What are your thoughts on joing with Mystery shoppers america for about $30? Where do I go to find companies to shop for?
Do you need MSAP? If so, where do I get it?
Thanks everyone!

Welcome to the forum. There's plenty of good information here. I suggest you read as much as you can in the New Mystery Shoppers area. I agree with the idea of never paying to shop although some shoppers disagree. The companies should pay you for your professional services. There's a great list of companies to sign up with on this forum, [www.mysteryshopforum.com]

There's a difference of opinion among shoppers as to whether you need certifications or not. Yu may want to use the "search" function and search for discussions on Gold and Silver certification and read the variety of opinions. Certification is available through the MSPA, [www.mysteryshop.org]

Hello my name is Phyllis Venkataya,

I just joined the site to learn more about the work of the Mystery Shopper; and joined to work as one. I am excited;its a new environment for me. A big jump from your typical retail position; thus allowing more depth and responsibility, and a chance to see the retail industry from the outside looking in as a shopper versus the inside looking out as an employee.

My last retail position working for Target as a Back Stockroom Associate responsible for unpacking merchandise, tracking inventory, determining what was selling, how much of it; how much time from getting it in to running out was happening and alerting my boss so he could track it, maintained supplies, types of buersin the store, what items they bought and what they didn't. I gained knowledge on restocking, inventory, merchandise. I also realized in a short period of time the information gained could be used anywhere if need be.
Inventory, supply, quantity, quality, and quantifying, resources and reserves
were gained;as were "Teamwork"and "Communication" are key in retail.

The coined terms "Teamwork" and "Communication" has never been more clearer and more important than the holiday season in retail! I am looking forward to an adventure as a Mystery Shopper; and the new skills I will gain. As a Professional, I bring to the job, excellent written and communication skills, I am observant and detailed-oriented, confident, trustworthy, mature and responsible, and can adhere to deadlines. I enjoy meeting and speaking to people.

Looking forward to working as a Mystery Shopper, developing new skills and working a job that allows me an open scedule. My last working working position was as a Back Stockroom Associate for Target; the job previous to that was as a Senior Call Center Representative for the State Teacher's Retirement System, responsible for counseling CA Teachers and Administrators on retirement benefits, choices, and options retirement processes to complete in order to retire. I have past retail experience working for JC Penny as a Sales associates, Montgomery Wards as a Sales associates in the business office and manning the store evening switchboard, and at Weinstock's Department with Carter Haley. From Back Stockperson to Sales Associate, I have done an array of things over my work lifetime. Started at 15 and have worked pretty much all of my life. I am looking forward to the work and responsibilities that Mystery Shpping brings for me.

Have degrees in Business Administration with a concentration in Management, and Paralegal Services, am a hard worker, smart, intelligent, and a people person. Looking forward to hearing from anyone with invaluble information that you feel might be important to share, or that you've gained from working the Mystery Shopper curcuit. Thanks,

Phyllis Venkataya

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/12/2011 09:04PM by Nightmax.

Welcome to the forum, Nightmax. As you make your way around the different sections, you'll find it's kind of a roadmap to being a successful mystery shopper. I recommend starting with the sticky threads of the New Mystery Shopper section, then move on to Mystery Shopping Company Discussion. That's where you'll find a long list of Mystery Shopping Companies to sign up with.

Good luck!

When you become a secret shopper, the company that you sign up for pays you for your input. Companies that charge a fee for joining them, are scammers, any legitimate company will not charge any fees. When I first started becoming a Secret Shopper I made the mistake of paying a fee to join a company, but as I became more familiar with being a Secret Shopper, I realize that I don't need to pay for receiving any Shops, that Mystery Shop Sites pay me to be a Secret Shopper for them. ANYONE who charges a fee is taking you for a ride. Before making a decision to join a company, check out different companies, and join the ones that don't charge a fee. Sign up with a variety of Mystery Shop Companies, this is how you make money.

Good Luck!