Greetings and Good Morning!

I'm hiding behind a couple of barrel cactus here, trying to tip-toe around a few of those nasty cholla and wanted to say hello!

I've been Mystery Shopping since October 6th... a sad day though, because my adopted dad died completely unexpectedly and I had 11 shops scheduled for that weekend (the 8th & 9th). Dad was Native American and my husband and I were the only "white folks" invited to the ceremonies, and they were overwhelming, to say the least. Very spiritual. Even though we have never met 99% of the rest of Dad's family, we were welcomed with open arms - which made us cry even harder.

That said...

I am LOVING this Mystery Shopping! Of the 21 shops I've completed so far and those that score, I've gotten all 10's and 1 nine for my reports. Now I'm in "competition" with myself to maintain those scores! I'm hopefully on track to earn 450/500 my first month as a shopper! I really though want to increase that, even double it.

I'm signed up with 65 companies so far, but I do want to keep adding to the list. Yeah, I'm starting at the bottom, with taking on those low-paying shops, but you gotta start somewhere! Sometimes I feel overwhelmed though, because I DO have a full-time job (normally 55-60 hours a week - I telecommute and have been for 11 years as a contract worker).

I am really getting disheartened though as I am only getting jobs from a select few companies, and I cannot seem to find companies that are servicing this area. (I know, I know, give it a chance you've only been shopping 3 weeks! LOL)

I set up a spreadsheet from the start listing the company/shop name/location/DUE date/DUE time/pay/reimbursement/extra notes - and then I separate the weeks on the spreadsheet.

After that long-winded "about me"... I've got some questions for the pros:

1. How do you keep from being identified? I work out a situation according to the guidelines, but when I get in the stores, sometimes I get completely wishy-washy!

2. How do I get more jobs? I have set up my "Favorites" folders under "Mystery Shopping" - I have the following folders: Daily Check, 3-Day Check, Weekly Check, Emails Only - and in each folder, the link for the company to do my available job checks. BUT, I'm STILL not finding jobs!

I'm sure I'll have more.. but like I said.. I'm having a BLAST!!

KimberlyH

Welcome Kimberly! It sounds like you are organized and starting right. At this time of the month it is highly probable that the job boards are pretty empty. Most companies post work for the month during the last week of the month or the first week of the following month, so during that time frame, watch their boards carefully. That being said, I just stumbled over a company that posted their November work. Heck they only posted October work a couple of weeks ago! I was headed over to put in a report when I saw all the new postings.

I assume you have checked Jobslinger.com to see what companies have recently posted work in your area (the jobs are probably taken, but at least you may see some companies you aren't signed up with yet).

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/19/2011 03:48PM by Flash.

Hi there -- I'm also a 'Zonie!

Welcome klhofbauer. I'm sorry for your loss.


You are off to a most excellent start. $400-$500 for your first month is awesome. And, working 55-60 hours a week! When do you sleep?!

As for not being ID'd, I walk in like I own the place. If it's a new to me shop, I have reviewed the guidelines for the umpteenth time. Be yourself, but with observations to make and marks to hit.

Oh yes, on your spreadsheet, or somewhere, also keep track of mileage and other expenses.