Mystery Shopping - Tips for Successful Shopper

Mystery shopping is an excellent way to earn a part-time income with flexible hours. All large companies use mystery shoppers to evaluate customer service. This is a great job for seniors, retirees, students, stay at home moms and dads, or anyone that wants to earn some extra money while shopping.

1. Learn as much as you can : If you want to be successful at mystery shopping, then set yourself ahead of the pack by learning as much as you can about it. Do some homework about mystery shopping before joining. Check libraries or bookstores for tips on how to find companies hiring mystery shoppers, as well as how to do the job effectively. Read and do you research well. Learn the facts and figures of mystery shopping business. There are a lot of mystery shopping websites out there with useful information. Keep reading and keep learning.

2. Choose the right company : Get registered with a mystery shopping company of good repute that trains shoppers and is popular among other shoppers and clients. There are several legitimate websites that you can sign up as a Mr. Shopper for free.

3. Maintain Anonymity : You should remain anonymous at all the times during a mystery shop. Do not take any forms or papers with you. Try not to take notes or do anything that would identify you as a mystery shopper. Some companies will not pay shoppers that are "found out" on the job. Pretend that you are an ordinary shopper, just as you would if you were actually shopping or dining for yourself.

4. Read your instructions : Before you head out, double check the time, date and specific store location. Follow directions exactly ! Read your instructions clearly. Before you go on the shop you must know exactly what the company is looking for.

5. Fill out all paper work timely : Complete and return any reports, audits or forms within 24 hours of performing the mystery shop. This way things are fresh in your mind. Also many companies do have a time limit for shoppers to fill out their reports.

6. Act professional & be committed : Remember when you accept an assignment to mystery shop you are committing yourself to the job. Do not miss your shop date or perform it late. Always give prior notice to the mystery shopping company when you are unable to complete the shop due to some reason, so that company can find a suitable replacement. Complete all assignments on time. If you absolutely cannot complete an assignment, contact the mystery shopping company immediately so they can reschedule the assignment. Dependable shoppers get the best assignments!

7. Report facts precisely, don't comment : Be thorough but concise in your answers. If the reports asks for 5 sentences then give them 5 sentences. If they ask a yes/no question then answer it that way. Proofread your report before you submit and note any discrepancies. Only give your opinions if the company asks for your opinion, otherwise just report the real happenings and facts. Most times the companies want you to report the facts - not how you think they could improve.

8. Be careful with your reports : Always try to neatly print or type your reports so that they are legible. The reports you submit to mystery shopping companies are the only thing they're getting out of it -- so make sure you do a good job. Try to write using clear, simple language. Be careful with your grammar. Answer all questions honestly, and make sure you record as many details as possible.

9. Render balance observations : Try to give balance observations. You should try to approach every mystery shop with a sense of neutrality. Try to offer your observations not your opinions. Providing an excessively negative or positive report may imply that you did not carefully observe everything during your mystery shopping experience. Although this does not mean that you should not report a very positive or negative report, rather that your report should not be completely positive or completely negative.

10. Be Prompt : One of the best things you can do to improve your chances of being hired again is promptly completing the mystery shopping job, and immediately submitting the report. Mystery shopping companies are often left hanging, so you'll immediately put yourself ahead by simply being quick.

11. Every Shop Counts : Whether you're doing a high paying shop, or a low paying one, do a good job. Most mystery shopping companies keep track of how well you do, and often share that information with other companies. The better you do, the more likely you are to get another job in the future.

12. Stay Organized : This is incredibly important if you want to do more than a little mystery shopping. As a mystery shopper you are an independent contractor. It's like running your own business. Keeping good records will help every aspect of mystery shopping, making it all go a little smoother.

13. Don't make up ridiculous excuses. The schedulers and companies share information about shoppers with each other. Someone might spill the beans and you may end up not finding a shopper's job at all.

14. Never discuss the fees with the employer after accepting the shop. Negotiate it prior to finalizing the deal. It is an unprofessional attitude.

15. Keep a diary : When accepting assignments, note the date and time in your diary straight away.

16. Record all the necessary facts that is required to fill in the report while on shop.

17. Try to schedule your jobs in the same area, so that you are not driving all over town.

18. Get certified as a mystery Shopper. This will add tremendous credibility. It proves that you take your job as a mystery shopper very serious.

19. Never carry mystery shopping report forms to the store. Fill them while on your way back or at home.

20. Enjoy your shop, mystery shopping can be very enjoyable with a little experience.

In summary, mystery shopping is an excellent way to earn a part-time income. Most people mystery shop part time, but some people have turned this into a full-time business. If you are serious about mystery shopping, it is best to become certified. This is a fun and easy way to earn extra money.