Article: Spotlight on Mystery Shoppers

Mystery Shopping is a fun, easy way to make a little extra pocket money. If you have ever walked into a store and purchased something, you almost qualify as a Mystery Shopper. I find myself critiquing the various stores that I enter, I watch how the customer service reps treat other people and how they handle problems. I know I work hard for the money that I'm about to hand over to someone else and I feel the least I should get is a "Thank you, Have a nice day!" Most people don't complain, they just don't go back. Companies spend millions of dollars advertising and marketing their products to appeal to the consumer, to get you into their store, then a snotty clerk or a bitter salesperson ruins it in five minutes. They know that no matter how successful their marketing campaign is, if you aren't pleased with the customer service or if you have a bad experience at their store, not only are you probably not going to go back, you are most certainly going to tell all your friends! This is why they hire companies to send in Mystery Shoppers.

Mystery Shopping requires:

An attention to detail such as: Names, dates, times, and any other information the individual company is seeking. Most companies aren't looking for your suggestions on how they can improve their service, they are simply looking for the facts, so don't complicate your write ups with opinions unless you are specifically asked. Solid writing skills are highly desirable, write coherently and make it brief.

An ability to stick to deadlines. If you commit to an assignment, you must complete it within the specified time. The dependable Mystery Shopper gets the best assignments but you must prove you are dependable first. Taking on emergency projects at the last minute greatly helps your image as a dependable person and moves your name up on the list.

Confidentiality. You must never, ever give any indication to the store that you are a Mystery Shopper.

Compensation can vary from assignment to assignment, including perks such as dinners, lunches and free products, even cruises and hotel packages. If you are in an active area, you could make between $70.00 to $125.00 each month (plus some great perks!) depending on the number of assignments and your availability. Most companies allow or encourage you to sign up with more than one company. Be sure to check the guidelines for their requirements.


Here are some companies that offer online applications:


http://www.secretshops.com/html/applyonline.html
http://www.mainstreammarketing.com/AppProcess.htm
http://www.customerperspectives.com/shopform.html
http://www.second-to-one.com/evaluator/evalapp.htm
http://www.servicecheck.com/myst_shop.asp

See you in the stores!

JoAnna Gilford manages www.realjobsonline.com, a resource for those whoseek real work at home employment. Featuring a free ezine: "Telecommuting Job of the Day", published 5 times a week with jobs, tips, scam alerts and telecommuting articles. To subscribe by e-mail:realjobs -subscribe@listbot.com