What is a Secret Shopper?

For instance, you could sign up with a company that provides assignments to fast food restaurants and shoe stores. Once your registration is accepted by that company, you can go to the company's website to check for available secret shopping assignments that are in your area. When you see one you would like to do, you follow the instructions of the company to sign up for that assignment.

Then you print out guidlines for the assignment and the questions you will be answering. You study these before going on the assignment so that you know what you are doing when you get there. Once you are there, you observe everything needed to answer those questions.

You should not carry your guidelines or questions into the business unless they are hidden in a pocket or purse! You don't want to give away the fact that you are a secret shopper. If you need to check on them during the visit, use the restroom and privately take a look at your guidelines again while you are in there.

Once you leave, you write out your answers to the questions - normally on an online form from the provider company. You will also need to fax or scan and email your receipt to the company. You must give complete, thorough answers. The more specific information you give, the better. If you complete the assignment correctly, you will be paid a fee and/or be reimbursed for the cost of your purchase.

Some secret shoppers only work occasionally, while others register with enough companies that they work several assignments per week. It is their choice because they are not employees of the provider companies. Instead they are independent contractors. As an independent contractor you may be entitled to tax deductions!