What does a mystery shop job usually entail?
After being assigned a job, you will be given instructions, usually by email or over the phone, informing of the specific criteria the job requires. For instance, a job could require you to go to a specific store and take note if the employees greeted you appropriately upon your entrance, had a store display in the correct location, or a number of other things. Mystery shoppers would enter a store or location like any other customer, and would then make a report after leaving the store. You would then either email or mail the report, or in some cases, call the company immediately following the job. Some jobs require photos or videos to be taken as well but depend on the actual job. As a rule of thumb, jobs requiring more time or effort compensate more than those with fewer requirements.

Who is eligible to be a mystery shopper?
Anyone that is capable of frequenting a store or restaurant and sending a detailed report is eligible to be a mystery shopper. Companies need mystery shoppers of both sexes, of varying ages, and in regions all across the country. Depending on specific jobs, some do require mystery shoppers to be at least 18 or 21 for jobs involving alcohol or other age-restricted items.

How much can I make as a mystery shopper?
How much you work (and therefore earn) as a mystery shopper is up to the individual. Many people mystery shop in their spare time and it is not unusual to make up to $300 - $500 a week this way. Many college students, stay-at-home moms, and others who have erratic schedules find mystery shopping a great source of money on the side. It is also possible to mystery shop full-time, but requires the shopper to have good discipline and management skills to juggle the multiple assignments and schedules. Full-time mystery shoppers have made over $40,000 a year providing mystery shop services to companies.

How much can I expect to earn from each job?
As there are many companies that offer different jobs, compensation does vary but it does usually increase with jobs that take more time or effort to complete. Some jobs may take only minutes to finish while others may take up to an hour or longer. An example of a retail store job would pay anywhere from $10 - $40 and reimbursement of a small item and would require about 15 minutes of shop time and a 1-2 page report. An example of a restaurant job would pay between $15 - $50 and reimbursement of the cost of the meal and would last the length of the meal and require a 2-5 page report. These are just example cases as actual jobs and pay schedules do vary.

How do I get paid for assignments?
Payment procedures vary per company but you can typically expect to receive a check mailed to you within their regular payroll cycle or within 2 weeks. In some cases, it will be sooner and others longer. Some companies may also offer a direct deposit option or payment through an online service such as Paypal. Specific payment terms for individual jobs will be provided to you before accepting the job.

What areas are mystery shop jobs available?
Our database of mystery shop companies span across the U.S. and Canada. These companies recruit mystery shoppers throughout the year in different areas and are always looking for new people of varying demographics to obtain new data. As companies decide to test different products or services, jobs come and go all the time and in different regions. Even as such, jobs are available throughout the U.S. and Canada in most cities and towns. If there is a shopping center or mall in your area with franchise businesses, chances are mystery shop jobs are available in your area.

How can I be sure I'll find work as a Mystery Shopper?
With over 200 affiliate companies in our database, there is usually more work available than mystery shoppers. And as such, is why we have been pairing up companies and shoppers throughout the country. Our affiliates are companies that provide marketing services to many large chains and franchises as well as private-owned businesses and have a continual need for mystery shoppers of varying demographics. Work in the past has been available at such chains as The Gap, Chili's, Wal-Mart, and many others. Assuming there are shopping facilities nearby your city or town, mystery shop jobs are likely available in your area.

How soon can I begin work as a mystery shopper?
Upon applying to a company for the first time, it can take up to 2 weeks or more to receive your first job though many have received jobs the same week or even day depending on need. Companies match up mystery shopper statistics and determine who and how many people are needed to fulfill their requirements. It is recommended to apply to multiple companies to increase your chances of finding current jobs. Once you have performed a successful job and are on file with a company, more work will usually be offered and at a faster rate.

What is the membership fee for?
We have researched and developed a database of several hundred affiliate companies nationwide in the U.S. and Canada which have been proven successful and easy for mystery shoppers to work with. We offer step by step instructions and details on how to secure work as a mystery shopper with our affiliates while our database is continually updated with new companies and information. The service we offer does cost us money as we employ a staff to update the site as well as provide customer service and technical upkeep and maintenance. The minimal membership fee offsets the cost of our expenses so that we can provide the best and most accurate service possible. Most members make back the membership fee with their first mystery shop job. There are lesser services which make similar claims but with poorer resources and higher membership fees. Once registered with Corland Mystery Shop, there will be no other fees of any kind, with all members given life-time access to our service.

Is it safe to enter my credit card information online?
Yes, it is completely safe to enter your personal information on our site. All transactions are processed using the latest technology with SSL encryption, ensuring all your information is completely safe and secure.