How to Become an Editor for a Mystery Shopping Company

Today's I Want to Be features Alison who lives in Florida.  Alison has been married for 20 years to her high school sweetheart, and she homeschools their two children, a son who is 16 and a daughter who is 12.  Alison has been working from home since 1996, and her husband since 2003. She has been a mystery shopper for 21 years, is an avid couponer, and is involved in her church.   Find out how to connect with Alison at the end of this article.

How long have you had your business?

I have been an editor for A Closer Look, a mystery shopping company, for three and a half years.
 

What led you to pursue it?

 I have been mystery shopping 21 years.  Three and a half years ago, I was contacted by A Closer Look and offered a chance to apply as an editor.  As an English teacher’s daughter, I always found Language Arts to be my best subject in school.  Words came easily to me, and I was constantly correcting other people’s grammar and spelling.  When the editing job was mentioned to me, I knew immediately that it would be a good fit and was something I would enjoy.

Are you full time or part time?  If part-time, do you anticipate switching to full time?

The editing job is a part-time position.  However, I also work as a back-up editor coordinator, an editor trainer, and a recruiter for the company.  With all the positions, my work is full time.

How do you market your business?

As a recruiter, I have been using emails and Facebook to find new recruits for editors and schedulers.

What is your favorite part of the business?

 I love working for A Closer Look.  It is the most positive, friendly, and family based company I have ever been affiliated with.  Since I am an independent contractor, I have the freedom to arrange my schedule around my family’s activities.

What one question do you get most from people about your business?

I get asked how to get started as a mystery shopper.  In fact, I've been asked so many times, I wrote a blog on how to get started.  (See below...)

What one myth or misconception do you want to dispel about the work you do?

Many people believe mystery shopping is a scam.  While there are many scams out there with the "mystery shopping" name, the industry is real.  By working with reputable companies, you can make great money mystery shopping.

  

What advice do you have for others who want to get into a similar opportunity?

To get started as a mystery shopper, they need to be sure they are dealing with reputable companies. There are lists of reputable companies out there. It's best to know a little about the company you are signing up with before you sign up.

If they are interested in becoming an editor or a scheduler for A Closer Look, they can contact editorrecruitment@a-closer-look.com

What is the first step? 

The first step to becoming an editor or a scheduler is to register with A Closer Look and complete three mystery shopping assignments.  Sign up at http://www.a-closer-look.com/BecomeAShopper.aspx.

What websites or books do you recommend for tips?

I would suggest they visit my blog on getting started as a mystery shopper.  They can also read about becoming an editor.

You can learn more about what Alison does at her blog, Start Mystery Shopping.  You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook.