The question is then, How does Mystery Shopper make (ME) money? Or put slightly differently, WIIFM? What is in it for me?

A substantial amount of time, dedication, discipline, commitment, persistence, confidence, conviction (for success and results), determination and self-sacrifice might be required upfront

There will be some start-up costs (like printing your business cards, setting up a website (if you wish), getting your suite of service intelligence offerings, pricing, fee schedules etc., marketing materials, budgeting, financial accounting (software), tools of the trade (analysis, reporting documents, letterhead, templates, laptop, phone etc.)

Traveling and commuting to and from,

Any additional business equipment or purchases, start-up capital, business registration fee, licensing, training,

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PAY ANYONE FEES TO REGISTER, TRAIN or WORK FOR THEM BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR SCAMS AND FRAUD THAT OFTENTIMES ASK FOR MONEY UPFRONT!

You might be required as a highly reputable, skilled mystery shopper or service intelligence advisor, niche specialist to move around for evaluations, observations, services, to different clients, locations and the like. NEVER pay to work with a mystery shopping company, aim for them to pay you! You need to make the money, not line someone elses pocket.

You might have to invest some initial funds to get what you need. Budget and see how much you can afford to spend and contribute. Cash-flow management is of the utmost importance and some of these Mystery Shopper tasks, assignments etc. can take between sixty and ninety days to pay out and actually get money into your hands/bank account. Once the money starts rolling in, it becomes easier to manage.

Set-up costs for any business will be there, just on a smaller scale. Learn from those that have been through it and list all the expenses that you anticipate in the first couple of days, weeks, months, quarter, year etc.

Some investment will be required to get your Mystery Shopper off the ground, to profit margins and levels. This is part of the beast that is business. Very rarely can you succeed with no seeding or initial funding, start-up capital. You will need some to get the business off the ground and to run it successfully.

Registrations, certifications, approaching clients, targeting, prospecting, generating leads and referrals, word of mount, volunteering, getting the first key accounts and experiences under your belt, getting them to write you testimonials, spreading the word, quoting, landing assignments will all form part of your initial and eventual business cycles and activities in your Mystery Shopper business, industry and entrepreneurial undertaking.

Scrutinize, target, hunt, define, create opportunities,

Apply for Mystery Shopper opportunities quote , volunteer, set up referral interviews, points of contact, referrals and testimonials

Market yourself and your business, suite of offerings, pricing and fee structure

Generate interest and buzz about your business and how you can create value for clients/customers

Get the assignment, task, secure and land the job

Study and read through the necessary paperwork

Gather all/as much information necessary and as you can upfront, prior to staring your assignment

Get to the location , prepare and rehearse beforehand

You cannot take anything regarding the assignment with you (for risk of giving yourself and secret identity away)