Mystery Shopping Review - Beyond Hello

As promised, I want to do a quick review of my first experience with mystery shopping.  Technically, this is Part I, since I am still waiting for my payment.

I started with Beyond Hello in mid June and completed my first two shops in early July.  Beyond Hello pays out through PayPal, so I promptly set up my own account.  There is some sharing of personal information, so I did extensive research on the company prior to signing up.  Beyond Hello scored high with the BBB and it was hard to find negative reviews online from shoppers.  So, I jumped in!

Mystery Shopping is a really fun mix of talents for me.  I get to do a little acting, window shopping and note-taking.  Best of all, I am using these brief excursions as my alone time.  Most mothers embrace the chance to drive alone in perfect silence or with a favorite tune blasting.  We could all use a break from tossing cheerios in the back seat and singing The Wheels on the Bus for the hundredth time.  Am I right or what?  I use it to catch up on phone calls with friends and family, and generally unwind.

Here are some general Pros and Cons from the experience:

Pros

• The Shop Log feature allows you to choose how many miles outside of your zip code you are willing to shop.  For me, a drive longer than 15/20 minutes is probably not worth the gas for the payout.  
• I made a mistake and submitted the incorrect form (rookie!) and was given a re-do.  I was allowed to resubmit my form with no penalty.  
• When I have had questions, I do receive a fairly prompt response.  The coordinators appear happy to help and support the shoppers.
• Good work pays off!  Some shops are graded, so shoppers who go the extra step will be rewarded with more shop opportunities.  
• Free!  I have not been asked to pay a fee to receive any shops.  
• Mystery Shopping is considered working as an independent contractor.  This makes it win-win for me and for the company.  We can both walk away at any time.

Cons

• I would prefer payment to be more prompt.  I was informed that I would not be receiving my July payments until the end of August.  I have not seen anything in my PayPal account yet, but will be watching towards the end of the month.  I'll update when I do get the compensation!
• The Sassie software is relatively easy to use, but I would like a cleaner form to work on.  There are lots of things highlighted, bolded, or in red.  Text size changes. I find it distracting, but that is a detail I can overlook.
• Beyond Hello does advertise getting your IC Pro status.  From what I gather, this will set you apart from other shoppers so you get more shops.  This involves putting in more information and connecting through JobSlinger.  I am investigating this further before I make a decision.  So far, I've gotten 6 shops without having this status.  We'll see how it goes!
• The shops I have completed do specify you cannot have children with you.  I don't believe all will be like this, but that does make it challenging if I don't have an opportunity to slip away alone.

Overall, I think mystery shopping can be a worthwhile venture for anybody looking to make a few extra bucks.  It won't make you rich by any means, and I think you have to keep your expectations humble.  My plan is to use the earnings for dumping debt.  I have tried some other companies, and am still reviewing them.  Beyond Hello has good service and an easy site - not a bad start!