Mystery Shopping Podcast

Mystery Shopping Podcast is coming soon.

Please join me as I discuss the ins and outs of mystery shopping and secret shopping.

Each episode will cover a different aspect of mystery shopping and help you avoid mystery shopping scams.

The Mystery Shopper's Manual

Just got done doing a book review on The Mystery Shopper's Manual by Cathy Stucker.

This book is the definitive guide to mystery shopping. Highly recommended!!

Site Nominated For Mystery Shopping Industry Website of the Year

My mystery shopping website has been nominated Industry Website of the Year for the
The National Center for Professional Mystery Shoppers & Merchandisers 2005 Awards.

This award is for outstanding Website content. Over 75% of the Website is dedicated to Mystery Shopping and/or Merchandising.

Thanks to everyone who nominated my site and/or voted for my site!!

Book Review - Mystery Shoping Made Simple

Mystery Shopping Made Simple by Dr. Ilisha S. Newhouse is a comprehensive guide on mystery shopping.

Read review here.

Mystery Shopping Companies

Don't be fooled by online companies that charge you for mystery shopping company lists. You should never have to pay to get a mystery shopping job.

Check out this list of over 100 companies that need mystery shoppers. Many have online applications and once you are signed up, you can log in to view mystery shopping job postings.

Becoming a Certified Mystery Shopper

If you are serious about mystery shopping as a profession rather than just as a hobby or if you want to increase the likelihood of being selected for shops, you may want to consider becoming a certified mystery shopper or secret shopper....

Read rest of article here.

Getting Paid as A Mystery Shopper

There are typically three ways that mystery shoppers get paid for mystery shopping. First, there are shop fees. These are payment for performing the shop. Second, there are reimbursement only fees. These are repayment for merchandise or services you purchase during the course of a shop. Third, there are reimbursement plus shop fees. These are a combination of the first two types of shops....

Read rest of article here.

Getting Hired As a Mystery Shopper

Becoming a mystery shopper isn't hard but it can be confusing.

To get hired as a mystery shopper, you must contract with a mystery shopping company or scheduling company. There are hundreds of these types of companies each working with different retailers and business establishments....

Read rest of article here.

How Does Mystery Shopping Work?

Mystery shoppers are independent contractors who own work for themselves, contracting with mystery shopping and scheduling companies. They work flexible hours that can be part-time or full-time while deciding which assignments they will do according to their schedule and the availability of shops....

Read rest of article here

What is Mystery Shopping?

Mystery shopping (also known as secret shopping, telephone checks, performance audits, mystery customers, spotters, virtual customers, and anonymous audits) is the practice of using anonymous shoppers to provide customer service feedback.

Read rest of article here

Pay Attention To Instructions

As a mystery shopper, it is important to read all the guidelines for a shop before entering the shop to make sure you do everything you are supposed to. I find that I remember better if I write down the major things on an index card or post-it note.

For example, for a recent shop I did for a fast food business I wrote down:
- cashier's name
- handout person's name
- did cashier upsize?
- how did cashier greet me?
- how long to get food?
- check bathroom
- check drink and condiment area
- check outside and dumpster area

Then right before I go into the shop while I'm in my car, I pull out the card and review my notes. This really goes a long way with me being able to answer all the questions on the questionaire when I get back to my computer.

Mystery Shopping Site Launched

With the launch of my new Mystery Shopping site on All Info About, I'm starting this blog for the latest on mystery shopping (also know as secret shopping).