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Post Info TOPIC: Mystery shopper and/or focus groups?
Elle


Hermes

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Mystery shopper and/or focus groups?
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I think I remember at least a few people here talking about having been a mystery shopper or done shopping-related focus groups in the past.  I've been considering doing one or both for a little extra cash while I'm in school, but I'm unsure how I could get into them with a legitimate company - there seems to be so many scammers out there!

If you have experience with either of these, how did you get into it?  How do you find out about future opportunities in your area?  Have you had any negative experiences?  Are there any signs to watch out for to spot a legitimate or scam company?  How much money do you get on average each time?

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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
D


Hermes

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I am a certified mystery shopper.  Most mystery shopping companies will not consider you for assignments without MSPA silver certification.  Certification requires a little studying and the test can be taken online for $50 or something like that.  Jobs can pay from $10-$50, depending on complication.  I did shops for American Express that paid $10 (but I did a lot of them), Sharper Image $20, and $50 for a high-end watch company where I had to go into jewelry shops and act like I wanted to spend 5-6,000 on a watch.  If you're comfortable acting, it can be kind of fun and make for some good stories.  At this time, the only shops I perform are at an expensive carwash.  It reimburses me for the wash, plus $5, and it's around the corner from my house. I can pretty much perform the carwash shops blindfolded now, so it doesn't take much time for me to write up the report.  You really do have to determine if the job is worth your time, effort and gas to make it worthwhile.  Also keep in mind that your subjective opinion is not welcome - it's more of a prompt, observe, and report response kind of thing.  However, the car wash shops I do ask for my opinion, but those are the only shops I have done that did.

Some reputable mystery shopping organizations that I'm registered with are:
beyondhello.com
imyst.com
experienceexchange.com
kernscheduling.com
marketforce.com
nationalshoppingservice.com

As far as focus groups, I somehow got contacted to do these... I really don't know how they got my contact info.  Are you in Washington or Oregon?  I did a google search "oregon focus groups" (without quotes), and found this:
http://www.bnresearch.com/contact_signup_form.html 

Focus groups can be great because the pay can range from $50-$100/hour, but the opportunities are few and far between so it's not like you can make a job out of it.

Let me know if you have any questions!  I also accidentally posted this before I was done, so I hope you see the rest of this!

-- Edited by D at 14:19, 2008-09-19

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"Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess." ~ Edna Woolman Chase
Elle


Hermes

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That's exactly the kind of info I'm looking for, D!  How do you receive payment for these jobs - check, credit to an online account ala paypal?  And how do you typically send in the reports - snail mail or online?

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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
D


Hermes

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Elle wrote:

That's exactly the kind of info I'm looking for, D!  How do you receive payment for these jobs - check, credit to an online account ala paypal?  And how do you typically send in the reports - snail mail or online?


I report everything on-line. Some will pay via paypal, and some pay via mailed check.



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"Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess." ~ Edna Woolman Chase
XtinaStyles


Marc Jacobs

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I used to do a few focus groups - I feel like with the downturn in the economy though companies are cutting back.

I would respond to any ads featuring focus groups in Craigslist. Usually you email them answering some questions and if you get selected, they ask you to appear in an office at a certain time. When you arrive, they pay you in person in cash. The online ones pay a lot less and I've had experience with them never paying at all!
In person the compensation was like $100-$200 for a couple of hours worth of time.


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Elle


Hermes

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XtinaStyles wrote:

I used to do a few focus groups - I feel like with the downturn in the economy though companies are cutting back.

I would respond to any ads featuring focus groups in Craigslist. Usually you email them answering some questions and if you get selected, they ask you to appear in an office at a certain time. When you arrive, they pay you in person in cash. The online ones pay a lot less and I've had experience with them never paying at all!
In person the compensation was like $100-$200 for a couple of hours worth of time.


What section are they usually listed under on Craigslist in your experience?



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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
XtinaStyles


Marc Jacobs

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 I believe I always found them in community events and the gigs section.  Search for "focus group, paid study" and different variations.

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Hermes

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Elle - I always find focus groups under the jobs category on Craig's List.  They're usually under the "Etc" section.  HTH!

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