Company Overview: Serving Rocky and Cascade mountain areas of the United States. The origins of this company are in a product and in-store demonstration company that started in Utah in the 1970s. That company serviced clients in the Rocky Mountain states. By the turn of the century, they had noticed an unmet demand for mystery shopping from their existing merchandising and demonstration clients. Mystery shopping was added to Rocky Mountain Merchandising. In 2004, the mystery shopping part of the business was re-branded as Six Star Solutions.
This company is based in Utah and serves a variety of clients in industries that include restaurants, gas stations, oil change centers, and hotels. Shop locations are typically in CO, UT, ID, MT, WY, AZ, OR and WA. New shoppers may apply at the company website here, http://sixstarsolutions.com/ This company does not have a typical job board as shops are announced by monthly email. Shoppers are invited to apply for shops from that email or may view available jobs on a different website. Payment is made biweekly by check. This company maintains MSPA membership.
Personal Experience: An application was submitted while preparing this article as I have no prior experience with this company. The application was straightforward. It asked for basic information, my mystery shopping experience, and where I traveled. Those latter items might be considered a short writing sample. The next business day I received a personalized response thanking me for applying but they currently had no shops in my area. They would keep my information on file should that change in the future. Prompt responses were made to additional questions. I was also invited to contact them regarding shops should I be traveling in their area.
What others have to say: Comments on the forum are few but positive. For example, one shopper says, “I work for them every month and have nothing but good things to say. Their system seems a little archaic, but they are straightforward and are easy to communicate with.” Comments regarding payment are that they pay quickly. Another shopper says, “I consider them a good, honest small company that appreciates the shoppers.” However, that same shopper also reports not receiving the monthly shop announcement emails. The BBB lists this company but does not accredit it. The BBB has no complaints on file. Two 5-star reviews on Yelp praise this company as being great to work for and have quick payments.
Overall: This is a small, well established company run with a personal touch. For those shopping in the Rocky or Cascade Mountain states, it is a good one to add to your list. Also, for those traveling through those areas, the hotel shops it offers might be worth an application.