Hi everyone, I'm new here and need all the help I can get. Already asked a no-no question. But everyone was very nice about it and helpful. I can see that this is a valuable resource for shoppers old and new. Happy to be here.

Hello C!

Definitely an excellent resource for information! If you haven't yet - pull up a chair, get comfy, grab your favorite drink, and kick back to read as much info as possible!

Best place to start are with these topics - they are all "Stickies" at the top of the "NEW MYSTERY SHOPPERS" Forum:

BASIC NEEDS: [www.mysteryshopforum.com]

GAME PLAN FOR BEGINNERS: [www.mysteryshopforum.com]

TAXES & TAX ORGANIZATION: [www.mysteryshopforum.com]
(Note - this is a MUST for all newbies, yes, you DO have to report income!)

FREE USEFUL SOFTWARE: [www.mysteryshopforum.com]

FINDING JOBS (ins & outs): [www.mysteryshopforum.com]

ODDS & ENDS - GREAT TIPS: [www.mysteryshopforum.com]


After that, get yourself organized setting up a Spreadsheet. List the Company name, log-in URL, your password, username, IC #, Pay Periods (for your benefit), phone numbers and/or various other useful notes about the companies you sign up with.

Don't forget to organize your work area too! File cabinet, printer, ink, stapler, paper clips, etc..., also, a watch with second hand, possibly a voice recorder** (**Check your state laws, some states require BOTH parties, others are only a 1-party consent state)

Then, after you are set up - start applying with companies listed under the "Official List of Mystery Shopping Companies" - a link at the bottom of this and every page!

(Truthfully though, you don't HAVE to get yourself set up first, but personally? better at the beginning, so you develop a good habit!) I'm finding out myself that after only 3 months of shopping I SHOULD have been a lot more organized than what I thought I was! I had the spreadsheet all ready, file cabinet, etc...!)

Good luck, happy shopping, and welcome to the forum!