Mystery Shopping Tip #1

1. Mystery Shopping seems to have a bad reputation. I've been seeing tons of shows talking against it, Dr. Phil, Dateline, etc. It can get overwhelming. Just follow this tip and you should be armed against the fakes:

Any company that makes you pay to get started (ie; pay $19.95 for a list of Mystery Shopping companies), don't sign up for it because it's more than likely a scam. And, do NOT pay any company to shop for them.

Work at Home Opportunities

Opinion Outpost is one of my favorite research panel survey sites. It's legitimate and well worth your time. You get paid to take surveys that last from 5-30 minutes. Most survey panels offer gift cards and rewards, but Opinion Outpost gives nothing but $$, which is perfect. As of October 2010 I have earned $45.30 from just being a regular survey panel member, with $2 in the bank. As an affiliate I have reached $16 and will automatically cash-out at 20 bucks.

Spending more time accepting survey offers will ensure that you accumulate more cash. Opinion Outpost sends the surveys directly to your e-mail and you follow the link to your survey opportunity and begin qualifying! Qualification depends on the retailer/client and if you do not qualify you will be opted out and have the choice between making a quick donation courtesy of Opinion Outpost, a chance at $50 and one other quick option. The length of the survey determines the amount of money you get paid.

You can cash out at any time if you’re a panel member, and the paycheck comes fast. I've been a member for some time now and it is by far my favorite survey site out there. Sign up here if you want to make some extra money!

Best,

Social Network

Couponmom.com is a magnificent resource for beginner couponers. This is a community where you will find support along your couponing journey and a place to brag about all of your steals! Couponing is when you combine store sales with stacking multiple coupons, to maximize your savings. It's amazing and the savings are unreal. I have always had a love for coupons, but didn't become an authentic strategic shopper until I became a member of couponmom.com. I visit the forum most often, http://forum.couponmom.com.

There are:
Threads: 13,334, Posts: 97,709,
Members: 7,322, Active Members: 2,295

One thread that I visit most often is the freebie thread! Members post links to some of the best no-strings attached freebie deals around. Freebies from Walmart.com, AllYou.com, and direct from retailers! I’ve received Cream of Wheat samples in the mail, feminine hygiene products, many more samples and even have a few on the way! Think mini food samples delivered right to your door!

It truly is one of my favorite places to hang out and find killer-deals. I've been a member since November 2008 and I still visit it very often. The people are incredibly nice and helpful and the deals are practically unreal. ...What kind of deals will you find? Come back and share some with us!

Tell them Whitney from allthingsgodly sent you! http://whatsoeverthingsaregodly.blogspot.com

Shopper Stories

Jancyn

"i've been signed up for jancyn since i began mystery shopping practically and yesterday i finally completed my first shop for them. :) it was really fun. i went to visit some apartments... i've never rented an apt so it was funnn touring and such. anywho, it was for $23 and it comes soon via paypal ;)"

Confero

"I signed up a few days ago. I am getting flooded with jobs :) If they approve me for 4 jobs I requested, then I will do 4 jobs all in the same day on a Saturday. :D :D 2 Jobs in same area. 2 other jobs in another area, but yet in that area together. "

GfK

"I did it! I completed my very first mystery shops. I did two grocery shops with GfK and they were pretty easy. I was nervous at my first one... But, overall it went well and on my second trip I didn't make uneccessary purchases...

I am still awaiting payment via paypal but it takes 2-3 weeks so I'm not worried yet. I have a 3rd shop planned...

I also wrote to a site (forgot the name) about doing more elite shops at restaurants and spas but haven't heard back so I am assuming they weren't impressed. Oh, well. Thanks for telling me about the shops. I hope enough stay in my area that I can do one a week...or even more."

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"Thanks! I am looking forward to it :)..My sister is going to join it too :)..she cant believe it's real ..lolol..shop, get paid for it, get refunded and keep items :D"

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"Alright, just finished signing up with GfK! My first mystery shop sign up! I'll let you know how it proceeds from here!"

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"i'm excited... i nabbed a bonus shop from my scheduler today for $30 extra!!! YAHHHHHHHHHHOO!!!! $31 shop!! :D:D biggest bonus i've gotten for GfK! yipyip!!"

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"...Hope all goes well on your jobs :)...It's so much fun to me! I'm a loving it thoroughly!! It'll take a few days and all of sudden the jobs will be rolling in!"

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"Here's how much I'm a lov'in my jobs....I did "5 JOBS TODAY" :)...yes I did! YaaaaHooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:D:D:D"

[The above comments are from the social community where Mystery Shoppers Unite started out: couponmom.com. Submit your shopper stories to mysteryshoppersunite@ymail.com or leave a comment below this post].

If you're new, please start at the Feb. 3rd post. Begin following this blog to immediately receive a Mystery Shopping packet. Once you join, e-mail mysteryshoppersunite@ymail.com.