Get paid to shop!

Mystery shoppers get paid to evaluate many different types of goods and services. Assignments can include (but not be limited to):

• Purchasing food
• Test driving a car
• Enquiring about a mobile phone
• Trying on expensive jewellery
• Enjoying a coffee or meal in a cafe
• Making an enquiry about financial services

View the video: "How to Become a Mystery Shopper" on Channel 9's "A Current Affair".

 

http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=279898

 

As a mystery shopper you are required to visit (or telephone/or email) an agreed business. You behave just like a regular customer, except of course, you are undercover and you do not disclose your identity or your purpose. While conducting the assignment you evaluate certain aspects of customer service, sales skills and store appearance. Your observations are used to prepare a report which is passed on to the store management, who in turn use it to improve their operations and the skills of their staff. Assignments are usually in your own local area so you do not have to travel unless you want to or have a reason to go to another area.

The best thing about being a mystery shopper is that any purchase you are required to make is reimbursed and usually there is a cash payment as well.

You will never be asked to conduct mystery shopping for a business you feel uncomfortable visiting. For example if you are a vegetarian you will not be asked to go to a shop that sells meat.

You will never be asked to visit businesses which have not invited us to mystery shop for them. All of our mystery shopping is done with permission. Furthermore all of our clients are advised to inform staff about mystery shopping. So the staff know what to expect - they just don’t know when, or who.

What Makes a Good Mystery Shopper?

You will be shopping without supervision so you must be self-reliant and scrupulously accurate with your observations. You need to pay attention to the details, and you must possess a good level of literacy. Although mystery shopping is a fun thing to do, it is serious business for Shopping Science International and we expect professionalism from our shoppers.

If you ever find yourself in a conflict of interest we would expect you to tell us. For example, you may run into a friend who is working in the store you visit. To proceed with the mystery shop under those circumstances is inappropriate. We require honesty and confidentiality at all times.

Who Can Become a Mystery Shopper?

Most people are able to mystery shop. It is particularly suitable for mothers, who can either take their children with them, or do the shopping while they are in school. Retirees and students often appreciate the extra money mystery shopping provides, as do part-time workers and those with variable hours. The outstanding benefit of being a mystery shopper is the flexibility - you can usually do the shopping at a time to suit you.

Why do Businesses Engage Mystery Shoppers?

Most people can recall a time when they have left a store or restaurant feeling unhappy and dissatisfied with the service.

When customers are dissatisfied, the business potentially loses in three ways. Firstly they lose revenue from your immediate purchase. Secondly they lose revenue from any future purchase you might have made, and thirdly they lose revenue from the people you tell to avoid that particular business.

As customers we choose to patronise a particular business in order to conveniently access the goods and services we need. In all but the most basic of transactions, this means that the business must discover our needs and demonstrate how their product or service will improve our lives. If this is expertly done we are likely to be satisfied. On the other hand, if we cannot locate what we need, or the sales person is disinterested, rude or unknowledgable, we may not purchase anything at all.

As a mystery shopper you have the opportunity to provide feedback on all of these things so that one day, a five-star customer experience may be the norm rather than the exception.

Where's the Catch?

You do have to prepare a report on your shopping experience. And it's not going to be all fashion stores, restaurants and test drives of smart new cars. Also mystery shopping assignments can be somewhat irregular and and infrequent depending on where you live.

You should therefore regard your mystery shopping activities as a fun thing – as recreation, or as a leisure activity.

Mystery Shopper Testimonial

I have been a mystery shopper for Shopping Science International for 6 years. I enjoy the work and it’s easy to do. I especially like the flexibility of being able to work around the requirements of my family, which, with three kids to care for, is sometimes a challenge. As long as I meet Shopping Science International’s requirements I can usually do the shopping at a time and on a day to suit me.

It’s bonus money for the family which we have used to help pay off our mortgage. We know that anything extra will substantially reduce the term of the loan and the total interest paid so we think that’s the best use of our mystery shopping money. I have always been paid on time and the amount has always been the correct amount.

I also appreciate the excellent support I receive from the staff at Shopping Science International. There is no doubt in my mind that my reports, especially in the early days, are more accurate because of their friendly and efficient coaching.

Katrina B.

Mt Gravatt QLD

 

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