Mystery shopping is a great gig if you’re looking to earn some extra cash. However, there are a few aspects of the job you should take into consideration before signing on the dotted line. Here are five tips to review before becoming a mystery shopper:
1. Get certified
Beginning your career as a mystery shopper career can be a bit challenging, as you may start out by taking an $8 deal to simply order a fast-food meal. Typically, the higher-paying jobs are held for those who are more experienced. Consider taking a certification test, as many companies will only schedule certified persons to mystery shop for their company.
2. Spend it to earn it
Mystery shopping isn’t free — you must spend money to get money. As a mystery shopper, it is your responsibility to cover the costs of your purchases. Seeing as it may take multiple weeks for the company to reimburse you, this may be something to keep in mind if you can’t afford to spare the money upfront. For this reason, be sure to keep enough money in your checking account or wallet. This, however, can be a blessing in disguise, as mystery shopping can teach you how to budget, helping you spend less money on personal day-to-day activities such as dining out.
In addition, there are other costs to take into consideration that you will not be reimbursed for. This includes gas when driving to and from the store, added credit-card costs or a tip if you’re dining at a restaurant. Mystery shoppers can strategize and avoid these added costs by choosing local venues or only accepting jobs that reimburse in full. Another cost-reducing tip is to turn your report in on time, as some companies may charge a late fee.
3. Tick tock
When contemplating whether to take a job, make sure you allocate plenty of time to travel. Consider the amount of time it typically takes you to fully experience and understand the business or restaurant, as well as how long it might take you to complete the report. Mystery shopping is a multistep process that takes time and dedication.
4. Performance yields pay
Keep in mind that mystery shoppers are not on a salary, so your payment is not guaranteed, therefore performance in the line of work is key. If you are not thorough and your review is only mediocre, you may risk not getting paid for that particular job.
If you forget the server’s name, leave a poor tip or accidentally blow your cover about your occupation as a mystery shopper, your paycheck may be at risk.
5. This is not a drill
Diligence and subtlety are both important skills to possess when you’re a mystery shopper. Remember: This is indeed a job, and you are not just shopping for fun. You must take your work seriously to earn that paycheck, as with any job. Details are crucial, so be sure to carry a notebook or smartphone with you so you can keep track of all the specifics. The trick with this is to not look too suspicious or your cover will be blown. Keep it low key as if you’re making to-do list or texting a friend.
Mystery shopping is flexible — you can leave your day job during lunch and make some extra cash by picking up a gig. Or pick up a job on your way home from work. Just like that, you’ll be hooked! Overall, this is the perfect gig for an optimistic person who has some extra time on their hands. It’s also beneficial for someone who has the desire to do something different and explore local businesses in their community.
FAQs
Mystery shoppers should be friendly individuals. You're going to be talking and interacting with someone at every mystery shopping job, so you need to be able to hold conversations with people. You aren't trying to provoke a specific response. Your job is to go in and see what happens.
What qualities do you need to be a mystery shopper? ›
To become a Mystery Shopper, you will need:
- excellent communication skills.
- an eye for fashion and styling if that is an area you wish to work in.
- a positive outlook.
- an enthusiastic, confident and friendly manner.
- the stamina to spend a long time standing and walking around.
- a smart appearance.
- excellent written skills.
Mystery shoppers should be friendly individuals. You're going to be talking and interacting with someone at every mystery shopping job, so you need to be able to hold conversations with people. You aren't trying to provoke a specific response. Your job is to go in and see what happens.
What is a mystery shopper checklist? ›
A checklist allows mystery shoppers to keep track of the specific details that businesses want evaluated, ensuring that no aspect goes unobserved. With the data collected from the checklist, businesses can identify areas of improvement and implement changes that will enhance the overall customer experience.
How do I become a successful secret shopper? ›
Observe Without Judging: Maintain objectivity during your assignment. While it's essential to report on your experience, avoid passing judgment. Stick to the facts, describing what you observed without injecting personal opinions. Meet Deadlines Punctually: Timeliness is crucial in the mystery shopping world.
Do mystery shoppers really get paid? ›
Companies often pay shoppers by assignment, rather than hourly, and pay often depends on the difficulty of the assignment. Other times, companies don't pay shoppers but reimburse them for their expenses or allow them to keep the item they bought.
What are the standards for mystery shoppers? ›
Objectivity, Honesty and Professionalism:
You must provide honest opinions on the shopper reports and all answers must be objective and professional. Under no circ*mstances should offensive answers be given on reports.
What are the cons of being a mystery shopper? ›
The Problems with Mystery Shopping
- Mystery shoppers are researchers and auditors, not real customers. ...
- Mystery shopper reports can take weeks to complete and deliver. ...
- Mystery shopping is too expensive for most businesses. ...
- Employees will try to identify and manipulate mystery shoppers.
Generally, payment will be between $8 and $25 per shop, but it may sometimes even be up to $100. If required to make a purchase you will also receive a payment for the purchase, which you will be advised of before you apply for the shop.
Are mystery shoppers worth it? ›
Mystery shopping is not a surefire way to becoming a billionaire. However, it is a great way to make some extra cash in your free time. Accurate and complete reports signal to companies to approve you for more assignments, so take care when completing shops and reports.
They're taking photos
Secret shoppers are tasked with submitting photos to their employers. That being said, it's safe to assume that a person taking multiple pictures inside of your shop is there to document their findings.
What to look for when mystery shopping? ›
- Was every item you wanted to buy available? ...
- Did perishable items (salads, sandwiches, etc.) ...
- Were all items fresh? ...
- Were there fewer than three customers in line? ...
- How long did the transaction take from the time you arrived at the register until you received your receipt? ...
- How many registers were open when you got in line?
The mystery shopper method is a research technique used to evaluate the quality of service or compliance with standards. It involves having an individual pose as a customer or client and interact with a business in order to assess the quality of service.
What qualities make a good mystery shopper? ›
6 mystery shopper skills
- Working based on a brief. Mystery shopping might seem like a straightforward job but each employer gives these professionals a unique briefing and set of instructions to follow. ...
- Accuracy and honesty. ...
- Interpersonal skills. ...
- Writing skills. ...
- Attention to detail. ...
- Excellent memory.
How to find mystery shopper jobs
- Search online. There are many companies that hire mystery shoppers and assign them work. ...
- Research companies. After your initial search, do some additional research on your top companies. ...
- Meet requirements. ...
- Apply with company. ...
- Join an organization. ...
- Update your resume.
A mystery shopper, also known as a secret shopper, is an individual who is hired to evaluate the quality of customer service, products, and overall customer experience given by a company.
Is it hard to be a mystery shopper? ›
Beginning your career as a mystery shopper career can be a bit challenging, as you may start out by taking an $8 deal to simply order a fast-food meal. Typically, the higher-paying jobs are held for those who are more experienced.
What is one disadvantage of being a mystery shopper? ›
Even if you've already discussed what you need to get done, they may not truly understand how much work mystery shopping takes. Could mean less money for you: Depending on the prearranged agreement between you and whoever you bring, you may have to give up as much as half of the money you've earned for the assignment.
How are mystery shoppers hired? ›
Mystery shoppers are nearly all self-employed and find assignments by registering with research companies. The Mystery Shopping Providers Association offers links to hundreds of companies that hire mystery shoppers.
