Mystery Shopping Tips

Although Mystery shopping sounds like a particularly easy job, but in reality it is not. This is a job even though it doesn't sound like one and much is required from you as a shopper. They want people who can shop and accurately portray the service they receive.

Usually the company requires that you complete a questionnaire on the service that you received. Each company is different on the length of these and the amount of details you are expected to provide. It is important that you read the questionnaire before you complete your assignment otherwise you will have no way of knowing what to be looking for. You can't bring the questionnaire into the store because this usually alerts employees that you are performing a mystery shopping job so you either have to write a few discreet notes to yourself or have extremely good memory.

Here are some of Mystery shopping tips that you should remember:

Act professionally

Answering your questions. Be thorough but concise in your answers. If the reports asks for 5 sentences then give them 5 sentences. If they ask a yes/no question then answer it that way.

Do not bring your children. You might not be able to bring your children with you on some of the assignments. Some companies do not want you bringing your children because children can be very distracting when you are supposed to be completing an assignment.

Don't accept a job if you are not able to complete it. Schedulers and mystery shopping companies are depending upon you - don't let them down.

Don't make up ridiculous excuses. The schedulers and companies share information about shoppers with each other. If they compare notes and see that you are giving them false excuses then you won't be getting many jobs.

Find out all the details you can about the shop before you accept it. Know how much you will be paid, what the due date is, and what you're out of pocket expense will be. There should be no surprises when you receive the official shop instructions.

Follow directions exactly! Read your instructions clearly. Before you go on the shop you must know exactly what the company is looking for.

If an emergency comes up and you are unable to complete the shop, notify your scheduler or the mystery shopping company as soon as possible. Let them know with lots of advance notice so that they can find another shopper to complete the shop. Don't wait for 3 days after the shop was do to tell them your car broke down.

Keep good records. You need to keep very good records especially if you are completing a lot of assignments for various companies.

Most companies want lots of details! Don't add unnecessary words just to fluff up your report - give them meat! If you have problems remember details considering investing in a digital recorder. Lots of shoppers use them and they are very small.

Once you accept the shop, don't try to renegotiate the fee.

Only give your opinions if the company asks for your opinion. Most times the companies want you to report the facts - not how you think they could improve.

Read your paperwork. All instructions required to complete your assignment are included in your paperwork. It is important that you understand all guidelines and instructions.

Remember your code: Remembering your code and using it in all company communications enables them to deal with your enquiries quickly and effectively.

Report your results. Upon completing an evaluation, it is imperative you report your responses within the required timeframe. If your assignment results are not reported within the proper timeframe, the assignment may be re-assigned and you will not be paid.