Mystery Shopping: What To Do On A Mystery Shop Assignment
Posted On Monday, May 9, 2011 at at 10:20 AM by Mystery ShopperMost mystery shops need you to make plenty of observations & keep in mind or record several pieces of information. &, you need to do this without making it obvious that you are doing a mystery shop. (That is the 'mystery' part!) Mystery shopping gets simpler with practice. Here are some tips to help you do a great job on your next shop, even if it is your first.
Make definite you are thoroughly prepared before going to the location. Be definite to do the shop in the coursework of the timeframe necessary. If the shop is to be completed between the 1st & the 10th of the month, do it then. If it is meant to be completed in the coursework of definite hours of the day (e.g., dinner, between four:30 & 7:30 p.m.) be definite to go at that time. & make definite you go to the right location. Double check the business name & the address.
Each of the questions on the document form is there because the client needs to know about that aspect of his business. Make definite you get the information to answer each query exactly & . But don't cease there. In case you notice something that is not asked about on the form, whether it is lovely or bad, make a note of it. Keep in mind to keep all comments aim. This is not about your personal taste & opinions.
of the myths about mystery shopping is that the shopper is looking for what is wrong. Some think that in the event that they haven't found plenty of �bad stuff� they haven't completed their jobs as mystery shoppers. In fact, your job is to give an aim picture of your experience at the business.
The document form & directions tell you what to look for when doing the shop. You may be told to go to a definite department & ask questions about the merchandise, or check items to see in the event that they are in stock.
If the experience was great, that is excellent news. Most of the questions you are asked in your document demand aim answers. You are not writing a review, you are describing what happened�so tell it like it is, with the lovely, the bad, & the ugly!
When You Arrive
The shop begins before you have gotten out of your automobile. The document may include questions about the condition of the parking zone & building exterior, for example. In case you cannot be observed by employees, you may note the answers on your form before you get out of the automobile.
It is & a lovely suggestion to make a fast review of the form before you go in. Read the items you highlighted to remind yourself what information you need to get. Check to see that you have your tip sheet tucked away in your pocket or purse. Make definite your watch is prepared to time anything you need to time, & make a note of what time you are entering the business.
Getting Names
Most shops need that you get the names of the workers you observed. That can be simple in the event that they are wearing name tags. Of coursework, you ought to be subtle about reading name tags. Don't stare or make a massive deal about it.
Taking Notes or Using a Recorder
As you can tell, there is a lot to include in your reports. You certainly won't be able to recall it all without making some notes as you do the shop ( when you are new at this). Be discreet about making notes. Employees know that mystery shoppers are used, & in the event that they know they are being shopped you won't get an correct picture.
When you cannot get a name, be definite to get a lovely description. Some reports will ask for description even in case you have the name. Gender, race, height, weight, hair color & style, & characteristics such as glasses or a beard can all be used to identify somebody. Don't report them using unflattering or insensitive descriptions, such as overweight, foreign, etc.
You will always must check the rest room. That is a lovely place to make notes about what you have observed to that point, & review your tip sheet to remind yourself what else you need to do. When doing a retail shop, you may be able to over a shopping list & make notes there.
Sometimes you will be asked to record the shop. This is true when you are having a long conversation with an worker (e.g., an apartment rental agent, banker, etc.). You may also select to discreetly use a recorder in the coursework of other shops.
Keep in mind That You Are a 'Mystery' Shopper
When you are doing a shop, you must not let somebody know that you are a mystery shopper. The whole idea is that you need to see how the typical customer is treated. In the event that they know you are a mystery shopper, you won't have a typical experience.
In the coursework of a shop, you might be able to make use of the pay phone or your mobile phone to call your home answering machine & leave a message with names or other observations you need to have for your document. Of coursework, you ought to only do this in case you are definite you won't be overheard by employees.
Don't over your document form with you. Some companies will provide a tip sheet which you can fold up & over to remind you of what you need to do on the shop. Be discreet when you take any notes. Plenty of times, you can over a shopping list & make your notes there.
Don't tell somebody who works for the store that you are mystery shopping, & don't discuss mystery shopping with any companions you have. In case you have children with you, don't tell them you are doing a mystery shop in the event that they are likely to share this information with somebody who happens to be around.
You may feel conspicuous, the first few times you go mystery shopping. It may appear to you that you have a massive neon sign on your brow, flashing MYSTERY SHOPPER. In fact, as long as you are discreet & professional, no will know that you are a mystery shopper.