You can't just sit, and wait for someone to do something for you; that holds many people back in this business. You didn't get any leads? What did you do to look for them?

I was lucky enough to run across Shadow Shopper in the very beginning, and with the free membership I could see what was possible. I signed up for the minimum time, followed every lead they offered. As someone said, I signed up with every company they mentioned, found lists and signed up with every company on them. By the end of the paid month, I didn't need them. But I can't imagine starting without Shadow Shopper. If I was convinced that they really could get me the better paying jobs, I would join again. But I made $800 last month, my first fully cogniscent month.

But I have some special skill sets, that I promote when I sign on with companies. Find your special finesse; and then you just need a leg up.

I am a new Mystery Shopper and I joined ShadowShopper to start out. I have applied for four shops and got all four. One is a weekly shop which I can do untill I stop it. So it has workrd for me. However, reading some of the above comments I see not everyone is happy. I came on this site to see about taking the MSPA Certification Test because a number of nice sounding shops require it in lieu of ShadowShopper's.

I find it strange that one should have to pay some broker to locate mystery shopping jobs.
I signed up for shadow shoppers free account just to see if they were for real and I received a message from them telling me that my account is in suspense and I am not receiving any notices from them. This would lead me to believe that this is a bogus company.
Can anyone shed some light on this?
Is shadow shopper for real?
Why aren't they responding to my account?
What is your opinion of shadow shopper, is it worth signing up for?

Being new to the mystery shopping industry,I recently sign up for a $4.99 Gold trail membership to ShadowShopper.com thinking it was a Mystery Shopping Company that offered jobs from within,was I wrong Its a Company that provides reference to Mystery shopping companies.I got loads of E-mail about jobs for which I applied with absolutely NO_RESULTS,however when my 30 day trail membership expired,I was charged $99.95 to my credit-card for another months membership,which I soon contacted Jonathan at ShadowShoppers.com to cancel my Membership,And much to my suprise with 28 days of unused services,I was DENIED ANY TYPE OF REFUND. My Opinion is ShadowShopper.com Is a CLASS A RIPOFF! and gives A BAD_Name to other mystery-shopping companies. Members new and old alike be AWARE OF ShadowShopper.com and Jonathan!

ShadowShopper IS "for real", but I don't like their "automatic renewal" thing (as Ron discovered) and I think that the best way to use them is to sign up for their free bronze level and use them as a resource. Their Shoppers University (free) training material can be invaluable to a new shopper.

I've found that MANY of the emails they send for "jobs in your area" are really not in your area, but may be "in your state" in reality. I do not dispute that they can refer you to available jobs, but instead of paying them to do it, you can register directly with the company for free! Take some time (We all have it. That's why we got into MSing) and register with at least 5 companies a day to get started (make sure to keep an alphabetical list with your shopper # and any unique log-in information) for each company as they're all different. In a week, you'll be surprised at how many companies you're registered with. And you can build your list from there (volition.com has a free alphabetical list of companies and the MSPA also has a list of member companies) that you can register with (just click on the company name and it takes you to a registration page). Make this an on-going process and register with as many companies as you can (there's like 400-500 MS companies,so you'll have plenty of places to register).

As for certification, YOU DON'T NEED TO BE CERTIFIED TO SHOP. However, while most companies do not "require" certification, the MSPA Silver certification (at least) will help you. If you can't afford to spend the $15 for it right now, then get study for (through their free Shopper University) and get ShadowShoppers free CertiShopper certification to start. Why? Because I have found that (all else being equal), at least 9 out of 10 Schedulers will give the job to a shopper with some kind of certification over a shopper with no certification at all...and it will make about 150 more companies who DO require you to be MSPA certified available to you.

I should also mention that from time to time, a "smart" MS company will include their name in the portion of the "jobs available" email that you get for free from ShadowShopper. If you're not already registered with them, just do an internet "seach" for that company (who supposedly has jobs available in your area) and register directly with them. It's a GREAT way to build the list of MS companies who shop your area.

Hope this helps you "newbies".

nwazshopper
MSPA Silver Certified
Shopping NW Arizona

I tried the free membership, only got part info. Then they said ok, we'll give you silver for a month free, too. They said they really needed people where I live. I tried that and got no jobs, no offers from anything that I did with Shadow. Rip off with capital R.

Whatever I paid to join Shadow Shopper has certainly paid off. I could work 24 hours a day if I wanted. In addition, I have received referrals for several great paying jobs. Before I found Shadow Shopper I could go weeks before finding something worth doing. The variety of shops keeps me from getting bored.

I would like to know if you say it is free why do you have to pay for a trail time. Were are the real FREE MYSTERY SHOP JOB for single mom like my self. If you can help i would be so thankful.

I joined ss on a 30 day bronz free membership and ss then said I upgraded to a 30 day trial membership on exactely the same day. Next thing I know my credit card was charged $59.99. And the way I'm looking at this is ss says you can't contact them via phone cause they want to keep there costs down but shame on you if you don't e-mail them as to ending your membership at the end of your free membership period. Cause thats when they get greedy. Jonathon says he's not doing anything illegal. I don't know how this man sleeps at night. I'm not working right now and it's not because I don't want to, I have joined staffing agencies and even spent countless hours online and joining all kinds of mystery shops and have only gotten to do 2. My husband hasn't been well for the last 5 years and he and I get up every morning at 3:00 a.m. and he goes off to work I just want to go out there and help. I worked for many years in the hospitality business and now I can't even buy a job but shadowshopper wants to charge me to look at jobs and nothing else. I paid $15.00 for my mspa silver certificate and I have less money now and more to pay out since they charged my card. So I'm out here in the Inland Empire if anybody knows of any jobs part time or mystery shopping jobs let me know.

Kawanda - As I posted above, you can register directly with the company for free! Take some time (We all have it. That's why we got into MSing) and register with at least 5 companies a day to get started (make sure to keep an alphabetical list with your shopper # and any unique log-in information) for each company as they're all different. In a week, you'll be surprised at how many companies you're registered with.

You can build your list from there (volition.com has a free alphabetical list of companies and the MSPA also has a list of member companies) that you can register with (just click on the company name and it takes you to a registration page). Make this an on-going process and register with as many companies as you can (there's like 400-500 MS companies,so you'll have plenty of places to register...all for free!).

DebraG - Do the same thing and your emails for available shops SHOULD grow.

Also, I don't know how long you've been registered with anyone else, but give it some time. It can sometimes take up to a week to start getting shop availability notices from some companies...aand, of course, the more companies you're registered with, the greater the chance that one of them will eventually a shop available in your area.

It's not uncommon for even a part-time shopper to be registered with 100 or more companies to try and get available shops...if a company doesn't have any shops in your area, the most you'll be out is a few minutes of time spent registering with them. But, if they do, you will be in their data system as potentially available and it's up to you to grab the assignments that you want. Good Luck!

I pay $19.99 every 3 months to Shadow Shopper so that I don't have to do the legwork myself. I tried free sites and I got notices for $5 and $10 jobs, that dosen't cover my gas, let alone my time. With Shadow Shopper I was very skeptical and began with the free trial. You can still enter the job number onto the search portion of Shadowshopper.com to view the whole job's information, it's time consuming but possible. I paid $9.99 the first month and instantly began booking jobs. I've done everything from merchandising, demos, inspections and secret shops. I've been doing this for 6 months now and I make more money than I did when I was an Insurance Adjuster yet I work half the time. I've narrowed my companies to 3 that I continuously work with, that pay every week or 2 weeks, ON TIME!
If you're anything like me; too lazy to do all of the legwork and deciphiring yourself and would rather spend your time on actual jobs, than Shadow Shopper is well worth it. I found out about the company through someone who's been shopping for 4 years.
Because I've been a member for a while I get a special gold member rate of $19.99/3 months, what is that $6.50 a month? I like to stay in the loop of new one time shops and additional merchandising opportunities. Because of Shadow Shopper I shop full time. It may sound like it but I have no special affiliation or personal benefit for promoting Shadow Shopper.

Yes, I signed up w/Shadow Shopper 2 years ago, but I also had a free trial period for about 30 days which lead me to believe it was a good ideal to pay. I paid and really there were a lot of jobs in my area. They paid well and yes I really enjoyed the experience, but I have found alot of others company where you don't have to pay. And, Yes they paid good too. The thing is--- you have to put alot of time on the computer to find what you are looking for. There are a lot of secret shoppers jobs out there, but may I remind you------some don't pay ---- but others pay good.

Jacob your question was-------was it worth it paying ShadowShopper------and your answer is -------------YES.

I have mixed feelings about Shadow Shopper. I see many warnings not to pay fpr jobs. I also refuse to buy from companies who use deceptive adds. Free should mean free. I have a bronze membership. In the bronze most of the posting is cut off. When the company puts their name in the first two lines of the posting it is visible and I Google it and if it looks good, sign up.

On balance they do have a computer programed to fill your mailbox with listings a few of which lead to jobs when I make a signifigent time investment to find companies posted on Shadow Shopperand sign up. They do not appear to do any screening and some listings I have responded to have been scams, especially surveys.

To sum up the free membership is helpful, but I would not pay for a service which which primarily advertises their payed products in every message.

aboutface is a real good place to get jobs

I joined Shadow Shopper for the initial 90 day membership. I forgot to cancel at the end of that time and got charged $99.00 for Gold Membership. It was a good jumping off point but I've gotten few good jobs through the site. I think Jacob's website is a much better resource. I believe there's a site called volition.com that lists tons of shopping websites. It's very good and costs nothing.

jjacob,

I believe I paid the 29.00 a few years ago, but I had a different email address back then. I could never figure out how to get in and change all that. I forgot my old email address and the password. If this is the company then I am a bit worried because I never received any assignments and I applied for alot daily. I have talked to you from my email address I believe and told you about the scams. I asked you how to check on this company. I only received this link. I really want to mystery shop, but im worried about the scams.

Nichol

I cant find the free jobs either with my 30 day trial. They keep telling me that you have to be a gold or silver member or maybe its bronze. I will do it if it is free and if I do start to get paid then I will decide if I want to pay to become a member.Why should you pay somebody to do a job do you get paid for doing the job. What is with this asking for money. I also have a friend that will do this to but we aren't going to pay anyone.

Nichol

ShadowShopper is a legitimate source for finding jobs, but I disagree with their "automatic renewal" policy.

You can get the information about what "legitimate" companies (there are some 400-500 or more) to register with for free (the more companies you register with, the busier you'll be) on the list that's available here, at volition.com, at walletboosters.com, at mommybiz.com or a list of 150-200 MSPA members at www.mysteryshop.org/shoppers/membercos.php

Good luck and have fun.

Joined as a bronze member. (free) When a person asks you to pay them money to work for them throws up warniing signs. The vast majority of job offers I recieved didn't even pay enough to drive to the location yet alone take pictures and come home to spend time filing out (at Times) difficult forms and experience essays. Most of the companies (99%) are of large enough to pay a lot more than the 10 to 20 dollars offered. If they are really interested they would pay like they are. Bare International is the only one that started to have a respectible pay scale but this came after a number of emails fom me refusing jobs because of low pay. Now I recieve job orders paying at least $35.

Shadow Shoppers is, in essence, the employment agency for the mystery shopping world. Employment agencies send you out on job interviews, but it is up to you to make a good impression and get hired by the company. Likewise, just because Shadow Shoppers sends you an email about a shop being available, it doesn't follow that if you're not assigned the shop, it is Shadow Shoppers' fault. I think it worthy to note that many (NOT ALL!) of those who are not happy with their Shadow Shopper experience are the same ones who seem to have grammar &/or spelling problems in their posts. Could that be the reason they are not getting jobs, rather than anything that Shadow Shoppers is doing wrong?

I, for one, was happy with my experience with Shadow Shoppers. Like the rest who have had a satisfactory experience with them, I did follow up on the emails they sent by signing up directly with the companies offering the jobs. I am still working with 5 or 6 of those original companies on a regular basis. It is possible that I would have found the companies on my own, but then again, maybe not.

Also, within about an hour of posting my bio, I rec'd a phone call from a scheduler asking me to do a demo (6 hours @ $10/hr). I'd say the cost of Shadow Shoppers was worth it, at least to me.

Good luck, all...

Personally, I have been very successful with mystery shopping assignments without ever considering Shadow Shopper. One can do the same without sending a penny in to any organization. In my opinion from what I've heard about Shadow Shopper, I wouldn't waste my energy or money on them. Trust me, you can be successful without dealing with them.

I joined ShadowShopper just recently and I haven't received any jobs from their listings. Most of the companies that they have sent emails to, me are from companies that I already work with. I signed up because they said if you sign up for Gold you could get Cruise jobs but I haven't seen any of those types of jobs available.

to jdj77

I am new at this and considering mystery shopping, what did you do to find ligit sites to go to, or were did you begin. I keep on finding web sites that want you to pay to get started.

Shadow Shoppers.com is not a mystery shopping company there for it is OK to pay for their services. What they are is a Mystery shopping referral company. In other words they line the shops up for you,you go to the shop and register and see if you want the job or not . After signing up if you are in the area where this company wants a shop done they will them self's email you. The only thing Shadow shopper does is let you know where the shop is and for you to go register there. Again they ARE NOT a mystery shopping company.

Shadow Shoppers doesn't get you jobs. It gives you leads, like the newspaper classifieds. Then you get to do the work.

I got started in shopping in the first month. If I had done it on my own, it would have taken months.

I have a question for the more experienced of the long column of people here. I am considering joining again, in my quest for the Holy Grail of shopping; the really well paying jobs for experienced shoppers. Can Shadow Shopper help me? Or, as an experienced shopper, am I just as good on my own?

Doing what I enjoy.
Beth

Here's the secret about Shadow Shopper. DON"T PAY FOR IT! Join the free service, lowest level. Go to the spot on their web site that lists the different companies they refer for. Find those company web sites (either from the shadowshopper site or from your own research) after this go to those company sites and apply there. Another way to find mystery shop companies is to google sassieshop and check out all the companies that pop up. The more companies you apply to the more jobsyou can get, even in rural areas.

I tried and found that ShadowShopper was not a good company. First they lured me in stating that I could get jobs without paying anything yet when I tried to look at the details they want me to pay. I sent them an email asking what was up and they sent back a lame answer stating that to provide this service it was necessary to charge the shoppers for the information. I shop for other companies and never have I paid to shop with any of them. ShadowShopper is a ripoff!

There is one thing to remember about Shadow Shopper. They are not a Mystery Shopping Company. They do not assign you shops to do. All they do is tell you what shops are available through the real Mystery Shopping Companies. Too many people seem to think that they are actually the one you get assignments from----they are not. They are not a rip-off. They are just doing what the other Companies pay them to do and that is direct you to the Companies that have the jobs available.

When I first started mystery/secret shopping/auditing, shadowshopper really got me started with conections to opportunities, information and tips on what to do to improve my chances for assignments -- in specific put me in touch with the certifying group. It was nice to have an entity walk me through the process of becoming certified and getting started. I purchased a long membership, however, and wish I hadn't as I get a lot of duplicate offers for shops, which is inefficient. But, I was really glad I had their help in the beginning.

I don't know who Jacob Jans is affiliated with, but his articles are also helpful to newcomers and he doesn't charge!

That's it, let's go shopping!!!!!!

I joined Secret Shopper when I first started mystery shopping in Oct 2005. I filled out all of the requirements and submitted my photo, took the tests, and did everything needed. Then they offered me a free week of the silver paid membership. Then I tried their 90 day program (twice). And later I got my silver MSPA certification that a lot of shopping companies like to see, especially if you are new to mystery shopping. It was a good experience and I got a lot of information. Getting shops all depends on how you write up your experience and where you are located, if there are a lot of shops available. I was able to get a very good assignment as a result of joining Secret Shopping that gave me three months of work and I am able to still use that shop company for any future jobs in my area. I like Secret Shopper but I have been travelling a lot this year and can't do shops when I am travelling with my husband so I don't see the point in paying for membership since I can't do many of the shops anyway.