Theres no doubt that would-be sleuths can get plenty of satisfaction following in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes or James Bond. These paragons of sleuthing track every movement of their subjects, collecting data and analyzing the behavior of the parties involved, until the mystery is solved.

Although few of us are real life detectives, a good mystery makes for a mesmerizing movie watch, book read, or in this case, a job! Lets take a look at how you can get some vicarious thrills, while gaining substantial extra income! Nows the time. Youre never in true danger, except for perhaps being exposed as a sleuth.

So whats your role as a mystery shopper? Youre hired by businesses to be an observer. Lets say that ABC Corporation sells widgets. They find their sales falling, or perhaps just want to know how they can improve their customer service or corporate image. Companies know that, while the cats away, the mice will play. They need outside, independent observers to report on what goes on when theyre off at board meetings or playing golf. Employees may act quite differently, left on their own, as opposed to being under the strict eye of a big-wig.

Your assignment is to come in to their store, posing as a customer, and record your observations on how customers are treated, greeted and guided to an ultimate purchase. Women mystery shoppers, also known as secret shoppers, are excellent candidates in the mystery shopper job opportunities market. Why? Women are expert shoppers!

So, how do you break into the alluring mystery shopper job market? There are thousands of websites which advertise mystery shopper job opportunities. Its true, the savvy mystery shopper job seeker can make a good living. However, before you embark on this unusual career, you need to know the ropes.

When you analyze the abundance of mystery shopper job opportunities online, understand that there are a few caveats. To be truly successful, you need to know your market. For example, if you have a thorough understanding of the electronics market, youll find work with electronics companies. Make your pitches in the markets you know. To break in to mystery shopper job opportunities in a way that results in consistent and substantial earnings, do your homework. Look for sites which offer mystery shopping coaching. You can realistically earn anywhere from $10 – $25 per hour, as a James Bond mini-me!

Just as fashion models and other highly-paid independent contractors work through agencies, your career as a secret shopper in the mystery shopper job opportunities depends on a reliable agent. These independent agents act as your middleman. They do get a percentage, but they also land you jobs! If youre looking for a home-based business that gives you a thrill and some cash, check out this market!