The Mystery Shopper’s Manual

My post on Reverse Auctions and Secret Shopper Pay drew this comment from the owner of a mystery shopping company:

We have noticed a substantial increase in the number of evaluations we must return to shoppers because they are incomplete, have poor explanations, or just don’t make sense. I think in most cases we pay well, but we can’t seem to figure out why the quality has gone down - other than the influence of text messaging.

Do you think this is an exaggeration? Judging by the email I sometimes receive, I do not believe that it is. …continue reading “I WANT TU B UR MSYTERY SHOPPR”

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Looking for a great last-minute gift idea for the secret shopper on your gift list? Or maybe you are a mystery shopper who would like to drop some hints to friends and family about what you want to find under the tree this year. These items, ranging from pricey to stocking-stuffers, are just what professional shoppers need to make their jobs easier . . . …continue reading Secret Shopper Gift Ideas

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Do you have a favorite pair of “shopping shoes”? When you are on your feet all day, it is important to have shoes that fit well, support your feet and keep you comfortable. And, of course, you want to look good. Here are some tips to help you find the right shoes for a mystery shopper’s feet.

Always look for shoes that provide good support for your feet. Flip flops and other unstructured shoes generally do not provide the support you need for a long day on your feet. Hold a shoe at each end and twist it. If it bends too much it will not provide enough support. …continue reading Shoes Made for Shopping

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I used to have a notepad that attached to the car dashboard or windshield with a suction cup. I have no idea what ever happened to it, but I was thinking how useful it would be to have one while mystery shopping. I could make a quick note as soon as I got back in the car while doing shops, or jot timings while doing a drive-through shop.

While searching for a car notepad, I found this product on Amazon.com. Not only does it have a notepad for capturing those little details before they are forgotten, it has a voice recorder built in. How cool is that? It even comes with a pen and a light. Want to know more? Just click on the picture.

I think I will be putting this on my list for Santa this holiday season.

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A Digital Voice Recorder (DVR) is a great tool for mystery shoppers. It can help you get timings, make it easy to add details (such as exactly what the salesperson said) to your reports, and more.

But if you have never used a DVR while mystery shopping, you might wonder how you can record, and get a good quality recording, without anyone knowing. It is easier than you might think. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your DVR. …continue reading Mystery Shopping with a Digital Voice Recorder (DVR)

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What do you take with you when you mystery shop? Most shoppers have at least one or two items that they won’t leave home without. These gadgets and gizmos make getting and remembering information easier. That can mean spending less time writing reports, as well as making your reports more detailed and valuable to the client. …continue reading Mystery Shopper Gadgets

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I just returned from an out-of-town trip where I used a navigation system for the first time. Wow! What a useful device to have when driving in an unfamiliar area. Instead of trying to read printed directions and find road signs, I just drove and listened for the little voice that would tell me to turn right, or follow this road for 4.2 miles, or stay to the left . . . it was so easy to get where I was going. I couldn’t help but think how useful this would be when doing mystery shops. …continue reading Mystery Shopping with a GPS Navigation System

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In a recent post, I wrote about the legality of using a digital voice recorder on mystery shops. In many U.S. states and Canadian provinces, it is legal to make recordings, especially in public where there is no expectation of privacy. But what if you live in a state where you may not legally record conversations without permission? Should you toss your digital voice recorder in the trash, or sell it on eBay? Not so fast—there are ways you may legally and ethically use your recorder to help you on mystery shops. …continue reading Using a Voice Recorder When You May Not Legally Record

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Why would a mystery shopper have business cards? After all, our work is done secretly. However, business cards can be an important marketing tool for a mystery shopper, and set you apart as a serious professional. Learn what should be on your business cards, and the important ways to use your cards to enhance your reputation as a professional mystery shopper. …continue reading Business Cards for Mystery Shoppers?

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