If you've ever wanted to get paid to shop and provide feedback on your experience, then becoming a mystery shopper may be the perfect gig for you. In this Article, I will give you an overview of what mystery shoppers do, how to become one, and some tips for being successful in the role.
¤ What is a mystery shopper
Mystery shopping has been around for centuries, with the first recorded use in 1833 by Allan Pinkerton, founder of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. Mystery shopping was originally used as a way to detect fraudulent activity by employees, such as theft or embezzlement.
As the years progressed, mystery shopping evolved into a tool for measuring customer service levels. In the 1950s, companies began using mystery shoppers to evaluate how well their employees were treating customers. This practice became increasingly popular in the 1980s and 1990s as businesses realized that happy customers led to repeat business and increased profits.
Today, mystery shopping is used not only to measure customer service levels, but also to assess compliance with company policies and procedures, evaluate the cleanliness and appearance of retail locations, and much more. Mystery shoppers can be found working in a variety of industries, including restaurants, hotels, banks, car dealerships, and more.
¤ What do mystery shoppers do?
Mystery shoppers are hired by companies to pose as regular customers while evaluating various aspects of the business. For example, a mystery shopper may visit a restaurant and order a meal, then rate the quality of the food and service received. Or, a mystery shopper may go to a car dealership and inquire about purchasing a vehicle; they would then rate the salesperson’s knowledge and helpfulness.
In order to accurately assess the customer experience, mystery shoppers must pay close attention to detail and be able to remember specific information from their visit. After their evaluation is complete, they will typically write up a report detailing their findings; this report is then submitted to the company that hired them.
¤ How to become a mystery shopper
The first step to becoming a mystery shopper is finding companies that hire mystery shoppers. A good place to start looking is the Mystery Shopping Providers Association website, which has a list of member companies. You can also search for “mystery shopping companies” online and check out individual company websites. Once you've found a few companies you're interested in, the next step is to apply to be a mystery shopper.
¤ Applying to be a mystery shopper
Each mystery shopping company has its own application process, but there are some general things you'll need to do in order to apply. First, you'll need to create an account with the company and fill out an application form. Be sure to include all relevant information such as your contact information, availability, and any prior experience you have as a mystery shopper. You may also need to provide references from previous employers or clients. Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you'll be able to start accepting assignments from the company.
¤ Tips for being a successful mystery shopper
Here are some tips for being a successful mystery shopper:
• Read the instructions for each assignment carefully and make sure you understand what is expected of you before beginning the assignment.
• Pay attention to detail and take note of both positive and negative aspects of your experience.
• Be objective in your assessment and avoid personal biases.
• Turn in your report promptly according to the deadline set by the company.
• Follow up with the company if you have any questions or concerns.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of being a successful mystery shopper and getting repeat assignments from companies.
