Becoming a secret shopper means getting paid to evaluate businesses from the customer’s point of view. You visit a retail store or restaurant to assess its service. Mystery shoppers complete specific tasks, then provide valuable feedback to the mystery shopping company, helping businesses improve their customer experience. This is a critical service for many top companies.
So, you’re interested in becoming a mystery shopper? Fantastic. Let’s break it down. What does a mystery shopper actually do? In short, you’re an undercover customer. A company pays you to go into a specific business, like a retail store, and act like a normal person out shopping. Your real job is to observe everything. The goal of mystery shopping is to provide valuable feedback on the customer experience.
You’ll assess things like cleanliness and staff helpfulness. This service helps businesses see their operations from a customer’s point of view (a perspective they can’t get otherwise). A good mystery shopper provides the unbiased details that a business needs to improve its service.
The Essential Qualities of a Successful Mystery Shopper
Think you have what it takes to be a great mystery shopper? It’s not just about enjoying shopping; it’s a serious business that requires a specific skill set. Here’s what the best mystery shopping companies are looking for in their shoppers. You’re probably wondering if you fit the bill.
The most successful mystery shoppers are people who:
- Are incredibly detail oriented and observant.
- Possess good written communication skills for clear, professional reports.
- Are reliable and can always meet deadlines for a mystery shopping assignment.
- Can remain objective and anonymous during and after the shop.
- Follow complex instructions precisely for each mystery shop.
Remember, you’re acting as an independent contractor, so professionalism and reliability are everything. Companies need shoppers they can count on.
How to Find Legitimate Mystery Shopping Companies (and Avoid Scams)
Let’s talk about something really important. Scams. The mystery shopping industry has them, and you need to know how to spot them. Here’s the number one rule: you should never, ever have to pay for a mystery shopping job. Legitimate mystery shopping companies pay you, not the other way around. If a company demands a fee for a list of jobs, just run.
So, how do you find the good guys? Start by checking with the Better Business Bureau. You can look up a company’s rating and read online reviews from other shoppers. The Business Bureau is a fantastic, trustworthy resource for vetting a business. The best mystery shopping companies are transparent about how they pay and have a professional online presence. Do your homework before you sign up with any company. Trust me on this one.
The Step-by-Step Application and Onboarding Process
Ready to sign up for your first mystery shop? The process is pretty straightforward for most mystery shopping companies. First, you’ll find a company you’re interested in and head to their website. You will fill out an application, creating a profile with your basic information. This helps the company match you with the right mystery shops.
You’re not an employee. You’ll be asked to sign an independent contractor agreement, which outlines the terms of your service and how you’ll receive payment. (You’ll thank me later for telling you to actually read it). Some top companies may ask you to complete a short qualification test. Once you’re approved, you can start looking for available mystery shopping assignments. Most companies offer direct deposit, so have your bank details ready.
Your First Mystery Shopping Assignment: What to Expect
You’ve been approved by a company. Congratulations! Now for the exciting part- your first mystery shopping assignment. What’s it really like? The mystery shopping company will provide detailed instructions that you must read carefully. These instructions outline the specific tasks you need to complete.
Your assignment could be anything from a simple retail visit to something more complex. Common types of shops include:
- Retail Store Visits: Going to a store to evaluate the service and store appearance.
- Restaurant Shops: Enjoying a free meal while assessing food quality and service speed.
- Telephone Mystery Shopping: Calling call centers to evaluate the customer service.
- Video Mystery Shopping: Using a hidden camera for shops at places like car dealerships.
- Online Shops: Testing a company’s website and e-commerce platform.
The goal is always to blend in, complete your specific tasks without being noticed by the business you’re shopping, and gather the information needed for your report. It can feel a little like being a spy.
Reporting and Getting Paid: The Final Steps
The shop is done. Now what? The most critical part of any mystery shopping job is the report. This is where you provide valuable feedback to the company. After you complete a shop, you’ll have a deadline to submit your report online. You’ll answer questions and write a narrative describing your entire customer experience.
Be objective and honest. This is your chance to shine as a reliable mystery shopper. Once your report is approved, you’ll receive payment. How you get paid varies by company.
- Payment Method: Most companies pay via direct deposit or PayPal.
- Payment Type: Some jobs offer a flat rate for your time.
- Reimbursement: Others also provide reimbursement for items you had to buy or a free meal.
For many shoppers, it’s a great way to earn extra money.
Maximizing Your Success in the Mystery Shopping Industry
You’re in. You’ve completed a few shops. So how do you go from a beginner to a pro mystery shopper who gets the best assignments? Let me tell you. The key is building a great reputation. Always submit high-quality reports on time. Schedulers at mystery shopping companies remember reliable shoppers.
Don’t be afraid to sign up with multiple legitimate mystery shopping companies to access more mystery shopping gigs. Some people even find a niche, specializing in shops at restaurants or grocery stores. You can also check a dedicated job board for mystery shopper jobs. This isn’t always easy money, but with dedication, you can turn it into a steady stream of extra income and enjoy the perks of the mystery shopping industry.
Your Path to Becoming a Secret Shopper
Becoming a mystery shopper is an accessible way to earn extra cash and help businesses improve their service. It requires attention to detail and professionalism, but the process is straightforward. By finding legitimate companies, completing your shops diligently, and providing great reports, you can build a rewarding side career in the mystery shopping world.
Common Questions
Below are common questions we get asked.
Do I need special qualifications to become a mystery shopper?
No, most mystery shopping companies don’t require special degrees. The most important qualities are being reliable, detail-oriented, and having good written communication skills. You’ll be trained on the specific tasks for each mystery shopping assignment.
Do I need special qualifications to become a mystery shopper?
No, most mystery shopping companies don’t require special degrees. The most important qualities are being reliable, detail-oriented, and having good written communication skills. You’ll be trained on the specific tasks for each mystery shopping assignment.
How do legitimate mystery shopping companies differ from scams?
Legitimate mystery shopping companies never ask you to pay for access to a job board or list of opportunities. Real companies pay you for the work you complete. Always check the Better Business Bureau for company ratings.
What is Market Force Information and are they a good company?
Market Force Information is one of the largest mystery shopping companies. They have operated for more than a decade and are considered legitimate by shoppers, working with many top companies in retail and food service.
