10 Tips on Being a Mystery Shopper

There are opportunities across the world for people who are interested in being involved in this type of work. Mystery shoppers are normally employed by a marketing/research company who works on behalf of clients in the retail and entertainment industry.

Skills Needed

Mystery shopping requires good observation skills as the work entails remembering details such as staff names, times and stock levels. Good English skills are also needed as the information will be written up into a report. Much of the work is done through the Internet so computer skills are also a requirement.

Experience Required

Some companies accept people with no experience but generally, knowledge in one of these three areas is desirable: hospitality, retail or tourism. The ability to work unsupervised is also important.

Hours Worked

No two weeks are the same and hours are flexible. In many cases, it is possible to choose when to work from a spectrum of dates. Once a date is selected, the company may specify that the visit take place between certain hours such as 12 noon and 2pm.

Is the Pay Good?

Pay systems vary from company to company and may be in cash, goods or a combination of both. On average, a basic survey will pay about $10 plus reimbursement for a small purchase. Mystery shoppers who have proved their worth may be given choice assignments worth a couple of hundred dollars or more.

What Is Needed

Basic requirements normally include a car, a timing device such as a cell phone or watch with a second hand, internet access and a printer to print survey forms.

Interesting

Mystery shopping can be an interesting career as no two visits are ever the same. Expect to visit different parts of town as well as gaining an understanding of how various companies work and the high standards they attain to.

How to Sign Up

The easiest way to find employment as a mystery shopper is on the Internet. Simply do a Google search for mystery shopper opportunities in the relevant area.

Opportunities

Experienced shoppers are often given choice assignments which involve travel and extra pay. They may even make provision for a partner to go along. To qualify, the important thing is to produce consistently good work and be faithful in meeting deadlines.

Being Objective

Mystery shoppers have to learn how to remove themselves from their reports. Companies don’t want comments like “The employee was rude to me”. They are looking for a straightforward reporting of facts that don’t involve personal emotions. “The employee turned away as he saw me approaching” is a more suitable way of putting it.

Extra Work

It is possible to work for more than one company at a time. Just make sure that the two don’t overlap and cause problems. Keep a diary of appointments and don’t book too many assignments.

Mystery shopping is ideal for those wanting to combine the benefits of a part time income with flexible hours and interesting work. A love of shopping is a bonus and will lead to much job satisfaction.