Mystery shoppers visit companies “acting like normal customers,” and do the things other consumers would do. They ask questions, make a purchase, make a return—but with a twist. These incognito customers are really there to rate the businesses and their employees. After visting the business, the mystery shopper completes a report detailing what occurred.
Why Do Businesses Hire Mystery Shoppers?
Shops are ususally done to find out about the tier of service provided to consumers. However, mystery shoppers may also be asked to establish that employees are nicely groomed and dressed in a proper uniform, the place of business is tidy and goods are displayed properly, staff persons are knowledgeable, etc. As a mystery shopper, you may be asked to find out if employees used a certain phrase (such as, “Thank you for shopping at ...”) or if they used the suggested selling techniques (“Would you like breadsticks with that?”). You may even be asked to shop a client's competitor, so the client can compare.
Mystery shoppers find the answers to questions. Did someone greet you when you entered? Were items properly stocked? Was the store in tidy order? Did the restrooms have enought soap and tissue? How long did it take to receive your meal? Did the clerk tell you about the available warranty? Did the cashier count your change aloud?
Mystery shopping is not about your opinion it's about your oberservations.
When rating businesses, mystery shoppers are the sensory organs of the business owner. Shoppers tell the owner how consumers see the business. Most businesses have standards set forth that they expect to be fulfilled. Mystery shoppers let the business owner know if his employees are up to the standards.
Companies use the information from the mystery shopper reports to reward good employees, find any flaws to work on, improve safety, and much more. Businesses may base reviews and bonuses at least in part on the results of mystery shops.
The mystery shopping reports allow the business to compare the performance of one location to another, or see how the performance of the same location has improved.
Most mystery shoppers start because it is fun. They enjoy perks, like "free" food and gooda, and even make money while they're getting this free stuff! Although mystery shopping can be fun, it is a business and you will have important responsibilities as a mystery shopper.
If you are interested in working flexible, part time hours, and getting paid to shop, eat and more while providing an important service to businesses, mystery shopping may be for you.