|
|
More Information
If you are curious about what mystery shopping is and
how you can
get started, then you are in the right place! You'll find answers to your
questions here. You will also be able to apply for positions online.
Who knows? You might get your first assignment in a few days.
What do I get
for my money?
For only $9.95 you will get a list of over 200 mystery shopping
companies where you can apply for work. This list is updated on a daily
basis (if new sites are available). This listing will pay for itself with
the first company you work for.
Do you actually get paid for shopping?
Yes! Look at it as more of a part time income from doing something you enjoy. You may simply be reimbursed for your store purchase, or you will be reimbursed plus paid a small fee for your time. It often takes 30 days or longer to receive your payment, so to begin with you will actually be putting money out (if a purchase is required). Consider your driving time and gas/mileage and you can get an idea that making $10 or $20 for a 20 minute evaluation will not make you rich. Mystery Shopping is very popular and the market is filled with shoppers. It would be unlikely to be able to make a full time living by mystery shopping unless you are hired full time by a local company or start your own service.
How do I get started as a mystery shopper?
First of all purchase this list! You will not find a more complete listing of mystery shops. Then apply to as many as you like. You are able to apply to all of them or you can apply to 1 or 2 of them. It's your choice. But I promise with one company this list has paid for itself!
Do I have to take every job?
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 because I was asked to stand in front of a store and approach customers for their opinions and I felt very uncomfortable with that. If that happens to you, just be honest with the company right away. Don't force yourself to try something and wind up doing a sloppy evaluation.
What kind of shops might I do?
You can perform a variety of mystery shops, average shop time is about thirty (30) minutes, including gasoline stations, fast food establishments, sit-down restaurants, drug stores, computer stores, warehouse clubs, wireless telephone providers, bookstores or other types of retail stores.
An assignment - What do I do now???
Many Mystery Shopping Services operate almost
entirely over the internet now. You will most likely receive notice via email.
It is important to apply with an email address you use often as you may
need to respond within 24 to 48 hours to be accepted for an assignment. You may
also be notified through fax or phone.
You will be given the particulars of the assignment and have the chance to accept or decline.
If you accept, you will download or receive via mail or fax, the scenario that is to be used for your evaluation.
For example, you may be asked to go to a grocery store and ask the deli worker for help locating an item, you may be asked to purchase alcohol and report if the clerk asked for ID, or you may be asked to evaluate service in a restaurant. You will be given a form with specific instructions before you shop. You will be told who to speak to and all areas that are to be included in your evaluation.
Your instructions may include: Looking at the displays to see if they are kept neat and well put together. Asking the sales clerk for information about a certain item, and how they could assist you in getting a certain size not readily available. They may ask you to try on several items and check the dressing rooms for neatness.
Does the sales clerk offer to assist you with
additional sizes? Are the shelves well stocked and neat in appearance? Was
the sales clerk helpful? They will want you to actually purchase something
they suggest or of your choice and will want you to observe the
actual transaction and note how easily or difficult it was performed.
They may also ask you to question the sales clerk on several different items. What was his/her response? They may ask you to visit the restrooms and make sure they are clean and well stocked. Use a public telephone and comment on its accessibility.
Study your scenario before you begin the shop,
because you can't take your notes with you. Remember you must remain
undetected!
Do your best to remember names and pertinent details, and as soon as you get to
your car you can quickly jot down important notes.
Completing the Evaluation
You will have been given a deadline. Usually you
have to have your report filed within 24 to 48 hours. Be punctual! This could
determine whether you will get any future assignments with this company. Most
likely you will be able to file your report online or fax it in. Simply
follow the instructions you were given.
It is very important that you be as accurate as possible, giving only the facts requested. If your assignment was to evaluate cleanliness at an establishment, don't make comments about the staff either good or bad. Don't interject personal thoughts of your experience unless asked.
Make sure you have your receipt. You will need to turn this in for reimbursement.
The amount of work and time involved depends somewhat on the type of assignment you accept. Read the directions/description carefully as to what the shop is the company is offering you. It is your responsibility to understand what is required of you. File your reports and receipts promptly to ensure you receive payment as promised by the company.