Not "new" to MS, but first time at this site. My question is, where should I be involved on websites/blogs/etc. such as this site where shoppers help shoppers? I began mystery shopping in 2007 (maybe earlier) but have not been active enough to know about sites like this. I usually jump into a shop when I want to go somewhere and can find a shop for places like the zoo, Universal Studios, and arcade places such as Boomers.

I would like to become more involved to either make extra money doing it or at least save money on things I already purchases like gas and groceries. (The shops I have historically completed are heavy narrative, reimbursement only/no payment otherwise.) My narratives are nearly always 100%, I've never had a report kicked-back for revision.

Suggestions are greatly appreciated from you more experienced and successful shoppers who are able to steer me in the right direction. Also desired are the "stay away from 'x' company" suggestions so I don't make mistakes getting involved with companies you already know have either problems between their employees and the shoppers OR for any other reason you feel prudent to mention. I would also like to find MSPs that have high pay once a shopper proves themselves. I have heard stories of people who have been assigned shops where they are assigned to department stores in which they get to keep the (high value) items, such as clothing, and still get paid to shop as well. I have never come across these kinds of shops and don't have any idea how to find them.

Thank you in advance for your suggestions/assistance. I appreciate your willingness to share information.

Use the link at the bottom - Official List of Mystery Shopping Companies. Use this forum search to check what others have said. Market force is spoken about lots. Some love it some hate it. At the end of the day I try a shop with a company and make up my own mind.

Also use the blue link - Mystery Shopper Magazine and subscribe. Many of the companies have been reviewed there.

I don't need any other blog or support besides what I find here. I am in Alberta. Where are you?

I am in San Diego, CA

Thank you for the tips - I will look at the companies in the Mag and link. I thought it might be a "try and see" kind of thing for the companies. Thank you for the quick response!

Hi, I am new to this forum too..I am in Virginia, and have done mystery shopping on and off for years. Sometimes it is good, sometimes it is bad, and many times it is just frustrating in my opinion.

Hello snowy. I think you nailed it. Sometimes good like today when I got offered a large bonus to get gas not too far from work. And sometimes it's not so great.