A mystery shopper is like an undercover agent. You might accept assignments for restaurants, grocery stores, automobile dealers, retail stores, or amusement parks. Just about any type of business you can think of  could benefit from the services of a mystery shopper.

You receive a specific assignment for your shop. For example, you may be asked to describe the parking facilities, cleanliness, friendliness of staff, and your wait time at a restaurant.

You must always work undetected. The staff should not suspect that you are an
evaluator or they would treat you differently. Your job is not to spy on employees,
or try to find things wrong or right. Your job is simply to follow the script that comes
with your assignment and provide an impartial evaluation.
 
You are the link that keeps the Corporate Headquarters informed and they need  you to maintain yourself in a professional manner.  For a business to be successful, they must maintain customer satisfaction.  They can better please the customer if they understand how the customer is being treated and if their product is being sold as they intended.
 
You will have the benefit of working around your schedule, which can be beneficial for a housewife, mother or part time worker.   Some places may want you to go to their establishment only during certain hours, i.e. happy hour, early bird specials, moonlight madness sales, etc.  You may be able to request certain hours of the day that are best for you, such as early mornings for moms with small children in preschool or late afternoons-early evenings for those who already hold down a part time job.

Ok, question 2 ... How do I get started?

There are many companies that hire Mystery Shoppers ... you will be surprised at how many we have listed.

You can apply online to over 140 companies. You will find the application page link at the end of this page. If you are interested in finding a local mystery shopping firm to work for go to your library or telephone book and look for local Marketing Research companies and submit a resume.  Although, you will find the online companies much easier and convenient.

Make sure you visit and read the message boards to keep up to date on new assignments in your area. These message boards have hundreds of assignments posted 24/7.

Mystery shopping is big business, so don't limit yourself by applying only to
companies that are physically located near you. Remember, most mystery shopping companies are nationwide. Their clients and stores are nationwide. Just because a company has its offices in New York does not mean you can not work for them because you live in Texas. These Mystery Shopping companies contract with retail and restaurant chains.  These chains are located Nationwide, therefor they need shoppers nationwide.

Never feel pressured into a job. It will not be held against you if you are unable or unwilling to take a particular assignment. Some things will just not appeal to you. Just recently I declined an assignment at an automobile dealership because test driving a car and discussing prices was involved and I felt very uncomfortable with that. Sometimes the job will just not fit into your schedule.  If that happens to you, just be honest with the company right away. If you are sent an assignment and do not wish to complete it or can't fit in into your schedule, make sure you decline it right away. This allows the company to find someone else. Companies do not care if you decline assignments as long as you do it promptly. If you do not decline promptly you will probably not be sent many assignments after that. All it takes is a quick email saying you can not complete this assignment.

Your first assignment ... What to do now?
 

Many Mystery Shopping Services operate almost entirely over the internet now. You will most likely receive notice via email. It is important  to apply with an email address you use often as you may need to respond within 24 to 48 hours to be accepted for an assignment. You may also be notified through fax or phone.

You will be given the particulars of the assignment and have the chance to accept or decline.

If you accept, you will download or receive via mail or fax, the scenario that is to be
used for your evaluation.

For example, you may be asked to go to a grocery store and ask the deli worker for help  
locating an item, you may be asked to purchase alcohol and report if the clerk asked for
ID,or you may be asked to evaluate service in a restaurant.

You will be given a form with specific instructions before you shop. You will be
told who to speak to and all areas that are to be included in your evaluation.

Your instructions may include:  Looking at the displays to see if they are kept neat and well put together.  Asking the sales clerk for information about a certain item, and how they could assist you in getting a certain size not readily available.  They may ask you to try on several items and check the dressing rooms for neatness. 

Does the sales clerk offer to assist you with additional sizes?  Are the shelves well stocked and neat in appearance? Was the sales clerk helpful?  They will want you to actually purchase something they suggest or of your choice and will want you to observe the actual transaction and note how easily or difficult it was performed. 

They may also ask you to question the sales clerk on several different items. What was his/her response?  They may ask you to visit the restrooms and make sure they are clean and well stocked. Use a public telephone and comment on its accessibility. 

Study your scenario before you begin the shop, because you can't take your notes with you.  Remember you must remain undetected! Do your best to remember names and pertinent details, and as soon as you get to your car you can quickly jot down important notes.
 

You completed the assignment .. What now ?

You will have been given a deadline. Usually you have to have your report filed
within 24 to 48 hours. Be punctual! This could determine whether you will get any future assignments with this company. Most likely you will be able to file your report online or fax it in.  Simply follow the instructions you were given.

It is very important that you be as accurate as possible, giving only the facts requested.
If your assignment was to evaluate cleanliness at an establishment, don't make comments
about the staff either good or bad. Don't  interject  personal thoughts of your experience unless asked. 
 
Apply to as many companies as you like.  That way you can pick and choose assignments that you like.  If you have 10 offers one week you might only like or be able to perform 5 to 6.  If you only work for one or two companies it will be much harder to be as picky about assignments or find ones that pay enough or are at stores or locations you prefer.

Very Important   *PLEASE NOTE *
Make sure you have your receipt !! 
You will need to turn this in for reimbursement.