It’s important for new secret shoppers to understand that mystery shopping companies shouldn’t require them to pay money upfront in order to get started and take assignments. However, new shoppers might benefit from knowing the perks of getting certified.
Signing up and paying for a silver certification from the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) can help shoppers get selected for more complex assignments in high-paying industries. The MSPA is a trade organization that was started by mystery shopping companies hoping to promote the acceptance, performance and reputation of the industry. Now, the association guarantees its member companies accurately measure customer service metrics and offer legitimate jobs that compensate workers (weeding out the scams from valid money-making opportunities).
Now, the MSPA includes more than 300 companies worldwide that provide customer service analyses for companies and assignments for mystery shoppers. Participants can visit the sites of these companies to learn about jobs in these areas.
They might be able to improve their chances of getting selected for the highest paying jobs when they participate in the association’s certification programs. The MSPA offers both basic certifications (silver) and gold certifications for mystery shoppers.
The certifications are not required for any jobs, but it can help shoppers gain an edge on competition for jobs in highly populated areas.
Silver certifications, for example, can be completed online and cost just $15. This program provides shoppers with training and education – basic skill sets – that prepare them for more complicated mystery shopping jobs.
Once a shopper has completed a silver certification, they are eligible to participate in a gold certification through a live-video workshop that costs $75. This training program has replaced in-person workshops that offer shoppers the training they will need to complete high-pressure jobs and stay organized so they can earn more per shop.
Mystery shoppers that perform work casually to boost their household income may not need a certification, but those who want to take their secret shopping career to the next level might want to invest in a training program to boost their qualifications and earn more compensation over time
