6 - The Shop

Contents

1. Getting the Shop Assignment
2. Preparing for the Shop
3. Conducting the Shop
4. Reporting the Shop

1. Getting the Shop Assignment

You will want to sign up with every Mystery Shopping Company you can find. Most will have a website that you can fill out an application for.

There is a consolidated posting area of assignments at
http://www.mysteryshop.org/shoppers.php

Once you've been accepted as an Independent Shopper, you'll be contacted individually by your Mystery Shopping Company.

2. Preparing for the Shop

You'll also receive a packet of information in the mail, or by fax, or online that will outline what the Shop involves, precisely what things need to be checked, how to dress and act in the Store, etc.

Read this over and over until you can recite it from memory. You absolutely must NOT bring this into the Store, or it might 'blow your cover' You also do not want to walk out of the Store and realize you forgot to check on something.

Here is a check list that you will want to use with each new shop.

When You Accept an Assignment

[__] Verify the PAY you will receive for the assignment (ask if they reimburse mileage)
[__] Verify the date and times the shop needs to be done by.
[__] Verify how the report is to be returned. By.... fax? postal mail? e-mail?
[__] Verify the location's address AND phone so you can be sure to find it. Use one of the online mapping services (such as http://mapsonus.com or http://mapquest.com) to print out a map if you are at all unfamiliar with the area.
[__] Do not call the location for directions on the day of the shop.(unless instructed to do so)
[__] Make a few extra copies of the blank evaluation report in case you need to recopy a report or get an emergency last minute shop.

3. Conducting the Shop

Be Aware On Your First Shopping Trip

Your first shopping trip can be an exciting one. Remember that it isn't a game and the Mystery Shopping Companies - and their clients - are relying on you. Never take a job that you don't think you will be able to do or feel uncomfortable doing. Be "professional" if you want to get a consistent schedule of shops.

You must train yourself to be observant. Here is a fun test:
http://www.users.bigpond.com/herbi/observation.htm

There are things to remember that the company wants you to make notes of and yet you have to gather this information without giving away the fact that you are a Mystery Shopper.

Particularly important is remembering names of employees who you deal with, and specifics of time, price etc.

Remember, if for any reason you cannot conduct the shop you agreed to, you MUST contact your scheduler as early as possible so that they can assign somebody else or let the Client know.

4. Reporting the Shop

After the Shop

Do not let someone catch you filling out forms or making notes. This is a sure way to blow your cover. Drive down the street and stop to make the necessary notes. Go into the restroom and make quick notes. You might also use a PDA. You can also carry a small casette-recorder and tape your notes to play back later. The more notes you have, the better your report will be.

The Report

A copy of your report will go to the Mystery Shopping Company you are working for. It may also go to the client. It is important that your report be neat without scribbles or cross outs. These things will make your report appear less credible.

For these same reasons, check your spelling. If you are unsure of a spelling, look it up in the dictionary.

Use a thesaurus so that you don't use 'nice' in every description.

Be considerate when describing employees. Do not be insulting. For example, you would use full-figure for women and/or husky for men, pale medium blonde/brown hair versus dishwater blonde.

All reports must be mailed in within 24 hours unless otherwise stated. Reports that arrive late normally will not be paid for. Most Mystery Shopping Companies will have an online form to fill out, some companies will allow you to fax or email in the report. Always check with the company for exact details.

Don't hesitate to call the Mystery Shopping Company if something unusual happens. They want you to be successful and will assist you with any questions you may have.-