Mystery Shopping Explained
As mystery shopping pays it is in the traditional sense a job. However, as with many such things these days, there are unscrupulous companies that will rip you off. Here are my tips for understanding mystery shopping, making money and making it work for you.
Firstly make sure that you only register with reputable companies. If you can get a friend's recommendation that's all to the good. If not, see if you can research a little of the companies background. Never pay out any money to join a mystery shopping company. There is no need to s there are many free ones, and you will probably lose your money.
You can usually register on-line giving just a few personal details. Some sites require you to take a straightforward test also.
Once you are registered with a company they will contact you and make jobs available in different ways. Some telephone you, most contact you by e.mail, whilst a few have the 'assignments' as they are called listed on a web site where you select your choices.
Once you have selected your assignment you may need to answer some relevant questions and then select the day when you will carry the task out. Remember to keep a diary for assignments as it can get quite confusing, especially if you are working for .
The assignment could be anything from having a pub lunch, gaming at a casino to opening a bank account. The jobs are varied but can be erratic. You will still need a source of income to keep you ticking over.
After the assignment you will have a password for an Internet site where you can key in the answers to the job specifics. Payments are made sometimes monthly or twice a month and usually into your bank account. You are actually classed as a non contractual employee and as such are responsible for paying any deductions which need to be made, for tax, for example. Some jobs require you to buy something also which you will be allowed to keep and be reimbursed for.
When costing out a job remember to allow for transport and printing out assignment details if applicable. For some of them you will be able to write down the instructions and save on printing.
You may feel mystery shopping is a little underhanded and like spying.I did initially. However if you don't do it someone else will. You are given, in the brief, details of what you are looking for and are able to give the employees every opportunity to excel.
Necessary skills or requirements for a mystery shopper are:
• Honesty• Accurate spelling• The ability to use good written English• The ability to be anonymous• A good eye for detail• The ability to stick precisely to the job specification• To be able to make deadlines• To take the assignments seriously as they can have serious implications for the employees you are monitoring• To record timings precisely
As with all employers some mystery shopping companies are better than others. There is much more to think about but I hope that I have given you a taster, which may lead you to investigate more fully. You may find a good source of part-time income which is totally flexible and can be fun.
If you are interested just type in mystery shopping to your search engine and see what comes up. Among the best in England are Grassroots and Retail Eyes. Check them out and see what you think.
