How Mystery Shopping Companies Spot Fraudulent Shops

Posted on March 19th, 2008 in Dealing with Mystery Shopping Companies, Mystery Shopper Scam by Cathy Stucker

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con-man.jpgIt is hard to believe, but true: There are some secret shoppers who fake reports. Fortunately, there are not many of these dishonest shoppers, but the few who are out there harm the industry and all of us with their fraud.

It seems as though it would be more difficult to make up a report and all the necessary details and documentation than to just do it. However, there will always be people who want to feel that they got away with something by faking the secret shopper report instead of doing it right.

Mystery shopping companies and clients can spot the fakers, though, so even if they get away with it for a while, fraudulent secret shoppers will get caught. Here are some of the ways that mystery shopping providers and their clients spot these con artists and their fraudulent shop reports. …continue reading How Mystery Shopping Companies Spot Fraudulent Shops

Should You Ever Contact a Mystery Shopping Client?

Posted on January 3rd, 2008 in Dealing with Mystery Shopping Companies by Cathy Stucker

question2.jpgYou have shopped a client many times for a particular mystery shopping company, and have suggestions about how they could improve their program. Should you contact the client with your suggestions?

While doing a mystery shop, you noted a problem that your business (or your spouse’s) could fix for the client. Should you advise the client what you discovered and how you can help them?

Or perhaps you have a comment about the mystery shopping company: you are unhappy with how much they pay shoppers or how long it takes to get paid. Is it a good idea to let the client know what is going on? …continue reading Should You Ever Contact a Mystery Shopping Client?

Insulting Emails from Mystery Shopping Companies

Posted on December 29th, 2007 in Dealing with Mystery Shopping Companies by Cathy Stucker

We have all seen emails and mystery shop postings where some of the requirements seem, well, insulting. The job description and overall tone seem condescending and even rude. They include things such as: …continue reading Insulting Emails from Mystery Shopping Companies

Secret Shopper Grades: What Do They Mean?

Posted on October 28th, 2007 in Dealing with Mystery Shopping Companies by Cathy Stucker

It is always nice to get feedback so that you know how you are doing. Although some will just give you a comment or two (Great report, but please watch your spelling.) and others give little or no feedback, many mystery shopping companies give feedback via shopper ratings or grades. Here is what those grades mean. …continue reading Secret Shopper Grades: What Do They Mean?