Mystery shopping helps our clients know when to make a change – in personnel, in store layout, in product selection, marketing, and more!
But what does mystery shopping do for mystery shoppers beyond provide them a way of making money, extra cash, and maybe an interesting story to share at a cocktail party or around a campfire? (without revealing who the shop was for, of course!)
More Than Just Making Money
Cathy got involved in mystery shopping because she needed extra cash to help with her son’s college tuition. She also found herself at a new stage of life where the demands of young children no longer ruled her life.
“I found I no longer had to be on call for rides and crises. What a relief! Mystery shopping sounded like something interesting and fun to do in addition to my day job,” shared Cathy.
“It could fill in some of my new-found time without keeping me to a specific schedule. And the extra cash would help with those great big tuition bills that come each semester. What I didn’t expect was some of the side perks that make mystery shopping worth far more than what I am paid for an assignment.”
We loved hearing Cathy’s story – and the stories of other successful mystery shoppers.
Our conversation with Cathy gave us insight into the many benefits shoppers gain from mystery shopping. It’s not only about the cash.
1. Recognition
“At this stage of life, I don’t get too many ‘attagirls’,” says Cathy. “When I see the scores on my mystery shopping reports and get a short note from an editor saying, ‘good job’ or ‘thanks for a great report’, it just makes me smile and feel good inside.
Kind of like gold stars on a report when I was in school.
I didn’t get into this business for the pats on the back, but it’s nice to be recognized. It also gives me sense of satisfaction knowing I’ve done a good job in helping out a business in monitoring their customer service process.”
2. Education and Insight
Another busy shopper, Donna, told us it’s what she learns on her shops that keeps her looking for more. “I’m retired now and I really like that I always seem to learn something new from mystery shopping. Whether it’s about a car, a new type of mattress, or a good restaurant to share with friends, each shop is an opportunity to learn about something or someplace new.”
Learning new things is good for your brain as well. Studies show how our brain is affected when we try something new.
3. Freedom
Other shoppers have talked about the freedom mystery shopping brings to their work life. Freedom to make your own schedule, work where you want, or even travel and earn money along the way as a route shopper.
Casey is a journalist and is always on the road looking for his next story. “Mystery shopping has become a way for me to supplement my income and get my meals or hotel stays free or at discount. I love being on the road, and route shopping has become part of my life.”
4. Life Lessons
Sometimes your whole family is involved in a mystery shop. Mystery shopping provides lessons for your kids (and maybe some adults!) about treating others well. Karen tells us, “Even when we are not on a mystery shop, my kids tell me how they would rate the service at a restaurant or convenience store. They’ve become aware of what it means to treat people with respect and kindness.”
5. Ability to Dream – And Achieve!
Life is hard. Work is hard. Sometimes our dreams seem so distant, we don’t know if we can achieve what we want for ourselves – or for others. When you earn extra cash doing something fun and out of the ordinary, you can dream of that new car. Or a vacation (part of which can be done doing mystery shops!). Or helping your child pay off their school loans. Whatever you wish for, if you set goals for your mystery shopping business, you can start the journey to achieve your dream
Mystery shopping is so much more than it seems at the surface. The benefits go far beyond just the money you can earn! If you are just starting out – keep focused and go for it! And if you are a seasoned shopper, tell us your story! Share below or on our Facebook page!
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