MSPA is for the companies not the shoppers......even when some companies that stiffed shoppers .......the MSPA left them on their list of approved companies for a very long time. I rely more on other shoppers opinions and experiences w/companies rather than whether the company is MSPA member.
From MSPA site:
The MSPA is a group of companies united as a common body for the purpose of strengthening the mystery shopping industry through combined efforts and actions. It is the goal of the membership to improve and stimulate the acceptance, performance, reputation and use of mystery shopping services.
The primary goals of the MSPA are to:
Establish professional standards and ethics for the industry.
Educate providers, clients and shoppers to improve quality of service.
Improve the image of the industry through public relations and conduct.
Promote members to other industry associations and prospect clients.
also, they are adamant:
Attention All Shoppers. Please contact member companies directly; please do not use this form and do not contact the MSPA office. Your only contact should be directly with member companies.