Okay...technically I'm not a "new" shopper, since I've been at this for more than 20 years, on and off...and I started back when carbons and colored paper were the way to turn in reports. But apparently some things have changed since I last set foot in someplace as a shopper, so I'll act like a newbie for this inquiry!

Since I'm Internet savvy, it's been easy to sign up as a shopper and get assignments, much easier than I remember...but I'm starting to wonder about MSPA certification. On one hand, I'm raising an eyebrow over the seeming universality of places asking me if I'm certified. "EH? WHAT'S THAT, SONNY? I'VE BEEN DOING THIS FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS, WHAT DO I NEED CERTIFICATION FOR???"

Seriously though...I'll go for it in a few weeks, once I get my bearings again. But when exactly did this certification become a gold standard for shoppers? The MSPA website's history of the org is markedly unhelpful. What exactly happened while I was asleep next to Mr. van Winkle, and what year did it all happen?

Meanwhile...my thing used to be banks and restaurants, but now I'm trying all kinds of shops...mattress stores...shoe stores...bowling alleys...today I tried a valet parking shop for the first time. What a trip. It was especially fun making sure the valet understood how to drive my hybrid.

For a well experienced shopper there is probably no benefit to MSPA certifications. The reason that you see so many MSCs asking if you are certified is that they are probably MSPA members and need to tow the line by asking. Very, very few MSCs appear to give any preference to certified shoppers; good relations with a scheduler and a history of top performance will out rank certification every time. A few shoppers have reported that with two shoppers in the household, the one certified is seeing the same shops as the uncertified, and visa versa.

I have seen exactly one MSC who advertises a $5 additional fee for a shopper who is silver or gold certified. I am not certified, and will not take this MSC's assignments without asking for, and getting, the additional $5.