Secret Shoppers are people hired by companies to evaluate the quality of work and customer service in a particular industry. A secret shopper works freelance and anonymously, posing as a normal everyday shopper, and submit a report to the management at the end of the day. Secret Shoppers are usually employed by large retail, department stores, restaurants, manufacturers and theaters etc.

The most important key to a successful business setup is customer satisfaction. The profit of a company that produces consumer goods significantly depends upon the type and quality of service it provides to customers. Studies have confirmed that only 5% of unsatisfied customers register complaints, while 95% simply stop doing business. That is why the role of the Secret Shopper has gained much importance in recent years.

Secret Shoppers, also commonly known as Mystery Shoppers will normally keep questionnaires or report sheets in which they have to fill in answers to detailed questions asked about their shopping experience. These feedbacks enable the management to make crucial employment decisions, evaluate performance, the degree of adherence to standards and quality of customer care.

Secret Shopping can be a great part time job because it normally pays well ($20.00 to over $40 for a particular assignment) and you get to take home many free products and gifts. Moreover, companies seldom ask for work experience though it may be a plus point when applying for the job. Since the feedback information provided to employers is so important to them, they also usually pay bonuses to Secret Shoppers who perform well in their jobs.

With only about 5 to 10 working hours a week, many people have taken up this job because its one of the most convenient ways to earn a little extra cash.