Secret Shopping

For the past couple of weeks there have been reports on "secret shopping" on the news. I thought this might be fun. Go to a restaurant, eat, do a little spying and then get paid for it. So, I went to the website that was highlighted on the news report.

This morning was our first assignment. It was fun. We had to check out the local IHOP. I think I can count on half a hand the number of times I've eaten in one.

The questionnaire was 4 pages long and you can't take it inside with you. How many minutes and SECONDS did it take till you were seated, received your order, etc. They probably thought we were idiots constantly looking at our watch.

All of the questions were relevant. Was the food hot, did you get what you ordered, was the server pleasant, talkative, etc.

Then had to go into the bathrooms and check it out for cleanliness and if well stocked with all the essentials.

I would definitely recommend it for someone who enjoys playing Jason Bourne or in my case, Maxwell Smart.

The news report said that if you were interested in being a secret shopper to approach one of the legitimate companies and never reply to any SPAM emails offering secret shopping jobs. You should never have to pay a fee. I went to http://www.marketforce.com/ and filled out the application. Some jobs you get paid a small fee plus reimbursement for your meal (a maximum amount is allowed). Breakfast at IHOP was reimbursable up to $16.

Came home, went to the website, answered the questionaire, scanned my receipt and that was that. Can't wait for the next assignment. Have to get my shoe phone overhauled first so I'm fully prepared.