Forum Alias: Irene_L.A.
How long have you been mystery shopping? About 6 years.
Where are you shopping?The Los Angeles area and surrounding suburbs.
What got you started? I started shopping after retiring and becoming quite bored. I discovered shopping through Shadow Shopper, signed up, and did a few jobs in my area through them.
I continued honing my skills and plugging away. The first month I wanted to quit, but always went back. When I finally got better, I signed up for “NSS”, “Tell Us About Us”, and the company who evaluated the Red Robin restaurants. After eating there, I perked up, saying, “Well now, this is fun”. I did many upscale retail shops for NSS in Beverly Hills, and found my niche. I then started with Mercantile doing their restaurants and continue to this day. I have done all kinds of restaurants, upscale retail, auto dealerships, apartments, and finally got my Nevada license.
This job has kept my mind intact, given me a purpose and really added to my life and pocketbook, with the perks, especially grocery stores a big plus.
What was your first assignment and how did it go?My first job was Best Buy which I didn’t care for. I remember being so nervous – all for $7.00 – and wasn’t at all sure this was for me.
What is your least favorite assignment?My least favorite job is fast food. I’m kind to my waist.
What is your favorite type of assignment? I enjoy hotels, restaurants, and a perk for me is visiting my daughter in Chicago and getting a great restaurant for us to go to is so much fun.
What kind of assignment haven’t you tried out yet? The only job I haven’t done is a cruise. I hear that’s a lot of work, so it remains a thought.
What’s your #1 tip for other shoppers? When starting out, take all jobs in your area. Do your best to write a good report to keep your rating an 8/10. This helps in getting better jobs. Follow instructions to the letter. Remember to be professional and if you make an error, learn from it.
What’s your biggest pet peeve with mystery shopping?The one pet peeve is the lower fees, and not getting reimbursed for gas. L.A. being huge, gas becomes a problem, and I have had to reject jobs many times. Unless I can get four to do it’s not worth the drive.
What’s your favorite MSC? In order of preference: Person to Person, Mercantile Systems, Trendsource, and Reality Check.
MSPA Certification: Silver level.