Mystery Shopper's Manual

by Cathy Stucker

Can You Really Get Paid to Shop? If you are looking for a flexible, fun way to make extra money, mystery shopping may be for you! You can get paid to shop, eat in restaurants, get your hair cut, go to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1888983248
• ISBN13: 9781888983241
• Release Date: April 2002
• Publisher: Special Interests Publishing
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Definitive Guide to Mystery Shopping

The Mystery Shopper's Manual by Cathy Stucker is the definitive guide to mystery shopping. This fact filled book goes beyond the hype often associated with mystery shopping (also known as secret shopping, service evaluation, and service checks) and gives straight forward information on everything you need to know to get started on being paid to shop in your favorite stores, eat in your favorite restaurants, and lots more opportunities. Now in its sixth edition, this book is endorsed by Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA), the largest professional trade association dedicated to improving service quality using anonymous resources, and many of the industry's leading mystery shopping and scheduling service companies. It is also the basis for the MSPA's Gold Certification program. The only thing this book is missing is a comprehensive index. However, the table of contents contains detailed heading of all the chapters' information. The first part of the book covers the basics of mystery shopping by explaining what mystery shopping is, who hires mystery shoppers, and what mystery shoppers do. It goes on to outline what you need to get started as a secret shopper and if you have the qualities and qualifications needed to be successful. In the next section of the book, Stucker gives an honest assessment of the amount of money that can be earned as a mystery shopper. She also discusses the pay structure and ways fees and reimbursements are paid. Next, Stucker gives thorough coverage on how to get started as a mystery shopper and even includes a quick-start plan to make it even easier. The book also covers how to get assignments, preparing for a shop, doing a mystery shop, and getting paid. Stucker also gives specific tips on doing bank, restaurant, and apartment shops. The appendix contains a mystery shopping directory of mystery shopping companies and international companies. It also includes a guide on how to find more mystery shopping companies and nternet resources. Recommendation I have reviewed several mystery shopping books at my site, All Info About Mystery Shopping (http://mysteryshopping.allinfoabout.com). I highly recommend The Mystery Shopper's Manual as my first choice in books on mystery shopping. The information in the book is well organized and easy to understand. Stucker gives balanced and realistic view of the mystery shopping industry and being a mystery shopper while covering everything you need to know to be successful.

Don't "Shop" until you "Drop" the money for this book!

For someone who wants to cut through the hype and get to the nitty-gritty of mystery shopping, Cathy Stucker's "The Mystery Shopper's Manual (5th Edition) is the book for you.I've been mystery shopping for three years now, and Cathy's book provided the information I needed to get started. None of the -"Get rich mystery shopping!"scams, or attempts to sell mystery shopping as a way to make easy money with little or no skills required--- graces the pages of this book. Not to mention the come-ons (I get e-mails daily on these) that promise that mystery shoppers keep designer clothes, eat in five-star restaurants or take home merchandise worth hundreds of dollars. Her advice is sound (based on years of experience as a mystery shopper herself) and you know within a few pages that she knows that she's talking about! She views mystery shopping as a profession and offers practical advice to those who might want to get in the business as well as for those who already are. She points out common mistakes that shopper make, how to contact people who hire mystery shoppers, and how to get the prime assignments. Her book even features a mystery shopper application. Very helpful for someone who wants know exactly what are the requirements needed to become a mystery shopper. In short, The Mystery Shopper Manual is a "how to" book written by someone who "did" it. And "does" it. Cathy continues to mystery shop and passes on what she has learned over the years. On a personal note here: In August 2003 I attended the "Mystery Shopper Gold Certification Workshop" in Seattle and was surprised (and delighted)when I saw that it was Cathy who had developed the Mystery Shopping Providers Association workbook that I was holding in my hand. A perfect match, I thought. The Mystery Shopping Provider Association having Cathy Stucker as spokeswoman as well has having her author the manual that was used as the "Bible" for the conference.If you're serious about pursuing mystery shopping as a legitimate part-time income opportunity, I do believe that this is the book for you!

Substantive, realistic and helpful

I read this book out of curiosity about what mystery shoppers do and who hires them. Cathy Stucker offers real-world knowledge about what mystery shoppers do, how to get such work, what you can expect in the way of earnings and much, much more. The book is also attractive and well-written and even includes an easy-to-use directory of companies looking for mystery shoppers.

Very Educational and Factual!

I have been a mystery shopper for 4 years for 30 different mystery shopping companies. When I first heard about this book, I was very hesitant. I borrowed it from a friend, not willing to waste my hard earned mystery shopping dollars on yet another "get rich quick" scheme type book.Imagine my surprise when I realized that this book was actually factual! It had real truth, explaining the work that goes into being a mystery shopper and how to do it. It also made it perfectly clear that Mystery shopping is not a "get rich quick" scheme. It is a rewarding and fun job, but it is a JOB, plain and simple.This book was educational and factual and can help the beginning or intermediate mystery shopper with obtaining more shops, writing better reports, and other useful information.I would highly recommend it to anyone even remotely interested in doing shopping for money!

This book pays for itself!

"The Mystery Shopper's Manual" makes it easy to get started as a mystery shopper. The instructions and tips are helpful when applying to mystery shopping companies, doing mystery shops and completing reports. Whether you are a new or experienced shopper, you can use the list of mystery shopping companies to submit your information to lots of companies quickly, and get more assignments faster. Your first assignment could pay for the book!A great resource for anyone who wants a fun, flexible way to make extra money.