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Mystery Shopping FAQs |
If you’re new to mystery shopping then you might be wondering just what it’s all about… Please have a look at the following frequently asked questions for an understanding of the role of a mystery shopper:
If you have any more questions about Mystery Shopping please feel free to email us at: csm@insightretail.com or call us on: +44 (0) 117 930 4536
What is mystery shopping?
Mystery Shopping is research into organisations, companies, outlets etc. carried out by people posing as real customers. It typically focuses on, but is by no means limited to: staff performance, outlet maintenance, quality of service, quality of product.
Mystery shopping gives companies real information on how their staff members are performing and how their outlets are run. This helps them achieve and maintain a high standard of service and customer satisfaction.
Do I need qualifications or experience to be a mystery shopper?
You don’t need any formal qualifications or experience to work as a mystery shopper for us. What’s vital, though, is that you have a keen attention to detail and excellent reporting skills.
Is mystery shopping a full time job?
You would need to sign up to a lot of companies like ours to make mystery shopping a full time job – some people do manage this though! For most, mystery shopping is occasional work, perfect for people with part-time/irregular working hours or free weekends. It’s a great opportunity to do something interesting and different whilst getting paid!
How much will I get paid?
Our mystery shopping assignments vary in fee depending on the amount of time and effort involved in carrying out the job. We will always advise you of the fee before asking you to confirm to any assignment!
How will I get paid?
We will send you a cheque for the agreed amount, within 30 days of receiving your successfully completed report. We usually pay shoppers within a couple of weeks.
How do I apply to be a mystery shopper?
Easy! Please head to the application form on this website. Once we receive your application we will send you a ‘test shop’ to complete. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your observation and reporting skills by carrying out a short ‘mock’ assignment. When we send this to you it will be accompanied with guidelines on how to complete it successfully. Once we receive your completed test shop, if successful, we will add you to our database and contact you when suitable assignments arise in your area.
How long does it take to carry out a mystery shopping visit?
It varies depending on what sort of outlet you are visiting. Some assignments can take half an hour, whilst others take nearer 2 hours. You should expect to take at least half an hour to write up your report.
How do I complete and send back my reports?
All our assignments are completed using Microsoft Excel, and it is vital that you have access to this program. Most of our correspondence is done via email, and reports are sent by email attachment.
What happens if I can’t accept an assignment?
You’re under no obligation to accept assignments from us. Once we offer you an assignment you must let us know as soon as possible whether you are available to carry it out. If you accept an assignment and then for any reason cannot commit to it, you must let us know immediately. Our clients depend on us to deliver reports on time, so failure to carry out agreed visits will result in your removal from our database. On the up-side, the more assignments you accept, the more you’re likely to get offered!
If I can’t commit to an assignment can I get a friend to carry it out for me?
No – if you can’t complete an assignment let us know and we’ll arrange for another one of our shoppers to make the visit. However please do tell your friend to sign up with us!
Do I need to have regular internet access?
Yes you do. We need to be able to have regular contact with you otherwise we will have to give jobs to other shoppers.
What makes a good Mystery Shopping report?
Objective, detailed, and accurate reporting. The job is fun, but it’s also important that we get as much valuable information as possible. Returning the questionnaire on time is vitally important too. The questionnaires and their accompanying guidelines will help you complete assignments successfully.