The recession that began in 2007 has affected the mystery shopping industry. Not long ago, traditional shopping assignments were abundant, requirements were straight forward and payments were generous.What is Ahead for Mystery Shoppers in 2009?
We are hearing lots of doom and gloom about the economy, but what can we really expect in the coming year?
Things will get better–they always do–but it will not happen overnight.
As mystery shoppers there are two major things that will affect us.
- First, some clients will go out of business and others will cut back on their mystery shopping programs.
- Second, more people will be looking for ways to make extra money and will turn to mystery shopping.
Those two factors add up to more competition for fewer mystery shopper jobs.
So does that mean you should forget about mystery shopping? …continue reading What is Ahead for Mystery Shoppers in 2009?
Have you ever gotten one of those notices on your receipt to call a toll-free number and answer a few questions about your experience at a store or restaurant? Often the business “bribes” customers to participate by providing a coupon good for a discount on their next visit, or by entering them in a drawing for cash and other prizes.
The Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) began the Gold and Silver Certification programs in 2002. From November, 2002 until late in 2006, I presented all of the Gold Certification Workshops. But in 2006, we found three really amazing new instructors who are taking certification across the country along with me.In 2007, the four of us are presenting a total of 30 workshops, from Miami to Spokane. Meet (from left to right) Karmi Anna Mattson, Chelsea Benning and Gail Witt. The selection of these three talented presenters was a long and difficult process, but in Karmi, Chelsea and Gail, we found exactly the presentation skills, mystery shopping experience and, well, that WOW! factor we were looking for. 