The Mystery Shopper’s Manual

It is always a nice feeling when you get a notice that you have been accepted for a mystery shopping assignment. Because we are all busy, it is tempting to file the information about the shop away until the due date is right around the corner. However, that is a mistake that could cause you not to get paid for the assignment, or even lose future assignments.

Here is what you need to do as soon as you get a mystery shopper job:

Go to the mystery shopping company’s web site and download the information you need to do the shop, such as the guidelines and report forms. If you have any trouble accessing the files, let you scheduler know, or contact the company, right away. Sometimes a link is dead or a file is corrupted. Letting them know about the problem means you have all of the information you need in plenty of time.

Carefully read all of the information. Highlight important sections, and make notes. If you have questions, write them down. If there are any problems, this is the time to bring them up. Do not wait until the day of the shop to discover that something in the guidelines makes you unable to do the shop.

Contact your scheduler with any questions you have about the assignment or the report. Do not be afraid to ask questions. The mystery shopping company is much happier when you ask questions than when you guess at what you are supposed to do–especially when you guess wrong. Asking in advance of the mystery shop due date gives the scheduler time to get back to you with the answers you need.

Schedule a training call, if required. Some companies want shoppers who have not worked for them before (or who have not done a shop for a particular client before) to call them and review the mystery shop guidelines. This is important, even if you have lots of experience mystery shopping for other companies. If a training call is required, it will be noted in the shop guidelines.

Put the mystery shopper job on your calendar. Schedule a day and time when you will complete the shop. Be sure to allow time to do any pre-visit tasks that are required, and to complete the report after the shop. If the mystery shop has unusual requirements, such as making a purchase, then returning the item 24 hours later, make sure you can complete them at the required time.

You may also want to schedule some time, perhaps the day before the shop visit, to prepare for the secret shop. That might include making up tip sheets, planning your scenario, etc.

Preparation is an important part of a successful mystery shop. By reviewing the guidelines and knowing what is required of you ahead of time, you can avoid a last-minute scramble to get the information you need and complete the mystery shop.