Posing as regular customers, mystery shoppers anonymously visits stores such as department stores, hotels, restaurants, banks, beauty salons, gas stations, grocery stores and many others. Mystery shoppers are individuals who work as independent contractors, on an as needed basis assessing customer service, product quality, employee performance, cleanliness and overall experience. Mystery shoppers follow instructions for their visit and complete written reports or questionnaires after leaving the establishment. The information gathered is very important and is used to improve overall performance.

Mystery shopping is not some trend, it has been around for over 50 years, but until recently is was used as a way to check on employee integrity and minimize theft, primarily in the financial services industry. Today many companies use mystery shopping to measure their customer service and enhance employee training and offer employee incentive programs and measure customer satisfaction.

THE NEED FOR MYSTERY SHOPPERS

Most businesses are finding it necessary to continually offer and do more to attract and keep customers. Businesses now are using service as a means of separating themselves from the competition. There are thousands of undercover people (Mystery Shoppers) evaluating worker's performances and more are needed. Mystery shopping is good opportunity to make a little extra money. It is also your opportunity to give helpful suggestions and constructive criticism to local businesses. Have you ever had a problem with a business (i.e., customer service, cleanliness, or an inappropriate order)? Have you ever wished you could report to someone? Well, now' s your chance to do it and get paid at the same time. Businesses are willing to pay individuals such as you to visit their establishments and give them your opinion. They are willing to do this because most stores know when an inspection is coming from higher management. This gives them time to prepare and make sure everything is perfect. This is where you come in. The establishment won't know when you are coming or who you are. Therefore, how you are treated and what you think is a better indication of how the establishment treats its customers on an everyday basis. This identifies problematic areas for senior level management. Senior level management can then take action to improve this area, which gives you better service.

What makes this even better is you get PAID for doing it. Mystery shoppers may receive meals, services or cash by visiting restaurants, stores, hotels, department stores, etc.

WOULD YOU MAKE A GOOD MYSTERY SHOPPER?

People who make good mystery shoppers are people who appreciate good service and who like to feel their business is appreciated. A person who accepts assignments with the good intentions of completing each assignment in a timely manner and evaluations that are completed objectively make good mystery shoppers. Mystery shoppers take pleasure in knowing that their comments and suggestions are read and acted upon by the businesses they shop. If you are dependable, reliable and professional you would make a great mystery shopper.

WHAT MYSTERY SHOPPING IS NOT

People that think mystery shopping is a get rich quick scheme. The great majority of mystery shoppers do not shop full-time. The pay can be very good and even better if you are able to accept last minute shops, but you aren't going to making a living as a mystery shopper.

FACTS

96% of unhappy customers do not complain when dissatisfied, but do more damage by telling others. One unhappy customer will tell 9-10 other people of their bad experience. These people will tell more than 20 others of the bad experience. It cost 5 times more to find a new customer than to keep an existing one. Word of mouth advertising has more credibility than any other form of external marketing. Mystery shoppers will ensure that what the customers are saying is positive. One out of every three employees will steal if given the opportunity. Taking care of the customer is priority because the competition is just on the next corner. These services will prevent the loss of the most valuable asset, the companies hard earned customers. Most business that use mystery shoppers are service oriented companies who stand to lose a substantial amount of business if their employees perform poorly. When a company wants a mystery shopping program they seek the services of a market research company who specializes in developing these programs. Most companies do not have the resources to develop a quality program. These market research companies are the ones who directly hire the mystery shoppers. They are the companies you must contact in order to obtain your shopping assignments.

QUESTIONS

IS THIS FOR REAL?
Yes. Businesses are willing to pay in order to determine where their customer service can improve.

HOW DO YOU SIGN UP?
Contact any of the market research companies listed on our $$ for mystery shopping page. You can also look in your local yellow pages under market research to find local companies in your area.

HOW MUCH IS THE REGISTRATION AND PROCESSING FEE?
There is no registration or processing fee. Do Not pay for a list of companies, there are plenty of free places to find the same companies that are listed on these lists.

WHAT DOES EACH SHOP PAY?
Each shop varies by assignment. You will know in advance what each shop pays and at that time you can agree or disagree to accept the shop.

HOW SOON WILL I BE SCHEDULED FOR A SHOP?
You will be scheduled as shopping opportunities are available.

DO I HAVE TO ACCEPT EVERY ASSIGNMENT GIVEN TO ME?
No. You will be given a choice of when to work. You work when you want.

HOW DO BUSINESSES USE THE SHOPPER EVALUATIONS?
Shopper evaluations are used to gain knowledge to see where there is room for improvement, for training personnel and reviewing store conditions.