I am sure that most women or men who choose to mystery shop have children. I have found that I can take my three children on most shops. When I finally decided to dive in and sign up for a shop, I stopped and called the company to see if it were appropriate for me to bring children. They were more than happy for me to bring them because this helped evaluate how the associate handled a mom with children. One the other hand, some shops that require you to keep specific times of service may tell you right in the job description and information not to bring children or even for you to come alone. I usually choose the shops that my children are able to go on because I do not feel it is worth a trip that pays $12 and have to pay a sitter $20.
I often find and accept shops for restaurant because they often want you to purchase two adult meals (me and hubby) and allow you to take up to six people. I recently went on a shop to a family restaurant and took my family. I did the shop and was not paid for it but the company paid $25 of our $40 bill. $15 isn’t bad for a family of five to eat out these days. That little extra money went in the gas tank.
