Mystery Shopping What To Do On A Mystery Shop Assignment
ost mystery shops require tell you what to look for when
you to make a lot of doing the shop. You may be told
observations and remember to go to a certain department and
or record several pieces of ask questions about the
information. And, you have to do merchandise, or check items to
this without making it obvious see if they are in stock.
that you are doing a mystery
shop. (That's the 'mystery' Each of the questions on the
part!) Mystery shopping gets report form is there because the
easier with practice. Here are client needs to know about that
some tips to help you do a great aspect of his business. Make sure
job on your next shop, even if you get the information to answer
it's your first. each question accurately and
completely. But don't stop there.
Make sure you are thoroughly If you notice something that
prepared before going to the isn't asked about on the form,
location. Be certain to do the whether it's good or bad, make a
shop during the time frame note of it. Remember to keep all
required. If the shop is to be comments objective. This is not
done between the 1st and the 10th about your personal taste and
of the month, do it then. If it opinions.
is supposed to be done during
certain hours of the day (e.g., One of the myths about mystery
dinner, between 5:30 and 7:30 shopping is that the shopper is
p.m.) be sure to go at that time. looking for what is wrong. Some
And make sure you go to the right think that if they haven't found
location. Double check the a lot of "bad stuff" they haven't
business name and the address. done their jobs as mystery
shoppers. In fact, your job is to
The report form and instructions give an objective picture of your
experience at the business. you have your tip sheet tucked
away in your pocket or purse.
If the experience was great, Make sure your watch is ready to
that's good news. Most of the time anything you need to time,
questions you are asked in your and make a note of what time you
report call for objective are entering the business.
answers. You are not writing a
review, you are describing what Getting Names
happened—so tell it like it is, Most shops require that you get
with the good, the bad, and the the names of the employees you
ugly! observed. That can be easy if
they are wearing name tags. Of
When You Arrive course, you should be subtle
The shop begins before you've about reading name tags. Don't
gotten out of your car. The stare or make a big deal about
report may include questions it.
about the condition of the
parking lot and building When you can't get a name, be
exterior, for example. If you sure to get a good description.
can't be observed by employees, Some reports will ask for
you may note the answers on your description even if you have the
form before you get out of the name. Gender, race, height,
car. weight, hair color and style, and
characteristics such as glasses
It's also a good idea to make a or a beard can all be used to
quick review of the form just identify someone. Don't describe
before you go in. Read the items them using unflattering or
you highlighted to remind insensitive descriptions, such as
yourself what information you fat, foreign, etc.
need to get. Check to see that
Taking Notes or Using a rental agent, banker, etc.). You
Recorder may also choose to discreetly use
As you can tell, there is a lot a recorder during other shops.
to include in your reports. You
probably won't be able to recall During a shop, you might be able
it all without making some notes to use the pay phone or your
as you do the shop (especially mobile phone to call your home
when you are new at this). Be answering machine and leave a
discreet about making notes. message with names or other
Employees know that mystery observations you need to have for
shoppers are used, and if they your report. Of course, you
know they are being shopped you should only do this if you are
won't get an accurate picture. certain you won't be overheard by
employees.
You will almost always have to
check the rest room. That is a Remember That You Are a
good place to make notes about 'Mystery' Shopper
what you have observed to that When you are doing a shop, you
point, and review your tip sheet must not let anyone know that you
to remind yourself what else you are a mystery shopper. The whole
need to do. When doing a retail idea is that you want to see how
shop, you may be able to carry a the typical customer is treated.
shopping list and make notes If they know you are a mystery
there. shopper, you will not have a
typical experience.
Sometimes you will be asked to
record the shop. This is Don't tell anyone who works for
especially true when you are the store that you are mystery
having a long conversation with shopping, and don't talk about
an employee (e.g., an apartment mystery shopping with any
companions you have. If you have shopping list and make your notes
children with you, don't tell there.
them you are doing a mystery shop
if they are likely to share this You may feel very conspicuous,
information with anyone who especially the first few times
happens to be around. you go mystery shopping. It may
seem to you that you have a large
Don't carry your report form with neon sign on your forehead,
you. Some companies will provide flashing MYSTERY SHOPPER. In
a tip sheet which you can fold up fact, as long as you are discreet
and carry to remind you of what and professional, no one will
you need to do on the shop. Be know that you are a mystery
discreet when you take any notes. shopper.
Many times, you can carry a
About the Author:
Copyright Cathy Stucker, IdeaLady.com. As a trainer and author of The Mystery Shopper's Manual, Cathy Stucker has helped thousands of people become successful professional mystery shoppers. Sign up for her free mystery shopping course at http://www.IdeaLady.com/shopping.htm
Source: www.isnare.com
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