Are mystery shopper jobs just a scam or are they legitimate?

It sounds too good to be true, which usually is the case. Is there anyone out there who has worked as a mystery shopper or knows someone who has?

I have done mystery shopping jobs in the past. I usually made about $10-$15 for each assignment-which you may have to make a purchase and then you are reimbursed later on (it can take 15-30 days to get a check). If you don't live in large area, you may not get shops often either. Another thing you may want to consider is the price of gas, if shops you get assigned are not close together, the amount of gas and vehicle you have may not make it worth your time.

I did land a good assignment at one time, I had to drive 50 miles and had to do 3 gas stations and was paid $50 for each one ($150). This was rare though and the reason they offered me a bonus was because of the drive and it had to done the following day.

If you are considering msytery shopping and live in a large area, sign up for as many companies as you can so you can get more assignments. Make sure you do all assignments in a timely manner and companies will offer you more assignments.

There are many mystery shopping companies but DO NOT pay to be a mystery shopper! A legitimate company will not ask you for a fee.

If you need some names of mystery shopping companies and websites-go to my profile and go to the website listed, once there go to message board, there is a folder that has mystery shopping companies listed.

i beleave most on line ones are scams

They are scams. They will charge a YOU fees/membership dues, etc. to the point that you give them more money than they ever give you!

That's how they make a living!

I do know someone who was a mystery diner. She would have to go to a restaurant and eat there, then return to her home and write & submit a report: her opinions of the food , ambiance & service.

Sometimes she would get Gift certificates in advance, but other times she would have to charge her meal, then wait to be reimbursed. They did not pay too quickly, but were very demanding to get the reports in a hurry.
She finally quit.
It was legit, in the San Francisco Bay Area.

There are a few that are legit. But in most cases you have to pay for the product up front and then the company reimburses you every month. I had a friend who tried this. The work was slow in forth coming and waiting for the reimbursement was too.
~best of luck to you
~jennifer

I would not bother, it does not seem to be worth your time, and if you have to pay up front, and wait for your money. Need I say more.