Mystery Shopping- Some Basic Information And How To Avoid Scams

By Author: John Legraund
Total Articles: 13
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Some retailers hire marketing research companies to judge the quality of service in their stores; these businesses use mystery shoppers to get the information anonymously. They assign a mystery shopper to make a particular purchase in a store or restaurant, for example, after which set of the knowledge. Typically, the shopper is reimbursed, and can keep your service or product. Many professionals in the field consider mystery shopping a part-time activity, at best. And, they add, opportunities generally are posted online by marketing research or merchandising companies.
Do you know the Scams?
Fraudulent mystery shopping promoters are utilizing newspaper ads and emails to create the sense that they’re a gateway to lucrative mystery shopper jobs with reputable companies. These solicitations usually promote an internet site where consumers can “register” are being mystery shoppers - after they pay a fee for information about a certification program, a listing of mystery shopping companies, or perhaps a guarantee of the mystery shopping job.
The truth is ...
... that it is unnecessary to pay for money to anyone to get into the mystery shopper business. The shopping certification offered in advertising or unsolicited email has been nearly always worthless. A list of firms that hire mystery shoppers can be obtained for free; and legitimate mystery shopper jobs are on the web for free. Consumers who try to obtain a refund from promoters of mystery shopping jobs usually are out of luck. Either the company doesn’t return the telephone calls, or if it will, it’s to test another pitch.
In another version of the scam, individuals are “hired” to become mystery shoppers and told that their first assignment is to evaluate a cash transfer service,. The shopper gets to be a check with instructions to deposit it in a personal bank account, withdraw the total amount in cash, and wire it to some 3rd party. By law, banks must make the funds from depositing checks available within days, but uncovering a fake check can take weeks. Individuals are accountable for the checks they deposit, therefore if a cheque turns out to be a fake, they're responsible to make payment on bank back. It’s advisable not to deposit a cheque from someone you don’t know, especially if the stranger asks you to wire money.
The reality of Mystery Shopping
Becoming the best mystery shopper for a legitimate company doesn’t cost anything. Here’s how to do it:
Do your homework about mystery shopping. Check libraries, bookstores, or online sites for tips about how to find legitimate companies hiring mystery shoppers, as well as how to get the job done effectively.
Search the Internet for reviews and comments about mystery shopping companies that are accepting applications online.
Don’t pay a fee to become a mystery shopper. Legitimate companies don’t charge people to work for them - they pay individuals to work with them.
Never wire money included in a mystery shopping assignment.
consumers ought to be skeptical of mystery shopping promoters who:
Advertise for mystery shoppers in a newspaper’s ‘help wanted’ section or by email. Although it can happen as though these companies are hiring mystery shoppers, it’s much more likely that they’re pitching unnecessary - and possibly bogus - mystery shopping “services.”
Require that you simply pay for “certification.”
Guarantee a job as a mystery shopper.
Charge a fee for access to mystery shopping opportunities.
Sell directories of companies that employ mystery shoppers.
Ask you to definitely deposit a cheque and wire some or all the money to someone.
For mystery shopping services log on to: http://www.tern.co.uk