Frequently Asked Questions About Mystery Shopping

What is mystery shopping?

Mystery Shopping is basically visiting a store in order to provide feedback. The key ingredient, of course, is that the mystery shopper looks and acts just like a regular shopper to the store employees. Depending on the business, a mystery shopper will look for any number of things. Typical things a mystery shopper will look for are cleanliness, friendliness of employees. Beyond that, mystery shoppers look for a number of very detailed things requested by the mystery shopping company that hired them.

Am I qualified to mystery shop?

Yes! The vast majority of people are qualified! Mystery shopping companies want to hire people of all sorts walks of life, so that they can have a balanced view of how all kinds of customers are treated. You may not be able to mystery shop certain stores if you, family members, or friends have worked at them in the past. Of course, mystery shopping companies have varying hiring standards — there are some which take nearly all applicants, and a some which are very selective. Apply to them all.

What kind of places can I mystery shop?

Virtually every kind retail establishment gets shopped. The most common places to mystery shop are fast food, gas stations, department stores, clothing stores, big box stores, banks, and restaurants. You might also mystery shop hotels, spas, amusement parks, and even cruises! Of course, you have to establish a solid relationship with a mystery shopping company before they will give you the more luxurious assignments.

What is a typical mystery shopping job like?

Typically, you start by making note of the store’s exterior. Is the parking lot dirty? Are the proper promotional signs in place? Then, when you enter the store, you typically are required to note how long it takes an employee to greet you. Then, you might need to buy a specific product, or ask certain questions. Once you are interacting with the employee, you might need to ask specific questions, or raise specific objections to their sales pitch. Almost always, you will need to remember their name. After the interaction, you will typically make note of the final impression they left with you. Did they invite you back? Where they friendly? Finally, once you are out of the store, you’ll take detailed notes on the interaction and submit a report.

How much can I earn?

A typical mystery shopping job will pay anywhere from $10 to $25 Some shops offer a large reimbursement for a purchase — such as a meal, or a spa treatment — but offer lower pay. While you certainly won’t get rich as a mystery shopper, some people manage to get enough assignments to make a living at it. Although it is best to view mystery shopping as a way to earn some extra income as a supplement to other kinds of work.

Are the hours flexible?

Yes, they are. But they are also strict. As a mystery shopper, you will be able to choose the assignments you go on. Often, the assignments will have certain requirements as to the time and day that they are to be completed. Accepting an assignment means you agree to working within the allowed schedule.

How can I get the most mystery shopping jobs?

Apply, apply, apply! The biggest thing you can do is apply to as many mystery shopping companies as possible. Second, build your reputation as a good mystery shopper. Mystery shopping companies and schedulers share information about shoppers with each other. If you have a good reputation, you will be offered more jobs.