How Can I Shop While on Vacation?

Hi Bethany,

Our family is taking a vacation this summer, going to the East-Coast to check out all the historical sites and all…you mentioned in class that you can shop while you travel.  How does that work?

-Winnebag-a-go-go

Shopping on vacation can be a fun way to earn some money to defray the cost of travel!  Here are the basic things you need to keep in mind:

1) Who will you shop for?

Do the companies you currently work with have shops in the area that you’re going to?  If so, contact your scheduler, and let them know that you’ll be in a different area for a certain period of time, and see what they have for you.  On the sites that allow for self-scheduling, you can usually browse by zip code, and you can apply for shops that way.  If none of the companies you work for have shops in the area that you will be in, then you can find more companies through the message boards. Instead of looking for your usual area, just scan the listings for wherever it is that you're going. And, don't forget that the Become a Mystery Shopping Training Program Manual has a list of over 160 companies to choose from!

2) How will you deliver the shops?

Remember, most shops are now done through the Internet in some way, shape or form.  Do you have a laptop with Wi-Fi that you can take with you? Most cafes offer free-access, or for a cheap fee. If not, you can usually drop in to local libraries or colleges, (even Kinko’s/FedEx have computers for a fee) to fill out your forms.  If the company requires a hand-written form, then make some extra copies…we all know how things get lost when we travel, and you certainly don’t want to lose a form!

3) Should you inform your traveling companions?

Now, you all know that it’s ok to tell people that you’re a mystery shopper, but remember there is a fine line for keeping those confidentially agreements.  Make sure you consult your scheduler to see if you can bring your family with you.  For shops like amusement parks, restaurants, movie theatres, etc…that shouldn’t be a problem.  And, should you choose to take banks or apartments, you can always pawn the kids off on your spouse for an hour or so to get the shop done.

4) What about tax deductions?

I am NOT a tax professional.  I know I’ve done a lot of stuff, but taxes are not one of them.  What I recommend is that you write down all of your mileage from point A to Z and everywhere in between, and keep receipts for EVERYTHING.  Take everything to your tax-man and let him sort it out.  Yes, you can deduct things on your vacation, but what, and how much, is really up to Uncle Sam.

I hope this helps!  Good Luck and Happy Shopping!

-Bethany

Still have questions?

Maybe you need our comprehensive guide to all things Mystery Shopping:
The Become a Mystery Shopper Training Program!