The Mystery Shopper's Manual

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.

• » Comments (0)

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)

• » Comments (1)

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

• » Comments (2)

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

• » Comments (0)

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

• » Comments (0)

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?

• » Comments (4)

I recently wrote about buying a digital voice recorder. That prompted some readers to ask about the legality of recording mystery shops. This should not be considered legal advice, as I am not a lawyer. However, there are some basics about recording conversations you should know if you are thinking about using a voice recorder on your mystery shops. I will also share resources where you can find out what the laws are in your jurisdiction. …continue reading Mystery Shopping, Recording and the Law

• » Comments (1)

Lots of shoppers ask me what Digital Voice Recorder (DVR) I use. It happens that I bought a new one a few months ago, and I love it! It has everything a mystery shopper could want and more. …continue reading Buying a Digital Voice Recorder

• » Comments (3)