Book Description
This 271 page manual contains all the information, strategies, and materials needed to start a mystery shopping business in your community. It addresses marketing, selecting and preparing contract shoppers, organizing work, evaluating shoppers' reports, designing report formats, producing statistical reports, pricing your services, and ethical issues. The CD-rom that accompanies our manual contains samples of blank forms for many different types of businesses, forms to track the work in your office, and samples of contracts for shoppers.
Customer Reviews:
Starting Your Mystery Shopping Business.......2006-05-01
If you are serious about setting up a Mystery Shopping business of your own, this book will guide you through the steps you need to take. I couldn't imagine starting my business without the help that Judith Rappold has provided by writing such a thorough 'how to' book.
My right hand for my business!!!!.......2003-05-16
I bought this book a few years ago. I still use it on a very regular basis in my business. It is open on my bookshelf, as I needed to refer to it for a project I am working on. It has a wealth of vital, to-the-point information. There is no hype, just straight forward, solid information.
A Smart Investment!.......2003-01-25
This manual is a definite asset for anyone determined to run a successful mystery shopping company. The sample formats for various reports will save me hours of set up time so that I can get right to work. Judith touches on everything from marketing strategies to tracking work in the office. The included CD is a great addition. A smart investment that will pay off quickly when put to use!
Expensive!!!.......2002-05-26
This manual is comprehensive, but you pay the price. If you're looking to get into the mystery shopping business, start as a mystery shopper first quickly, then decide if you want to do this.
Book Description
How to start a new career as a mystery shopper--immediately!
"Mystery shopping ranks among the most popular not-for-credit evening courses, rivaling computer-skills and wine-tasting classes."
--The Seattle Times
In Mystery Shopping Made Simple, you will learn to take advantage of the mystery shopper opportunities available in virtually every city in the United States and abroad! Successful mystery shopper and a leading industry authority, Dr. Ilisha Newhouse tells you how to break into the business and find the kinds of mystery assignments you want, in apparel, auto repair, real estate, restaurants, hotels, and many other industries. Step-by-step, she shows you how to:
- Connect with the mystery shopping companies in their areas
- Create shopping presentations and fill out evaluation forms
- Comply with all industry-related business law
- Prepare for KASST, a Mystery Shopper Certification test offered by the National Center for Professional Mystery Shoppers
Customer Reviews:
Very Good.......2006-06-02
The only thing I found lacking about this book is that it didn't rate the mystery shopping companies it listed. I found many of them to be an awful experience applying to. I hope she makes a second edition explaining the pros and cons of the companies she listed, and what they do and don't offer (like pay.)
Mystery Shopping Made Easy ..& .Mystery Shopper's Manual.......2006-03-09
I am still in the process of reading the book and am really enjoying it. I hope I can put this to use when I get back home to MN in a month or so. Thanks.
Overwhelming To A Newbie.......2006-01-28
The book is more like a treatise for a doctorate.
It is probably suitable for college credits in Mystery Shopping
but definitely not recommmended for a newbie. There is nothing SIMPLE about its content I found it overwhelming.
MS book from the POV of the NCPMS.......2005-10-06
Mystery Shopping Made Simple includes a forward by Niccole Rogers of the NCPMS. This book refers heavily to the NCPMS and its web-based resources. The MSPA is consistently named behind the NCPMS. Newhouse's rationale seems to be "The MSPA ...is an organization of mystery shopping companies for mystery shopping companies" which she contrasts to "[NCPMS] is an organization of shoppers for shoppers." She chooses to completely ignore the dominance of the MSPA in Mystery Shopping. Dr. Newhouse further explains "The two organizations sponsor different programs and have different agendas pertaining to their populations." Mystery Shopping Made Simple is sold on the NCPMS's website.
Dr. Newhouse offers "I have heard a rumor that the MSPA plans to have all it's members hire only shoppers who have taken this program" referring to the MSPA Gold(or further) certification. "Although this may be the MSPA's future intention...this organization has only over 100 members ... and there are over 750 mystery shopping companies."
Her writing contains numerous testimonials and poses and answers and questions all in letter form. Sometimes the letters are cumbersome, but lend credibility to Newhouse's information.
Dr. Newhouse provides the NCPMS's data collection on Independent Contractors including demographics, but does not disclose the sample size or population. The statistics are intriguing, but without the information on the gathering process it is not compelling.
Several things make this book standout:
The book includes a section on the KASST test and a Study Guide.
The certification process is sold in a more convincing way than even the NCPMS website does.
This book makes mention that once $400 is earned an independent contractor needs to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes.
Dr. Newhouse does endorse Select A Shopper; the only pay-for-leads company to receive any endorsement in these books.
Dr. Newhouse highlights the ease and cost effectiveness of Internet application, but still advocates sending the LOIS and does in fact list 100 companies that work offline.
The "LOIS" is the Dr. Newhouse equivalent as Mr. Poynter's "Letter Requesting Employment" she however includes a list of MSPs that will work with you offline.
Dr. Newhouse's book includes 217 pages, 49 of which are URLS or company addresses.
Good book, great industry........2004-07-15
This book is very informative and I can attest to most of its accuracy. I have been mystery shopping for National Shopping Service for years and love it. They have some really fun mystery shopping opportunities and the pay is pretty good. This would be a great company to get started with as they are very big and have a ton of clients. You can sign up online on their website at http://www.nationalshoppingservice.com.
Book Description
A comprehensive guide to becoming a Mystery Shopper includes a step by step and easy to follow approach.
Explains what a mystery shopper is, how to avoid scams, where and how to apply, and how to write evaluations.
A full listing of legitimate companies and contacts is also included.
Learn from a professional shopper and educator.
Customer Reviews:
Secret Shopper Class.......2007-10-17
I havent read all of the book yet, but it looks like it is going to be a comprehensive guide that will cover any questions you might have about being a Secret Shopper/Mystery Shopper. What to expect and what to Not expect out of the experience. It is also somewhat like a class in a book on how to be a good Secret Shopper. It is well written, honest and is easy to read. It is 'Up Front' about the amount of money you can expect to make; which is quite a bit less than I had thought it would pay. It also covers the amount of paper work and written reports you will have to do. It is not sugar coated or Romanticised and I like that. This is the first book I have read about being a Mystery Shopper but, as advertised, it looks like it will be the only book I will need.
Great book.......2007-10-08
This is a great book. It is easy to read, short, and full of information. I have used many of the companies and websites listed already.
Shopping is fun but getting paid for it is better.......2007-07-14
This book is an excellent thorough book on Mystery Shopping. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Mystery Shopping. This book is worth the money.
Read it cover to cover!.......2007-05-29
I've read How to Become a Mystery Shopper cover to cover and found it to be very informative and easy to follow. It's an amazing industry and Ms. Moran has helped me learn how to take advantage of free restaurant meals, carpet cleaning, movies, glasses, and even hotel stays. I've attended her college course, but still found the book to be full of useful information. I recommend it highly for anyone interested in mystery shopping or who wants to develop their mystery shopping skills.
Comprehensive, thorough, and an excellent resource........2007-05-27
What a great book! I've done a little bit of mystery shopping, but didn't know how to take it a step further. This book is full of great resources, ideas, samples, and even "exercises" to help me become a better shopper. At the end of the book there are 28 pages of web sites for mystery shopping companies, schedulers, etc. I think I'm going to be busy for a while!
Book Description
How you can save more than $500 a month with just a click of a mouse
Web-savvy mothers Barb Webb and Maureen Heck show you how to avoid paying full price on everything from groceries to baby needs to renovations as well as find legitimate opportunities to make extra income for their households. In a few minutes of Web surfing a day, you will save time finding bargains and planning vacations without ever leaving your computer chairs.
Customer Reviews:
What money???.......2007-09-18
I signed up for the survey sites and so far I have only gotten worthless sweepstake entries. I have been on for a month. I thought secret shopping would be interesting but its not. A few of the companies listed are no longer around. I do not want to do secret shopping in the restaraunt feild and that is all that is available in her book.
This book does have many money saving ideas but it will cost you your time. Time vs Money?? Sometimes its just not worth it.
It does have tips on how to sell things online. But who does not know how to use Ebay????
Nothing new and/or exciting................2006-07-21
Good reference for someone just starting out.......but is not a definite "must have." You can spend very little time on the internet to find the same and MUCH MORE information for free. I was very disappointed to learn I had already signed up for the same sites mentioned in the book and have been a member for at least 5-6 years on those sites.
Good on saving resources, not so much on earning.......2006-07-16
I have been making money online since 1998 and am always checking out resources to help me make more. The Mom's Guide to Earning and Saving Thousands on the Internet offers some terrific savings ideas and resources in one place. It's especially helpful for busy moms who don't have time to research and investigate resources themselves.
I was very intersted in the earning aspect especially since it covered surveys and mystery shopping. I still don't feel this is a great way to earn income from home. I have tested many survey sites and have yet to get paid by the legitimate ones. Turns out I don't qualify for most surveys I'm sent. (I'm a 40 year old mom of two, married who owns a home...). I've gotten a free lunch with mystery shopping, but that won't pay the mortgage.
If you are looking for great resources and ideas to save money using the Internet, this is a good resource. But if you want to make money, this isn't your book.
The Mom's Guide to Earning and Saving Thousands on the Internet.......2006-03-26
This book is a great resource for oodles of websites for almost everything. Over the last few years I have spent a lot of time on the internet and already am aware of most of the content offered, but there was lots of stuff that was new to me as well. I was hoping for a little more on the earning 'thousands'aspect, but I think that is in part due to limitations on what is available on the internet. Of course, it also depends on how much time you are willing to spend doing these things. Overall, I thought this was a great comprehensive guide to anyone who uses the internet, not just moms.
They showed me the money! .......2006-03-09
I found this book listed in an article and it really caught my attention. I'm a part-time working mom but it never seems to give our budget enough boost. This book gave me such much needed information and insightful advice on how to change that without having to work more hours away from home.
I felt like the authors spoke directly to me and had been there, done that. Some of the topics I was familiar with, but there's a lot I didn't know along with a very organized approach on how I could make this work for me and my individual circumstances. This book hasn't moved from it's place next to my computer and I find myself consulting it almost on a daily basis.
So far, the earnings are adding up quickly (nice to have pin money in my pocket again!) but the real surprise is all the savings I never quite managed to put together in this way that the guide teaches.
All in all, it's a great little book and perfect for those struggling to make ends meet. Thumbs up from me!
Book Description
Looking for an exciting and profitable business opportunity from an office or home? Or maybe you just want to earn a little extra money in your free time, while having fun? Mystery Shopping is fast becoming one of the most fun and financially rewarding businesses in America. Imagine being paid for evaluating your favorite department stores, restaurants, movie theaters, health clubs, hair salons and more! Essentially you get paid to shop and dine out. All you have to do is report back to the manager or owner, your experience. Your basically a live "comment card". Everyone wants the luxury of setting their own hours and having fun at their jobs, and mystery shoppers can do just that. "How to Start & Run Your Own Mystery Shopping Company" step-by-step business manual provides entrepreneurs with quality information. Everything you need to start and run a successful Mystery Shopping business from tips, advice, and sample evaluation forms are compiled into an easy to read business and training manual. Whether you are looking for something to earn a little money on the side or if you're looking to start and build a potentially large business enterprise, this manual is for you! The best part...you can start and run this business all from the comfort of your own home!!!!!! Part time...Full time...or Anytime!
Customer Reviews:
Good book, but not much help with pricing your services.......2004-03-09
I purchased the book and found it helpful in all other areas except pricing. Pricing is key and yet the authors brush over it very vaguely. In the book, the authers state that they can be reached for any additional information needed to price your services. I went to their website and have written several letters with no reply. So, go ahead and but don't expect the authors to deliver on additional support.
very helpful.......2001-11-06
I could have not started my own mystery shopping company without this manual. My sister purchased this book for me as a gift because she thought I would be the perfect mystery shopper. I don't think she knew at the time that I would actually do it and I did!
Great Resource to begin a business.......2001-05-01
I have read this book and am excited about starting my own business. The book is easy to understand and full of helpful ideas and forms to begin a business.
Inspirational!!!.......2001-04-22
I am a retiree and looking to earn some extra money. This book proved to be an EXCELLENT source of information in order to start my own Mystery Shopping Business. After reading this book ,I immediately went to work and got my first account at a restaurant my very first try. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to visit restaurants, retail stores and hotels while EARNING MONEY!! Thank you for writing this book.
Excellent and easy to read business guide.......2001-04-10
I bought "How to start & run your own Mystery Shopping company" manual about 2 months ago directly from the self publishers. This book opened up some many opportunites for me to create a successful business that I actually will enjoy. I just got started so I can't say Ive made millions yet, but I already acquired 3 clients in 2 months and I see the interest in the market when I discuss what I am doing. This book was fabulous!!! And if you have questions the authors will gladly respond to them via email. You will get this information in their book.
Book Description
The Career Knowtes Series (How to Have Fun and Make Money Books in a Career You Love) as heard on national radio...
How would you like to GET PAID FOR eating free meals, watching free movies, getting free clothing, and more while getting your opinions heard? It is possible as a mystery shopper! In Career Knowtes: MYSTERY SHOPPING, author Kailin Gow will show you how. With over 12 years of active mystery shopping and marketing research experience, author Kailin Gow will show you how to break into this fun and exciting field, as well as what it takes to succeed. Ideal for parents, students, retirees, and anyone who would like to earn extra money while having fun. This edition contains forms, sample proposals, and LEADS in the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom for you to check out.
Not a textbook, but a simple, straight-forward quick-read career guide in the Career Knowtes Series about "How to Have Fun and Make Money in" a career you love. These guides are designed to give you an overview of a fun and fulfilling job, the basics on how to get started, and the tools on how to get going.
Learn about a Career or Business before you devote years to it. Look for other great books in the Career Knowtes Series of How to Have Fun and Make Money Books: Mystery shopping, Personal Shopping, Public Relations, Promotions, Advertising, Event Planning, Wedding Planning, Tour Operator, Catering, Bed and Breakfast, Food Writer, Travel Writer, Romance Writer, Screenwriter, TV Sitcom Writer, TV Drama Writer, Game Designer, Professional Organizer, Etiquette Consultant, Day Care, Make-up Artist, Graphic Artist, Photographer, Seminar Producer, Fashion Stylist, Greeting Cards, and more. Written and researched by veteran journalists, researchers, career counselors, and practitioners in the field, these Career KNOWtes guides are compared to the "Cliff Notes" of Career Guides.
Download Description
Book Description How would you like to eat free meals, watch free movies, get free clothing, and more while getting paid for it? It is possible as a mystery shopper! In How to Have Fun and Make Money in Mystery Shopping: A How-To Workbook with Leads to Get Started Right Away!, author Kailin Gow will show you how. With over 10 years of mystery shopping and marketing research experience, author Kailin Gow will show you how to break into this fun and exciting field, as well as what it takes to succeed. Ideal for parents, students, retirees, and anyone who would like to earn extra money while having fun. This second edition contains forms, sample proposals, and real LEADS in the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom.
Customer Reviews:
Actually written for Canadians, too.......2005-01-08
I'm very happy with this mystery shopping book. This shorter mystery shopping book (76 pages) is easy to read and has sections on how to get started as a beginner to how to start your own mystery shopping company. This book doesn't waste your time. Unlike the other mystery shopping books on amazon.com, this one actually has mystery shopping companies listed in Canada and information for Canadians. The other ones are only for America.
Just Right.......2004-04-07
Not too much information so that it's overwhelming, but just enough so that I know what I'm doing. This book gets to the point, and that is what I need. I don't need anyone with a PhD to tell me how to be a mystery shopper, just someone who's done it successfully before. This author seems to know what she's talking about. I heard her on the radio, and she also a recruiter for mystery shopping companies.
Home Business I Started Thanks to This Book.......2004-02-29
The book may be small, but it contains valuable information you need to know to become a successful mystery shopper. You can save time and effort knowing how to get and apply to the many companies out there who hire mystery shoppers. I cannot tell you how satisfied I am with this book. I truly have gotten jobs right away and have worked steadily from the leads this book provides. Worth every penny.
Best Value for Your Money in Mystery Shopping.......2004-02-18
Writer Kailin Gow gives you a condense guide on mystery shopping. I was impressed how this simple guide can cover several aspects of mystery shopping from which industries could use mystery shoppers, what are the other jobs in mystery shopping besides being a mystery shopper, and ways mystery shoppers can own their own mystery shopping business. She doesn't give you false illusions, either, but lays out ways on how to become successful in the industry through smart business practices. She's appeared on over 30 radio shows and written in newspapers as an authority in mystery shopping in the U.S., Canada, England, and Australia. With a background in marketing and over 10 years of actual mystery shopping experience as a mystery shopper and recruiter, her credibility is solid. She may approach this book for those wanting to become mystery shoppers, but she also touches on how businesses can and should use mystery shoppers to help increase performance and service. I highly recommend this book if you want to learn more about mystery shopping, enter the business, or even think about hiring mystery shoppers.
Handy How-to Information is Useful.......2003-09-23
Handy guide has lots of good tips and advice. The documents are particularly useful. The leads are better in this compact book than the other mystery shopping books out there. I also thought the price is better, too.
Book Description
The Career Knowtes Series as presented on national radio...
Ever dreamed about how you can earn a living shopping in the nicest department stores, boutiques, furniture stores, and warehouses for other people? You can by being a personal shopper. In this career guide, find out how you can become a personal shopper, where the opportunities are, and how to do the job. While there are many ways to get into this fun and exciting career, this book includes information about the best ways to enter personal shopping, what employers look for, how to prepare a resume that stands out, how to contact employers, and even how to begin your own business.
Not a textbook or intended to replace a vocational course, but a simple, straight-forward career guide in the Career KNOWtes Series about "How to Have Fun and Make Money in" a career you love. These guides are designed to give you an overview of a fun and fulfilling job, the basics on how to get started, and the tools on how to get going. Learn about a Career or Business before you devote years to it.
Look for other great books in the Career KNOWtes Series of How to Have Fun and Make Money Books: Mystery shopping, Personal Shopping, Public Relations, Promotions, Advertising, Event Planning, Wedding Planning, Tour Operator, Catering, Bed and Breakfast, Food Writer, Travel Writer, Romance Writer, Screenwriter, TV Sitcom Writer, TV Drama Writer, Game Designer, Professional Organizer, Etiquette Consultant, Day Care, Make-up Artist, Graphic Artist, Photographer, Seminar Producer, Fashion Stylist, Greeting Cards, and more. Written and researched by veteran journalists, researchers, career counselors, and practitioners in the field, these Career KNOWtes guides have been compared to a Cliff's Notes version of career guidance.
Download Description
Ever dreamed about how you can earn a living shopping in the nicest department stores, boutiques, furniture stores, and warehouses for other people? You can by being a personal shopper. In this career guide, find out how you can become a personal shopper, where the opportunities are, and how to do the job.
Customer Reviews:
quick read - great for enterprising types.......2007-10-04
i'm a senior in high school with my own personal shopping business. i began selling Avon at school, but wanted to branch out. So I started personal shopping at the end of my junior year with the help of my parents who read this book. they're in business, but wanted to know a little more about personal shopping. i read the book, too. quick read. not bad since i'm doing well. I know how to put together outfits and I already know how to sell so this little book is all I need.
Personal shopping.......2007-08-30
Let me start with saying I have not read this item yet, so I do not know the worthiness of it's content, but when I took it out if the box and it was printed backwards, it made me not too excited to dive right in and read.
Pay attention people, this has the makings of a HOME MADE booklet, it is unprofessionally put together, not stoked. And not worth the money I paid for it.
Good Starting Point.......2005-09-08
A short, concise version of what personal shopping is all about. This is not the textbook version of personal shopping, but the "cliffnotes" version so that is why I'm giving this only 4 stars. If you want to train to become a personal shopper, then you should enroll in a course, if they have one. In most cases, you have to apply and get accepted into a personal shopper program at stores. That can be tough so this book comes in handy if you want to look at alternatives to the store programs.
Good buy.......2004-04-05
What a find. I have a whole new appreciation for personal shoppers, knowing how much work goes into selecting an item. I liked how this book talks about corporate personal shopping and opening a personal shopping business. I love to shop. I just needed a good book that showed me the ropes on how to start my own business in it. At less than $5, this is one of the best business books I've found.
Amazon.com
Penzler Pick, January 2001: Here Eric Bogosian, a playwright and actor, takes his keen eye to that particularly American venue, the mall. On any given day, the mall attracts hundreds of thousands of diverse characters who are not always there to shop. On this particular night, Bogosian concentrates on five of those characters, suburbanites who interact with each other in ways that are, for the most part, destructive.
Michel is an Haitian immigrant who works as a security guard at the mall. He's been there all evening and he spends his time thinking about his wife who died tragically. He misses her, but he will be forced to put all thoughts of her away as he becomes the first to deal with the horrendous events that start to unfold around closing time.
Jeff is a teenager who hooks up with his friends and drops acid. He wonders if Adelle likes him. She seems to, but she also seems to like his friend Beckett. Jeff's trip will get more surreal as the night progresses and will take him places he's never been before.
Donna is married with a son, but it doesn't seem to be enough. She is at the mall looking for romance and a little adventure. She'll find both.
Danny is a young businessman whose fetish for young women modeling underwear takes him to the women's dressing room at J.C. Penney. There he will find his own private nightmare.
And affecting them all is Mal. Mal is a speed freak who, before setting off for the mall with a car full of weapons, murders his mother and sets fire to his house. He is looking forward to an evening of more murder and mayhem.
This story moves along at the speed of an express train, one that isn't going quite where you thought it was. Bogosian has created a night that will not be easy to forget. --Otto Penzler
Book Description
From the award-winning avatar of contemporary urban theater and author of such modern classics as Talk Radio and Drinking in America comes this outrageous novel about five suburbanites whose lives intersect in one violent and life-altering night -- at the local mall.
Mal, a thirtysomething speed freak, shoots his mother, torches his house, and heads to the local mall with a sack of weapons and a plan for more mayhem. Danny, a voyeuristic businessman with a fetish for young underwear models, is caught by mall security peeking in dressing rooms at JCPenney. Jeff, a teenager with existential troubles, drops acid and departs on a philosophical nightmare. Donna, a hungry, unsettled housewife, is on the lookout for a one-night stand. Michel, a Haitian immigrant and mall security guard, seeks salvation. All long for a kind of satisfaction, and this longing leads them to the modern plaza of possibility, the shopping mall, where their appetites converge in explosive ways.
Satirical and provocative, Mall is an eye-opening look at suburban life and the idea of "normalcy." In this, his first novel, Eric Bogosian delivers a dark, hilarious and biting commentary on an American culture fraught with sex, drugs, violence and congested thinking.
Customer Reviews:
Liplocked .......2006-04-27
Eric Bogosian's "Mall" is a book with little heart. It's a spiritually vapid novel with little kindness and less value. It does, however, entertain like a good episode of C.S.I. with bodies piled high. The structural problem with the novel is that there really isn't a good guy, someone to cheer.
Mal, the teenager on a killing spree, is a meth addict that begins the novel by shooting his mother and setting their house on fire. We are then introduced to several other characters who eventually become related to each other as Bogosian weaves the various story lines together.
Danny is a high roller with expensive clothes and an unresponsive wife. After the birth of their child, their sex life takes a nosedive and results in Danny's doctor recommending manual self-relief or acquiring a mistress. He's shopping at the mall when he notices Donna who is changing her clothes in the dressing room. Donna is aware she is being watched and is aroused by the attention. She proceeds to perform a dressing room striptease that results in Danny being arrested as a peeping tom by the security guards and taken out into a squad car.
Meanwhile, Mal shows up at the Mall and shoots his former boss at the tuxedo shop. This attracts the attention of the forlorn security guard Michel who battles with him. Mal shoots a couple police officers and exits through the back. He comes upon the policeman shoving a handcuffed Danny into the police car and shoots the policeman whose body falls on top of Danny.
We are then introduced to the somewhat anti-materialist and thoughtful young man named Jeff who meets up with his friends at the mall. Jeff has a crush on the lovely Adell who thinks Jeff is boring. Jeff heads off to a nearby hotel and meets up with Donna. Donna's suburban libido has been stimulated by Danny's dressing room attention and then rents a room to connect with teenager Jeff. Their bizarre encounter shifts gears abruptly as Jeff loses interest in Donna after climax and becomes interested in watching the TV news about the fire Mal set @ the Mall.
Meanwhile, Jeff's heartthrob Adell has gotten Danny alone in the back seat of car. Handcuffed, Danny must allow Adell to undress him from the waist down and perform manual services. Adell humiliates Danny by forcing him to say he's a pe*vert and then abandons him in the car with disgust. Michel the security guard has meanwhile followed Mal through the woods and out onto the middle of a freeway where Mal has a gun to a wounded officer's head. Michel gets shot and is ignored as Mal dashes away to die in a parking lot near Jeff. Jeff takes off for one more time around the mall and sees his pal Beckett in a liplock with Adell as they couple passionlessly against the Mall wall. Then Jeff happens upon Danny and takes him home to his father's tool shed to cut off Danny's handcuffs. Thus, the story ends.
This book is a quick read, but the characters aren't particularly gripping and there seems to be no lesson learned. Although the book is less than satisfying, neither is it boring. Enjoy!
Really Good Book.......2005-04-29
Bogosian did a great job in a story that encompasses philosophy, sex, and drugs. The book is about a boy named Mal who is a tweeker going on a rampage in order that he may truly feel alive. The book also brings together another group of people who bring their own flavor to the story. The book is worth the short amount of time it takes to read and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for some entertainment.
Fantabulous!.......2004-09-27
This is one of my favorite books of all time that I think tests the limits of what we call literature, it is probably one of the best contemporary novels that I would put into the catagory of postmodernism. We literally mind-surf into several characters heads and see whats going on, the characters all interlink through a story of a much larger scope and Bogosian creates a satire of American culture rival to that of American Beauty or anything in recent memory. This would make a great film, do not believe the naysayers, Bogosian is a very talented writer and I cannot wait until his next novel comes out.
Not Bad, Not Great, But Worth Reading If You Like Bogosian.......2004-07-20
Bogosian is creepy, smart, rebellious and brilliant. I truly enjoyed watching the video of his one-man show Funhouse. Also enjoyed reading Pounding Nails In The Floor With My Forehead, and Notes From Underground. He is a very, very good writer. You can tell that he hones his material. He is the type of writer who works very hard on making each sentence run smoothly & quickly. This book, Mall, is not meant to be anything other than a fast paced action-adventure. It's just a bit of fun and a means for Bogosian to express various aspects of his personality. He realizes that this mortal world---especially the American part of it---is a totally misleading, misinforming, two-faced, selfish-minded sham full of lies, disappointments & quiet desperation. The result of this realization is cynicism & rage and therefore much of Bogosian's work expresses the darker aspects of his personality---and thank goodness! But don't get me wrong, he is not the least bit heavy-handed regarding his anger and sick, twisted fantasies. He knows how to make a point without going over the top. Mall is an easy-read. It's not meant to be the novel of the century. It's not meant to enlighten anyone. It's just a good old fashioned action-adventure about a speedfreak who goes on a killing spree. It reads like it was written with the intention of making it ready-made for conversion to a screenplay. Is that a crime? Is it a crime that Bogosian wants to make money from his writing? No. He works hard for his money and it shows. So what if he poo-poos shallow materialism while also wanting to become materially successful by doing so? Consistency, or lack of hypocrisy, is the stuff of small-minded, idiotic, know-nothing mortals who have been brainwashed by college. Bottom line: Mall is a good book. Not great, but definitely worth reading if you are already a fan of Bogosian's other stuff. Right from the start you will recognize and appreciate his unique voice, perspective, and writing style. I certainly did.
Smells Like Teen Spirit.......2004-02-25
I read this book in two nights and it worked for me very nicely. Sex, drugs and existential thinking and a pretty good plot. Bogosian comes from the theater and his characters reflect that. I especially liked the psychotic speed freak Mal. Bogosian (as I've said in my other review of his solo book) comes off as kind of simple, but at the end of the day, I think his ideas are complex. It's the way the whole thing is hung together. Long and short of it is that the book is a hot read and has a couple of good nasty sex scenes in it. I guess he's a genius, but on the other hand, who cares?
Book Description
The mystery shopping industry is booming—-and hiring. Businesses hire mystery shoppers to get a view of their service and operations that they can't see for themselves. Shoppers visit stores, restaurants, theaters, banks, apartments, act like ordinary customers, and report on their experience. Get Paid to Shop: Opportunities in Mystery Shopping explains exactly how a savvy consumer with a sharp eye for detail and a little free time can enjoy income and independence as a mystery shopper.
In addition to the core knowledge base about locating, performing, and getting paid for work as an independent contractor, this book—-now in its third edition-—features comprehensive explanations and pointers about using the tools the Internet has brought to mystery shopping. It also features updated information about fee structures, types of assignments, common scams, and income tax considerations.
Customer Reviews:
A great way to get the good jobs fast.......2002-02-13
I sent out lots of e-mails looking for work, but didn't get much results until I bought and read this book. I even called up the author and she gave me more tips. It's great to find everything you need to get started in one place--and it really worked for me. I think that's because she owns a successful mystery business and knows what they look for when they hire.
Don't waste your money...overpriced book.......2001-11-26
Sure it's 122 pages..if you count the dozens of blank pages, title pages, pages they left blank for you to make notes, and of course the author bio page. gimme a break
I did some research on this topic using the internet, probably spending an hour. This book taught me no more than what I learned in that one hour of web surfing.
Great book.......2000-10-15
As the operator of a mystery shopping company, I find this book gives shoppers a good idea of what is expected of them and the type of qualities mystery shopping companies look for in shoppers. It also provides a good overview of the mystery shopping industry whether you are interested in being a shopper or operating a mystery shopping company.
Get Paid to Shop speaks volumes.......2000-08-30
Get Paid to Shop-Opportunities in Mystery Shopping serves three audiences: those who want to become mystery shoppers, veteran mystery shoppers, and those who are interested in starting a mystery shopping business of their own. This book has balance. It is compact and concise, yet complete and clear. This book is informative. For new mystery shoppers, it explains mystery shopping, how to find work, and how much money you should expect to make. For veteran mystery shoppers, it explains how to become a better shopper, how to make more money, and how to get more jobs. For example, the extensive list of mystery shopping companies is thoughtfully arranged by state to help you find more work. Get Paid to Shop also includes a list of Internet resources and Canadian mystery shopping companies. For those who are considering starting a mystery shopping business, this book explains what is involved, details the benefits and responsibilities, and helps you decide if owning a mystery shopping business is right for you. Get Paid to Shop is full of well-organized information that is clearly presented. I recommend it.
What a great book! I read it in less than 2 hours........1999-07-22
I felt the content was right on target. This book gives people a great overview if they might be interested in starting their own business. It gives contract shoppers important information about their role in this industry with specific behavior noted. I think this is a good tool for shoppers.
Product Description
"Introduction to Mystery Shopping:The Perfect Home-based Business" is a step by step guide to starting your own mystery shopping business. Mystery shopping is one of the fastest growing service evaluation industries in the country. Anyone can start and operate a mystery shopping business from their home with little or no financial investment. This book gives you all the tools and information you will need to be successful right away.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Resource Book for Mystery Shopping.......2007-03-30
This book is a great resource to use to get into mystery shopping. It gives you exactly the information you need to start your own home based mystery shopping business. I used this book as a manual to give me the information that I needed to get started. I followed the directions and have already started getting a lot of job offers. It is concise and informative. It doesn't just give you the information on mystery shopping, it tells you about merchandising and how to get started in it. It also explains in detail how to avoid problems. I haven't found this information in any other book. I highly recommend this book.
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