What is Mystery Shopping?
Mystery shopping, also known as secret shopping or covert customer research, is a method used by businesses to gather information about the quality of their products or services. It involves hiring individuals, known as mystery shoppers, to pose as regular customers and evaluate various aspects of the business, such as customer service, cleanliness, and overall experience.
The mystery shopper will typically be given a set of instructions or a checklist of items to observe and report on. They may be asked to make a purchase, ask specific questions, or interact with employees in certain ways. After the visit, the mystery shopper will complete a report detailing their experience and providing feedback on the business.
Why Do Businesses Use Mystery Shopping?
Mystery shopping can be a valuable tool for businesses to assess and improve various aspects of their operations. It allows them to gather objective, unbiased information about how their employees are interacting with customers and how their products or services are being received.
By regularly conducting mystery shopping evaluations, businesses can identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes to enhance the customer experience. It can also help businesses to identify and resolve issues that may not have been apparent otherwise.
Additionally, mystery shopping can be a useful training tool for employees. By providing feedback on their interactions with customers, businesses can help employees develop the necessary skills and knowledge to provide top-quality service.
How to Become a Mystery Shopper
If you’re interested in becoming a mystery shopper, there are a few steps you can take:
- Search for mystery shopping companies: There are a number of companies that specialize in hiring and managing mystery shoppers. Sign up for as many as you would like. The more companies you sign up for the more shops that will be available from you to choose from. There are a list of 15 companies below.
- Create a profile: Most mystery shopping companies will require you to create a profile outlining your demographics, shopping habits, and availability. This will help the company match you with appropriate assignments.
- Complete training: Many companies will require you to complete some form of training before you can begin accepting assignments. This may include online training modules or in-person workshops.
- Look for assignments: Once you’ve completed your training, you can begin looking for assignments in your area. Some mystery shopping companies will send out regular emails with available assignments, while others may require you to log in to their platform to search for and apply for jobs.
- Complete the assignment and submit your report: Once you’ve accepted an assignment, you’ll need to follow the instructions provided and complete the evaluation. This may involve making a purchase, asking specific questions, or interacting with employees in a certain way. After the evaluation is complete, you’ll need to submit a report detailing your experience and providing feedback on the business.
In conclusion, mystery shopping can be a fun and interesting way to earn some extra cash while also providing valuable feedback to businesses. If you’re interested in becoming a mystery shopper, be sure to research companies and complete any necessary training before looking for assignments.