Americans' number one recreational activity is shopping! When people discover they can make money shopping, they are intrigued.

Mystery shoppers visit, telephone, and e-mail stores, restaurants, theaters, banks, model homes, and government offices and act like customers. Using a form provided by the mystery shopping company, they note where service meets standards and where improvements are needed.

Mystery shoppers are independent contractors. They are paid a fee for each job and furnish their own office and transportation.

Ambitious shoppers can open mystery shopping companies, sign up clients, and hire shoppers. Their start-up costs are low and the potential for growth is high.

Mystery shopping generates information that helps companies provide better service. Companies use this information to plan training for their employees, to reward employees who are high achievers, and to monitor service levels.

Being a mystery shopper is rewarding work. As a shopper, you play an important role in improving service for all of us.

These books will help you learn more about ways you can be a part of the mystery shopping industry:

• CLICK HERE to learn more about Get Paid to Shop: Opportunities in Mystery Shopping.

• CLICK HERE to learn more about Starting Your Mystery Shopping Business.