I am very interested in the secret shopper world and I have been reading very useful information on this forum. All I can say is it's quite a load to learn and not as simple as I thought it would be to start out, but I am still interested.

So far I have started off with bestmark. No I have no officially started a job yet. I have also signed on with isecretshop. Right now I am looking at other places like ACE and and jobslinger. All of this just seems so confusing. As by confusing I mean, how do I know if I am even doing this right? I sign up, i got a TX SS ID through best mark, I'm assuming I can use that everywhere I sign up with? I've read that there are forms I may need to fill out (w-9, tax forms) ... will the websites let me know if I need to fill one out? I am just concerned about being paid only simply for the fact I don't want to be giving out my information to a legit company and wonder if it's by check, paypal, or what not. I know I am kind of just throwing my questions out here, but when ya'll started, how did ya'll start? What are some best ways and recommendations ya'll have to start a secret shopper profession? Do you recommend bestmark? So far they seem very professional and legit. Another question I have is reporting. Do all places have some kind or reporting system where I can just give my feed back or does everyone require software?

I just want to start out simple and easy, work my way up. I think all this information getting thrown at me all at once is a little over whelming. Baby steps ... baby steps! thanks in advance to all those who respond and are being oh so impatient with me. I really want to make a career out of this. Not only for just extra income for a few months or a year and I'm done. I am a stay at home mom of 6 kids (hubby works) ... I really want to pursue something.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/13/2014 05:04PM by jenjen11.

Welcome to the forum. I am sure others will jump in with more answers. Companies vary in how they pay. Some pay by check (like Bestmark), some Paypal, and some direct deposit. Some even use Payquicker (which I personally am unfamiliar with). You said you got a tax ID through Bestmark, I assume you meant a user ID. This is separate from your taxes. You simply use your social security number when signing up. You can get an EIN if you prefer, but that is done directly through the IRS.

Read through all the stickies in the new shopper area and you will find a great deal of useful information. You will want to sign up with at least 100 companies to make a significant amount of money.

Bestmark is fine. Your best bet if you want to make a career of this is to take some time and read all the stickies on the new shopper thread. Most of us started with just signing up with a few (say 10) companies. You report your shops on the mystery shopping companies web site. It's very simply. You just go to their website and enter your report. There is no special software required.

jenjen11, you are off and running! Additionally, you're asking questions to make sure you get it right. Kudos! Only a few Mystery Shopping Companies want an EIN. SSNs are fine with most. W-9s are not uncommon. Research this forum for information on EINs. Check with your State and local agencies before getting an EIN. Maybe there will be no problem. Depending on where you live, applying for an EIN can cause issues for you. We all have to research to make sure we don't cause ourselves aggravation. How do you know if you're getting it right? Go through the MSC's application process. Generally, you will be prompted if information provided is incorrect or if more is needed. If your application is successful, you most likely will get a confirmation email, with log-in rights. Once you get that, you log-in and are able to search the MSC's job board, and either apply for shops of interest, or self-assign, if the MSC permits that. Each MSC has its own reporting platform, and you do not need software.

Reading and participating in the forum will be such a help as you get going. Bestmark has some good shops. They are a legitimate company. Most Mystery Shopping Companies require individual application. Other good starter companies are MarketForce, Bare International, Maritz and Corporate Research/Stericycle. They have a nationwide presence, and help us get our feet wet before venturing into deeper waters. The forum provides a list of Official Mystery Shopping companies. It's in blue on the bottom right of this page, and takes you to the list and accompanying links to the MSCs.

Start small. Take a shop with no cash outlay - cell shop, bank shop, etc., or take a shop with minimal cash outlay - home improvement store, office supply store, etc. Weigh your options and decide if the fee and/or reimbursement is worthwhile to you, before applying, or self-assigning an assignment. After getting an assignment, thoroughly read the guidelines. Then, review the actual report questionnaire. Do a dry-run, if you think it would help. When you're ready, do the shop and complete the report, according to the provided guidelines. How do you know if you get it right? You may get feedback, you may get an email from the MSC requesting additional information, or not. Generally, no news is good news, and you just wait for pay day.

Stay at home mom to six kids ~ wow, do you have time to sleep Mystery shopping is a great gig. Pick and choose, as many or as few as your life allows. It gets you out of the house, and lets you contribute money or reimbursed items of value to the household. I started mystery shopping when my kids were in middle school. They're grown now, and I'm still shopping.

Mert,

Thanks, you give valuable information. I'm a new shopper also, confused and can't wait to start making some money.

pruntytm ~ Welcome to shopping and to the forum!

It really is very confusing at first. You sort of just have to dive in. Eventually, things become clearer. The Forum is really helpful. And your first shop may be terrifying, it was for me. Good luck!