What Do I Need to Start?
The bare bones:
- A good memory and attention to detail! Pretty self explanatory – you’ll be remember many details, times, and names.
- Good grammar and spelling will get you far. Most companies have a rating system and they’re picky. If they have to change your wording, spelling, or contact you, sometimes they will slash your pay.
- A car. Unless you live in an overpopulated metro area with dozens of shops within walking or biking distance, you’ll need this. Plus, I don’t think you can d0 a (fast food) drive through on a bike!
- A computer with reliable internet and email service. Sometimes you’ll have to upload a receipt or photos and you need to submit the assignment online.
- A watch – traditional or on your phone to keep track of time and timings.
- A printer. You’ll need to print off instructions and forms.
- Lots of pens. Just please keep 3+ pens in your car and purse at any time
The extras:
- A phone. Sometimes the MSPs will call to hear details directly from you if they have questions or ask you to complete an assignment. A cell phone is handy for when you’re out doing assignments and you have questions.
- A “lap” or stop watch. Good particularly for fast food assignments, when everything’s fast-paced.
- A digital (voice) recorder. I use mine because my previous phone that had a lap timer on it, broke. This is also a crutch to make sure I didn’t miss any details.
- A digital camera. Some assignments require one, but it’s mostly used for when you get into auditing.
- A scanner. To scan and email receipts, signatures, or business cards to the MSP.
- A notebook. Keep track off mileage and meals when you’re on the road.
- A filing cabinet. This is good for organizing papers. I have one folder for each company I work for and a folder for business expenses. You need to keep hard copies of filled out forms for 3-6 months, depending on the company’s policies.
I’m still not a tax pro, but I do know that the above items can be tax deductible to a certain extent, so please keep track and check with your local CPA.
A Resume?
Yep, a resume. Some companies will ask that you to enter some work related history into their online application. When filling out applications for the MSPs, it’s helpful to have an “auto fill” program for your browser. You need to fill out an application for every company you want to work for. Some companies ask for name, address, SSN, birthdate, and phone number. Most also ask you demographic type questions: height, weight, color/nationality, marriage status, kids or not, and languages spoken. Still, a few more will ask you to “describe a recent shopping experience in less than 500 words,” “what makes you a good mystery shopper?” “why do you want to become a mystery shopper for us?” and “what other companies have you worked for?” There are a few variations on these questions, but you get my drift. I got tired of typing those answers so many times! I opened up the word processor and typed my answers in there – now every time I have to answer one of those questions, I just have to copy and paste into the online form!