1.The job As it might have already entered your mind, mystery shopper is an individual who works for the company to observe, evaluate, and make a report on the status of the store from the costumer's point of view. The mystery shopper or sometimes referred to as secret shopper will enter work not as an employee but as a regular costumer enjoying shopping while getting paid.
2.Kinds of Service it Offer Mystery shopper is not limited to shops. They also go to restaurants, cruise liners, movie theaters, department store, casino, service centers, fitness centers or heath clubs, salons, banks, homebuilders, amusement centers and parks, and everything in the business area that are customer oriented. With these, you get paid while getting a new haircut, gambling, dinning in style, traveling and shopping, at work.
Now that you know these, here are tips on how to become a mystery shopper.
First things first: apply to as many mystery shopping agencies as possible.
Good thing here is that mystery shopping companies does not charge registration fees.
Another thing you need to know if you want to become a mystery shopper is to know the difference between real and a fictitious mystery shopping company. Real mystery shopping company does not charge fees their shopper while fictitious mystery shopping company do the opposite. All the manual, instruction materials, and trainings are provided for free.
Once you get your first assignment, grab it immediately. A good mystery shopper commits to accept assignments in short notice. This would generate good reputation to each company you serve. As the old saying goes ?first impression lasts.? If you play hard to get, you might not get the second shot.
Although it might sound fun- shopping, dining, and enjoying while getting paid- there is a level of professionalism in this field. If you agree on specific date, make sure you can complete it. If you feel you cannot make it to the given date, ask of a reschedule or an extension. In this way you would not have to punish yourself doing your job or sacrificing another work.
Make sure also that you accomplish your reports and evaluations and submit it on time. There is no better way to please your client than getting your job done on time. Many mystery shoppers failed to get more assignment because of delayed if not incomplete reports.
A legitimate mystery shopping company also reimburses the amount of money spent for shopping as well as paying for the service you provide. Most companies pre-arrange the salary of the mystery shopper as well as the amount of purchase to be done.
One point to remember: although the money earned as a mystery shopper is enough to make a decent living, most mystery shoppers do this as the secondary source of income.
Finally, enjoy your work. There is no better way to create a good day on the store while working than having fun. Never treat it as a job but be mindful that by the end of the day, you can create a report/evaluation on the experience.
Mystery shopping is a big business which not many people are actually aware of. It basically involves an individual going into a place of business and taking notes on different things. It is known as "mystery shopping" because it involves the person doing the analysis of the business, doing it in secret. So basically nobody is supposed to know that they are reviewing the service. It is a job which many people would love to do but they simply do not know how to apply or where to start. So just how do you get into mystery shopping?
The first step to apply to become a mystery shopper is to register with the companies that you know are credible but also ones that provide assignments in which you would be interested. Typically, the process is simple but it is essential that you provide all requested information with honesty and integrity. After all, these characteristics are two of the most important when it comes to being accepted. Just be careful that you avoid any companies asking for money, especially large amounts, to join since most reputable companies are free.
An optional step before you actually apply to become a mystery shopper is to take a certified course. Usually this is not essential but it may help you improve your chances of being selected. In order to become certified you will likely have to take a test which will tell the company whether you are ideal as a mystery shopper or not. Even if you take this test and you fail, try not to let it put you off as many companies will not require you to have taken the test.
If you choose to complete this certification step, you will generally have to go through a short application process, many times offered online. Keep in mind when you are filling out this form that there are many companies looking for qualifies shoppers, so try not to be intimidated by the application process.
After you have completed these steps, your application will be reviewed and you will be notified of the company's decision. If you are not accepted by the first company, don't be discouraged, as there are many other opportunities available. If you are accepted, you will begin to become notified of the available shopper opportunities in your immediate area and you will be able to select the ones that you would like to complete and the ones that you would prefer not to complete.
Overall when you choose to apply to become a mystery shopper, you will have to put a little time and effort into it. There are a few top companies which you can apply to if you get stuck and these include KSS International, MPSA and A-Closer-Look. It might be a good idea to apply to a few different companies just so you have more chance of being selected.
Both Joseph Then & Ethan Hunter are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Joseph Then has sinced written about articles on various topics from Debts Loans, Information Technology and Digital Camera. Joseph Then operates a Mystery Shopper website that offers the user a HUGE list of resources for Mystery Shoppers. Check it out at