Though the name itself may look a bit mysterious, the concept of mystery shopping is really straightforward. Mystery shopping allows companies to obtain a “snapshot in time” by trained researchers who know in advance what they are to measure . It provides management a method to quickly yet efficiently evaluate their business practices, products and services, and employees from the perspective of a non-biased consumer.
Mystery Shopping Services
Mystery shoppers visit or call businesses posing as ordinary customers and provide detailed evaluations of their experience using written reports or questionnaires.
Mystery shopping is used in a wide variety of industries such as retail, restaurants, financial institutions, convenience stores and gas stations, service providers, manufacturers, department stores, travel and entertainment, etc.
Mystery Shopping Jobs
Mystery shoppers are either paid a prearranged fee for a specific shop, a reimbursement for a purchase or a combination of both. Most shoppers view this as a second income source or as a way to obtain fully reimbursed meals, products, and services. Others over time take on more and more shops and some decide to become full-time shoppers.
The enrollment process with leading mystery shopping companies has improved over the years. Most offer a simple online form that takes only a few minutes to complete. Once you have registered with a company or two, they will begin informing you of mystery shopper job opportunities. Most of these are first-come, first-serve, so be sure to provide the company with an email address that you check regularly, and a phone number where you can be easily reached.
Be willing to accept last minute assignments and treat bottom-of-the-barrel assignments just like top-of-the-line assignments. At first, take whatever you can acquire . This will allow you to build a reputation with each company. Make sure you completely understand the instructions for the particular shop, be impartial, and focus on accuracy. You may be required to document employee names and descriptions, prices, inventory evaluations, etc.
Go hi-tech. More and more mystery are requiring shoppers to have access to the Internet, email and a fax machine. Some shops even require the use of a digital camera to capture product placement, signage, cleanliness or other focus points.
Complete all assignments on time. If you absolutely cannot complete an assignment, contact the mystery shopping company immediately so they can reschedule the assignment. Dependable shoppers get the best assignments!
Assignments can be as basic as sitting in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant for 20 minutes to document drive-thru service times to taking an all-expense-paid trip to a resort for 2 weeks to document your daily service experiences.
Mystery Shopping Job Search Tips
Now that you understand the mystery shopping industry a little more clearly, the next step is to locate a few top mystery shopping providers and register, remembering that even if a business doesn’t have a client in your area today, they may next month. Once registered with a company, it would not hurt to call or send an email to show your willingness to shop and to confirm your professionalism and attention to detail.
To learn more about mystery shopping jobs visit get paid to be a mystery shopper