A Week in the Life of a Mystery Shopper

June 13th - June 19th...

Last week I earned $650 in fees and $446 in reimbursements. Over $500 of the fees came in just three days, so it felt like an easy week since there were four days where I didn't do a lot. Here are the highlights:

• I did my monthly merchandising route one day last week... that alone accounted for $154 in fees. I had 16 stores to visit.
  
• Saturday was the longest day. I shopped two clothing stores, one home improvement store, 3 restaurants, 3 gas stations and I did 5 gas station audits.
• On Thursday/Friday I completed my first hotel shop for a company that is new to me. Previously the hotels I shopped were reimbursement only and included just the cost of the room. I really had a good time with this one, and was paid a fair fee. The shop included a room at a nice hotel, valet parking, Internet access fees, room service and drinks in the lounge. I was especially pleased by the fact there weren't limits on how much I could spend. I was given guidelines, but they were very generous. For example, on room service I was told I could order up to 2 entrees, 1 appetizer, 1 dessert and two drinks. I could order ANY entree I wanted, so I didn't have to stick to the cheap stuff unless that's what I wanted.
  

At the beginning of last week I wasn't sure if I would make much money, but I was able to cobble together quite a bit of work. I'll have to do the same this week, but since the end of the month is approaching, many of the shops I pick up should have decent bonuses.

I'm most excited about a hotel shop I am doing Thursday. This is the second shop for the new company I shopped for the first time last week. Believe it or not, I expect to spend nearly $500 (maybe more!) at this hotel, all of which is reimbursed. Plus, I am paid a $50 fee. Don't get me wrong - the paperwork is more detailed than I've ever done. Fortunately the privacy of a hotel room allows me to stay on top of it as the shop progresses.