Mystery shopping involves evaluating a product or service, and then getting paid to do it. Mystery shopping is used in a wide variety of inductries. It provides companies a method to evaluate their business practices, deliverables, and employees.

As a mystery shopper, you are paid to scrutinize employees, products and customer services of any organization. The only stipulation is that you must be covert about it. You are supposed to evaluate products like drinks, food, gym and spa, etc. You have to use the products in order to evaluate them.

You get to shop in stores, restaurants, hotels, financial institutions, gas stations, hotels, department stores, etc. You may be required to shop with hidden camera.

Different companies pay differently. You get paid according to the nature of the assignment. Sometimes you get reimbursed for meals, products, and services you purchased and also get paid some money on top of that. Other times you will be reimbursed only what you purchased.

All the information you need to get started is easily available online. To find potential shopping opportunities, go to your favorite search engine and type in the keyword phrase "mystery shopping" or "mystery shopper." You'll see a listing of companies that work in this arena. Visit each site to register to become a shopper. Fill out the required information. Sign up with as many companies that interest you.

Once you have registered with a few companies, they will start informing you of shopping opportunities. So be sure to check your emails regularly, and your phone messages.

Make sure you completely understand what you are required to do, before you go on a particular assignment. You may be required to document employee names and descriptions, prices, etc.