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Cathy Stucker has been a mystery shopper since 1995. She is the author of The Mystery Shopper's Manual.
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The first thing someone may do to learn more about you is do an online search for your name. What do mystery shopping companies and others find when they search for you online? The answer could affect your ability to get hired as an editor or scheduler, or even for some mystery shopping assignments. Here is how to find out what your online reputation is, and make sure it shines. …continue reading Managing Your Online Reputation
It is that time again: The time to make your New Year’s resolutions. Maybe you are planning to lose a few pounds, get organized, go back to school, or stop smoking. Why not make a few resolutions that will help you become a more successful mystery shopper? Here are a few ideas. …continue reading Mystery Shopper Resolutions
There are times when mystery shopping that you will use a name other than your own. In this article, we will consider when you should do this, when you should not, if there are any legal or ethical issues, and points to remember when using a name other than your own. …continue reading Secret Shopping with a Fake Name
Having a good memory is useful when you are mystery shopping. There are many details to remember, such as names, times, what employees said to you, etc. The more details you can recall accurately, the more valuable your report will be and the more successful you will be. Here are some tips to help you remember more on your next mystery shop . . . …continue reading Mystery Shopper Memory Tips
The thoughts and prayers of the entire country have been focused on California this week, and the horrific fires that have driven hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. Even those who are not directly in the path of the flames are affected by the smoke and ash raining down miles away from the fires.
Obviously, for those who have been evacuated mystery shopping is on the bottom of the list of their priorities right now, as it should be. But what about shoppers in surrounding areas who are not directly affected by the fires? And what should you do if your area experiences a hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake, blizzard, blackout or other disaster? …continue reading Mystery Shopping and Natural Disasters
Whether it is your first shop or your 100th shop, there are certain things you should always do before doing a mystery shopping assignment. And, there are other things that will make your shop go more smoothly. Here are some tips on preparing before the shop. …continue reading Preparing for a Mystery Shop
It is the question every mystery shopper dreads: “Are you the mystery shopper?” Lots of employees claim that they can always spot the mystery shopper, but can they?
Some of the things that employees claim tip them off about a mystery shopper are just plain wrong, but mystery shoppers can be spotted when they make mistakes. Here is how you can avoid being outed as the mystery shopper–and what you should say if you are asked, “Are you the mystery shopper?” …continue reading Are You the Mystery Shopper?
Mystery shopping a restaurant is more than getting paid to have dinner. Restaurant mystery shops require lots of details: names, timings, and much more. Do your preparation, follow the guidelines, and make good observations to do a great job on your shop report. Here are some tips for making your next restaurant shop easier and more successful.
Do you ever wear disguises when mystery shopping? It can be a good idea when shopping several locations of the same business, or when you are asked to return to a business you have shopped in the past. However, most of the time a disguise isn’t needed. All you need to do is avoid standing out in a crowd. Here is how . . .
I often hear from people who want to become mystery shoppers, but do not know how to begin. It is actually simple, especially with all of the resources available through the Internet that enable you to easily find mystery shopping companies, complete applications and locate assignments.
The problem for many of these potential secret shoppers is that they are having trouble finding legitimate companies that do not charge shoppers to apply. Even many of the sites that claim that they will protect you from the scams are themselves scams. How do you know which companies and sites can be trusted? …continue reading Find Legitimate Secret Shopping Companies
