Mystery Shopper Success Story

Hi All--

I get many great comments about my mystery shopping, merchandising and healthy eating books and coaching services, but I recently received this inspiring story from a reader of my books "The Perfect Work-At-Home Job: Mystery Shopping" and "How-To FinallyMake Money As A Mystery Shopper", and felt that I just had to share it with you.

Patrick B. of Richmond, VA was able to quit his "day job" and devote more time to his family and enjoying his life. Please note that while I am thrilled with Patrick's personal success, I believe that mystery shopping and merchandising are best done to supplement other income, and should not generally be viewed as a sole source of financial support. However, it does happen from time-to-time, as it did in this case.

I, myself, do several things to bring in the level of income I desire, and believe that is generally the wise way to support yourself with a flexible lifestyle. My purpose in sharing this story with you is to make you aware that there is definitely good money to be made in mystery shopping, if you broaden your outlook on the field as more than just a way to get a free meal or to subsidize your next trip to the mall.

Here's Patrick's story:

"Approximately one month ago, I began searching for work-at-home or home-based employment opportunities. I was currently employed as a restaurant general manager, and was finding it increasingly difficult to stay motivated, not to mention motivating people who make minimum wage. I was dreading going to work each day. Of course, all restaurant managers usually work peak hours on nights and weekends. and I hated the fact that practically all of my Friday and Saturday nights would be "booked for work" for the next twenty some odd years! I had enough.

I stumbled across mystery shopping opportunities while searching home-based businesses. I thought to myself, "gee, I've been on the other side of the fence for so long....I'll bet I can do this". So being the consummate researcher, I read, dug and investigated everything I could to see if I could make this work. I discussed it with my wife, who is also a restaurant general manager, and she was a bit skeptical, but encouraged me to look into it because she was well aware of my frustration at work. While doing my research, I found articles about you and your books. I decided to take a chance and I purchased your ebook "The Perfect Work-At-Home Job: Mystery Shopping". I hope this doesn't sound too corny, but that day changed my life and outlook for the future.

After downloading, I think I read the book faster than any book I've ever read...lol. I read it three times just that evening, highlighting important areas and taking notes. Within two days, I had started using several of the resources, and was ready to do shops. I started out slowly, just doing a shop every few days, accommodating my full-time job. Then I started to receive more offers. I was following your book recommendations as best I could and they were paying off. I gave my two week notice to my employer, and decided to mystery shop full-time.

In the last three weeks, I have done over 35 mystery shops, and I am currently scheduled to perform approximately fifteen more over the next week. I get offers I just can't accept because of time constraints, and I am confident enough to turn down those that do not offer enough compensation for my time. The shops have covered the spectrum--apartments, banks, restaurants, bookstores, specialty--you name it.

Many of the shops I have completed included bonuses for upcoming deadlines or remote areas. The pay has at least equaled in value what I was making as a restaurant manager, and can easily surpass that amount as I become more experienced with my digital recording shops. I have also done some merchandising work in the last two weeks, which I have found fun and easy to do. Plus, it provides more income when I'm not shopping. I just purchased your second book "How-To Finally Make Money As A Mystery Shopper" last week, and I am working on making my business grow even more profitable. I have followed your advice, almost to the letter and it has paid off in spades.

I can't tell you what a relief it is to not put on a uniform five days a week and have someone else dictate my schedule. My wife says she hasn't seen me this "fired up" about anything in about eleven years! My shopping uniform consists mostly of shorts, polo shirts and sneakers, sometimes a ball cap and sunglasses..lol. I just can't believe I get paid to do this. It's like being paid to act, without the hassle of fame and signing autographs! I know I won't get rich by doing this, but getting rich should be measured in terms of fulfillment, not money.

Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for writing your books and sharing your secrets. You have definitely impacted my life, and made my family life better by doing so. Thanks so much to you and God Bless."

Thanks again, Patrick. To the rest of you, have a great day and happy shopping!

Taking the mystery out of professional mystery shopping--Melanie Jordan http://www.mysteryshoppercoach.com

Copyright 2005 Melanie R. Jordan E-Publishing