Mystery Shopping Tips

Whether you’re new to mystery shopping, or a seasoned veteran it’s good to review some mystery shopping fundamentals. Keep these tips in mind, and let me know how they help you in your endeavors.

1. Apply to Mystery Shopping Companies — Apply to as many companies as you can! As a general rule, the more companies you apply to, the more mystery shopping jobs you will be offered. Be sure to keep track of what companies you’ve applied to, though. Create a bookmarks folder for all the companies you have applied to. In your email, create a separate folder for their welcome messages. Keeping things organized goes a long way, because you will be communicating a lot through email.
2. Don’t Pay to Mystery Shop — Many websites will try to lure you into paying to mystery shop, or paying for a list of mystery shopping companies. While some of these websites are legitimate, many of them are scams. The fact of the matter is you will never need to pay to mystery shop. The MysteryShopOnline.com Email Course provides you with everything you need to get started — for free. There are also many other excellent resources out there.
3. Learn as much as you can — If you want to be successful at mystery shopping, then set yourself ahead of the pack by learning as much as you can about it. There are a lot of mystery shopping websites out there with useful information. Keep reading and keep learning
4. Start Small — If you’re new to mystery shopping, try and start with a simple job. You can apply to Gapbuster.com to mystery shop McDonalds. They provide a good training module, and while the shop only pays $10, it is good experience for the budding mystery shopper.
5. Every Shop Counts – Whether you’re doing a high paying shop, or a low paying one, do a good job. Why? Because mystery shopping companies keep track of how well you do, and often share that information with other companies. The better you do, the more likely you are to get another job in the future.
6. Be Prepared — Before you go out on the assignment, make sure to review and memorize the tasks you need to accomplish. It helps to make a list of them on a small piece of paper and stuff it in your purse, or pocket. If you can, figure out a way to record key details as soon as you can. Punching them into your cell phone can work well, while not giving away that you’re a mystery shopper! Also, Make sure you have a stopwatch, or a watch with a second hand, if you are going to be recording service times.
7. Be Prompt — One of the best things you can do to improve your chances of being hired again is promptly completing the mystery shopping job, and immediately submitting the report. Mystery shopping companies are often left hanging, so you’ll immediately put yourself ahead by simply being quick.
8. Be Careful with Your Reports — The reports you submit to mystery shopping companies are the only thing they’re getting out of it — so make sure you do a good job. Try to write using clear, simple language. Be careful with your grammar. Answer all questions honestly, and make sure you record as many details as possible.
9. Stay Organized — This is incredibly important if you want to do more than a little mystery shopping. As a mystery shopper you are an independent contractor. It’s like running your own business. Keeping good records will help every aspect of mystery shopping, making it all go a little smoother. Make sure you:
   • Keep a spreadsheet of companies you have applied for, when you applied, and if they have accepted.
   • Keep an up to date schedule of your shops, including when you can do them and when reports are due.
   • Be meticulous about saving receipts.
   • Keep a thorough log of miles spent driving to and from jobs. This can be used for tax deductions, and can save you a lot of money.
10. Have Fun! — If you’re having fun, well, everything goes better! Don’t always take low paying jobs, or ones that just aren’t worth it. Remember, you’re getting paid to shop, so have a good time!