hotel Shopping Network --
> [www.hotelmysteryshopper.com] -- -
> Provider of hotel mystery shopping and sales
> training services to the hospitality industry.
> The Insight Group International --
> [www.theinsightgroupintl.com] -- -
> Provides food and beverage service evaluations and
> full property evaluations for hotels.
> The Kirandt Group, LLC --
> [www.kirandt.com] -- - Offers mystery
> shopping and competitive intelligence services
> exclusively the casino gaming industry.
> The Performance Edge, Inc --
> [www.pedge.com] -- - Mystery Shopping
> services. Customer Service Feedback. Online
> application.
> The Secret Shopper Company --
> [www.secretshoppercompany.com] -- - Offers
> a full range of secret shopping services, with
> reports tailored to motivate rather than
> criticize. Online training required for all
> shoppers.
> The Service Quality Department --
> [www.service-quality.com] --
> The Soloman Group --
> [www.thesolomongroup.com] --
> TNS Intersearch --
> [www.intersearch.tnsofres.com] --
> Trend Source -- [www.trendsource.com]
> --
> U.S. Mystery Shoppers, Inc. --
> [usmysteryshoppers.com] -- - Offers
> services to retail and service industries in the
> United States. Online application.
> Verification Roberte Inc. --
> [www.roberteverifications.com] -- -
> Providing mystery shopping, customer service
> evaluation, surveys and analysis. Specializing in
> retail and food industries. Covers Canada and
> USA.
> Video Eyes -- [www.videoeyes.net] --
> Video Stars Real Time Video Training --
> [www.videoeyes.net] - Hidden camera video
> captures real-time employee interactions to
> improve customer service, sales, and other target
> areas.
> Webbtech Data -- [webbtech.com] -
> Quality assurance company specializing in mystery
> and comparison shopping.
> Westcoast Mystery Shopping --
> [westcoastmysteryshopping.com] -
> Specializes in serving smaller retail chains
> throughout North America.

Thank you Jacob. Great information.

M. Monty

MSPA Silver Certified.
Undercover Essentials video certified
PV 500 ECO...Will Travel
Trish, your comment regarding taxable income is totally false.

The $600 threshold is only for the companies. If you make below $600 for a company they are not legally obligated to send you a 1099 reporting your income. However, just because they don't send you a 1099 doesn't mean that you don't have to claim the income. And just because they don't send you a 1099 doesn't mean that they don't have to claim the expenses they paid out to IC's for the shops they did. They have to pay taxes too and they will be claiming those pay-outs as labor or wages or some type of deduction, you can bet your bottom dollar.

One of these days if Obama has his way, those dribs and drabs of income are going to come back and bite you in the &*#. Trust me!

**************************************************************
One buzzard to another while circling high overhead (paraphrased), "Patience hell! I want to shop somewhere."
Despite the unnecessary political comment, all income is taxable regardless of the receipt of a 1099. It has been that way for many, many years now.

Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
I think this must be a common misconception about taxes and income. I too was under the impression that if I didn't make $600 for one company I didn't have to claim it. And by the way, the IRS says $400 not $600 for a 1099.

I appreciate the straighten out by you bunch of experienced and all knowing, great and powerful MSers. smiling smiley
SusanB Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> This is AWESOME thank you so much. I am just
> starting MS (have done 4) in the last month and
> haven't been paid yet. Do they all want your SSI#
> and bank account numbers? I would rather not
> provide those items until I have the job. This is
> the only thing I'm not crazy about because ID
> theft.


As far as identity theft, the mystery shopping companies I've seen listed in this forum are reputable. I'm registered with about 130 of the companies mentioned in Jacob's list at the top of this thread and have not had a problem. And I've done about 300+ shops for several of the companies.

The companies usually want your bank account info so that they can pay you by direct deposit. Other companies use PayPal or send you a check. They want your SS # in case you make more than $599.99 per year, at which point they send you a 1099 form in January since you're considered an independent contractor for tax purposes. I'm guessing they probably will not give you a job until they have your info.

Shopping central/southern NJ and eastern PA
Hi,
I went online to register with Capstone Research but I could not find the place at their website to do so. Can anyone enlighten me?
Thank you.
I have been registered with them for years but have never heard a peep. I have not even heard of anyone working for them since around 2005 or 2006.
I did find a generic sign up form so it appears that only if they have work in a MS location will a MS be contacted. Odd.
Thanks for your reply.

Flash Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I have been registered with them for years but
> have never heard a peep. I have not even heard of
> anyone working for them since around 2005 or 2006.
Check this "MSC" message out. It was in my email box.


"Hello,
You have been selected for assignment as a Detective Shopper in your area,
and You will get $200 being a Detective Shopper.Your employment packet
will include funds for the shopping. We want you to participate because
it's fun & rewarding.
You will have access to training materials.
Provide the following details if you interested:

F u l l N a m e:
Address (NOT P.O Box):
City, State, Zip:
Occupation:
A g e:
E m a i l:
Phone Number (Cell&Home):

As a Detective Shopper You work and shop together for pleasure,
and You only work 2-3 hours twice in a week.
We wait your good response, Thank You!

Regards,
Catherine Henshaw.
Hiring Manager
Secret Shopper IncĀ®"
scam scam scam !!!!!

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.
I suspected it was a scam. I did not respond to it and deleted the email.
Red Flag -- Posted here for other newbies like myself.
Thank you.

walesmaven Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> scam scam scam !!!!!
You can almost invision an ending which states: "You no do no good job, you no paid!"

UnderCover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Check this "MSC" message out. It was in my email
> box.
>
>
> "Hello,
> You have been selected for assignment as a
> Detective Shopper in your area,
> and You will get $200 being a Detective
> Shopper.Your employment packet
> will include funds for the shopping. We want you
> to participate because
> it's fun & rewarding.
> You will have access to training materials.
> Provide the following details if you interested:
>
> F u l l N a m e:
> Address (NOT P.O Box):
> City, State, Zip:
> Occupation:
> A g e:
> E m a i l:
> Phone Number (Cell&Home):
>
> As a Detective Shopper You work and shop together
> for pleasure,
> and You only work 2-3 hours twice in a week.
> We wait your good response, Thank You!
>
> Regards,
> Catherine Henshaw.
> Hiring Manager
> Secret Shopper IncĀ®"

M. Monty

MSPA Silver Certified.
Undercover Essentials video certified
PV 500 ECO...Will Travel
I am having trouble finding the "main page" for sassie so I can log into my account. I thought there was a central sign in page that will show me the MSC that I signed up with... or am I mistaken?

Today I noticed that the sassie login page(s) are not SSL/https. Does that mean the site is a front for a scam site?

Sorry about remedial questions. Confused, ugh.
To Undercover:
This is what I use:[www.sassieshop.com]
As a rule behind this will be the shop company they are scheduling for.
Hope this helps.
UnderCover,

I have recently signed up with 39 MSC who use Sassie. I did it by filling out one form and sycning it to all the accounts at once. Now I can go to one area and see all the Sassie logs, profiles, job boards, etc. It has made searching for jobs much more streamlined. I did this all through Jobslingerplus.com. I am not trying to tell anyone something they already know, but I thought this may help with the question you posted.

M. Monty

UnderCover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am having trouble finding the "main page" for
> sassie so I can log into my account. I thought
> there was a central sign in page that will show me
> the MSC that I signed up with... or am I
> mistaken?
>
> Today I noticed that the sassie login page(s) are
> not SSL/https. Does that mean the site is a front
> for a scam site?
>
> Sorry about remedial questions. Confused, ugh.

M. Monty

MSPA Silver Certified.
Undercover Essentials video certified
PV 500 ECO...Will Travel
ARe there any listings that mention the better paying companies for our eyes, ears and fine reports we give about the customer service? I have worked for Best Mark and they seem to pay higher than other companies for our services. It amazes me how many companies wnat one to fill out extensive reports and then want to pay $2-10 for our services. In comparison BestMark pays $20 + service fee of company for an oil report and another company pays $5.00 for the report with no reimbursement for the oil change or a flat fee is paid by Confero $40 with no expenses paid.
consciousgem, that is something you need to work through as you see what shops are available in your area. One of my more generous companies IN MY MARKET is the brunt of jokes about their low pay IN OTHER MARKETS. The other markets do not have the same clients as are in my market. In my market BestMark is one of the low paying companies. Where you live and what you qualify for makes a world of difference.
Flash Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> consciousgem, that is something you need to work
> through as you see what shops are available in
> your area. One of my more generous companies IN
> MY MARKET is the brunt of jokes about their low
> pay IN OTHER MARKETS. The other markets do not
> have the same clients as are in my market. In my
> market BestMark is one of the low paying
> companies. Where you live and what you qualify
> for makes a world of difference.

Yes! I was so amazed when I saw someone had posted that Bestmark seems to pay more than other companies. In my market they pay very low. A couple of others that other posters complain about are my favorites. I think it's all about the region in which you shop.
$400 is the threshold for paying Self-Employment tax to the IRS and refers to the shopper's TOTAL self-employment income, not the amount made from any one mystery shopping company (or other source of self-employment income). The threshold for a 1099 to be issued is $600 from any single source of income (in other words if you get $600 or more from one mystery shopping company they'll send you a 1099 form).


ecretAgentMom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I think this must be a common misconception about
> taxes and income. I too was under the impression
> that if I didn't make $600 for one company I
> didn't have to claim it. And by the way, the IRS
> says $400 not $600 for a 1099.
>
> I appreciate the straighten out by you bunch of
> experienced and all knowing, great and powerful
> MSers. smiling smiley

Shopping central/southern NJ and eastern PA
Here is a new one for your list!
Mystery Shopper Bahamas - [www.mysteryshopperbahamas.com].

Thanks!

Dorian Roach
Mystery Shopper Bahamas
[www.mysteryshopperbahamas.com]
dorian.roach@mysteryshopperbahamas.com
mysteryshopperbahamas Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Here is a new one for your list!
> Mystery Shopper Bahamas -
> [www.mysteryshopperbahamas.com].
>
> Thanks!


So being based in the Bahamas, is that primarily where your shops are located?
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