Fed up with the rat race?

Can't do the 9 to 5 any more?

Had enough of the stress of struggling to work each morning to cope with a lousy boss and crap job?

Is your pay not enough to keep you in the luxury you want to experience?

If the answer to any of these questions is YES - then you need to think about working from home. On this site we will give you a lot of ideas to think about - just remember - check out any idea before you spend money on it. Most of the ideas on this site are from reputable people - but always beware that there are con-men out there eager to get your cash. If it sounds too good to be true then it probable is!!!  

Ways to make money working from home.

Work From Home Ideas - xxxx

A Guide to Working from Home: Mystery Shopper

The home computing revolution and the advent of the Internet has made the dream of “Working from Home” a very real and lucrative possibility for millions of Americans. And this does not only apply to those who have found they can now "Telecommute" in their chosen professions. Many have been bitten by the next wave of entrepreneurial spirit that is sweeping the nation, and are actually leaving their jobs to start their own home based businesses. But choosing the right home based business can be a challenge.

Mystery Shopping is becoming one of the most attractive and easily started Home Based Businesses to supplement or become a primary source of income.

Getting Started

While Mystery Shopping is not technically “Working From Home” – wouldn’t an ideal job be one that PAYS you to shop and Dine Out at Great Restaurants? As a Mystery Shopper that is just what you will get to do. Companies do pay people to shop in their stores - to evaluate the experince and quality of their help. And guess what? Not only will you often get paid you get to keep what you buy. When you are not actually out shopping you will need to be looking for your next assignment and that is where the “Home Based” part of being a Mystery Shopper comes in. So you will need a computer with Internet access, basic computer skills, a comfortable workspace, and some patience and perseverance. You will not need to create a website, make brochures, business cards, letterheads, or other sales or marketing materials to earn a living as a Mystery Shopper. You will however need to find the companies that are offering the money to shop. There are many sites on the internet that offer opportunities for Mystery Shopping, some are free, some require membership fees to gain access to the companies offering the shopping opportunities. This is the downside to becoming a Mystery Shopper, while there are many such sites, there are just as many that offer outdated or useless information, and some that are just downright scams. Thoroughly investigate any site before committing to a membership fee for shopping assignments.  

Start-up costs

Since the start-up materials are minimal for becoming a mystery shopper, other then a comfortable pair of shoes, and the aforementioned home computer there is very little else you need. There may be membership fees to gain access to some of the sites you choose, and these are usually around 30.00 – 40.00 to join. As with any Internet business, if you do not already have a high-speed connection you should consider upgrading, it will make working much easier. Good deals on broadband connections abound and can be had for as little as 25.00 – 30.00/month depending on the ISP’s in your area. 

Hours and Income

As with any Home Based Business what you get out is largely a factor of what you put in. Many people are under the mistaken belief that working from home will require less hours then their full time occupation. That may be so eventually, and of course you eliminate the time of commuting, but if you want to be successful as a Mystery Shopper, you must be willing to put in full time hours. You can expect average earnings over 20 –30.00 dollars an hour however, which is not bad to shop at your favorite stores. Of course for the most part you get to keep the products you purchase. Bonuses such as free trips and other giveaways are often incentives for shopping in stores or eating at restaurants in addition to or instead of cash awards.

Potential Problems

The greatest pitfalls to becoming a Mystery Shopper as a home-based business is wasting money on joining “Mystery Shopping Sites” that do not deliver on their promises. Unfortunately while Mystery Shopping can be a legitimate source for home based income, it is also one of the most common  “internet scams” out there. Your best defense? Common sense. If something seems too good to be true it probably is. Stick with sites that make reasonable claims on earning and income potential and offer trial periods and money back guarantees. Check with your local Better Business Bureaus, or States Attorney General’s office for any complaints about a given company or website offer. You can also check http://www.complaints.com/. Also keep in mind that even if you are dealing with lists from legitimate Market Researchers, you must qualify for a given Product Test and fit the demographics they are looking for, often testers are turned down more often then accepted, but that is why you must persevere and try as often as possible.

Other Resources

More on Mystery Shopping

http://www.mysteryshop.org/

http://www.mysteryshoppersamerica.com/mindex.php

Scams and Reviewed Sites

http://www.topsitereviews.info/tsr1/shop/shop.html#reviews

www.scam.com

Conclusion

Mystery Shopping may not pay enough at least in the beginning to be a primary income source, though it can build to that. However for its ease of start-up, minimal start up costs, and minimal pitfalls that are easily avoided, Mystery Shopping is ideal for Stay at Home Moms or others looking to supplement their income, a great way to try new shops and restaurants in your neighborhood – and get some Free Stuff!