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Ok,
first question ... What exactly is a mystery
shopper?
A mystery shopper is like an undercover agent. You might accept
assignments for restaurants, grocery stores, automobile
dealers, retail stores, or amusement parks. Just about any type of
business you can think of could benefit from the services of a
mystery shopper.
You receive a specific assignment for your shop. For example, you
may be asked to describe the parking facilities, cleanliness,
friendliness of staff, and your wait time at a restaurant.
You must always work undetected. The staff should not suspect
that you are an
evaluator or they would treat you differently.
Your job is not to spy on employees,
or try to find things wrong
or right. Your job is simply to follow the script that comes
with your assignment and provide an impartial evaluation.
You are the link that keeps the Corporate
Headquarters informed and they need you to maintain yourself
in a professional manner. For a business to be successful,
they must maintain customer satisfaction. They can better
please the customer if they understand how the customer is being
treated and if their product is being sold as they intended.
You will have the benefit of working around your
schedule, which can be beneficial for a housewife, mother or part
time worker. Some places may want you to go to their
establishment only during certain hours, i.e. happy hour, early bird
specials, moonlight madness sales, etc. You may be able to
request certain hours of the day that are best for you, such as
early mornings for mom’s with small children in preschool or late
afternoons-early evenings for those who already hold down a part
time job.
Ok, question 2 ...
How do I get started?
There are many companies that hire Mystery Shoppers ... you will
be surprised at how many we have listed.
You can apply online to over 140 companies.
You will find the application page link
in our Members Area. If you are interested
in finding a local mystery shopping firm
to work for go to your library or
telephone book and look for local
Marketing Research companies and submit
a resume. Although, you will find
the online companies much easier and convenient.
Mystery shopping is big business, so don't limit yourself by
applying only to
companies that are physically located near you.
Remember, most mystery shopping companies are nationwide. Their
clients and stores are nationwide. Just because a company has its
offices in New York does not mean you can not work for them because
you live in Texas. These Mystery Shopping companies contract with
retail and restaurant chains. These chains are located
Nationwide, therefor they need shoppers nationwide.
Never feel pressured into a job. It will not be held against you
if you are unable or unwilling to take a particular assignment. Some
things will just not appeal to you. Just recently I declined an
assignment at an automobile dealership because test driving a car
and discussing prices was involved and I felt very uncomfortable
with that. Sometimes the job will just not fit into your
schedule. If that happens to you, just be honest with the
company right away. If you are sent an assignment and do not wish to
complete it or can't fit in into your schedule, make sure you
decline it right away. This allows the company to find someone else.
Companies do not care if you decline assignments as long as you do
it promptly. If you do not decline promptly you will probably not be
sent many assignments after that. All it takes is a quick email
saying you can not complete this assignment.
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