Once you become familiar with what the job of mystery shopping is all about, you may find yourself enjoying it so much that you want to get more assignments. What can you do to increase your chances of getting more work?
* Apply with as many companies as possible. The more companies you apply with the higher your chances are of getting shop offers and making money.
* Be professional. Mystery Shopping is a real job, so send a cover letter with the job application, complete shops before the deadline and submit complete, accurate reports.
* Get certified. Getting certified by the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) sets you apart as serious. Get silver certified within an hour over the Internet for $15, and gold certified with a one-day workshop for around $100.
* Check your email frequently. You never know when shop opportunities are going to be sent, and shops go as quickly as they are advertised.
* Get on a company's A-list. Mystery shopping schedulers want reliable, dependable people. That's why you need to keep in contact with them and let them know that you are available on short notice assignments.
* Check job boards daily to find jobs in your area.
* Apply to scheduling companies. They work closely with mystery shopper companies and usually the schedulers pay you more than the mystery shopper company itself.
* You wouldn't climb Mt. Everest in sneakers and a t-shirt. Serious mystery shoppers invest in the right equipment. Every so often shops require you to have a digital camera, a stopwatch or a laptop computer. Remember, these items are tax deductible.
* Get a PayPal account. Many companies use PayPal to deposit your check.
* Start writing. Not only should you put together an informational sheet for filling out applications, you should also prepare some writing samples. Many applications will ask for one or more of the following: an example of a good customer experience, an example of a poor customer experience and a paragraph about why you would make a good mystery shopper.
Following these simple tips, being professional, and handling yourself like a real business professional should go a long way in helping you to land enough assignments to keep you busy.