Mystery shopping is one job that uses all your senses. Your eyes, ears, nose, mouth and sense of touch might all be used on a mystery shop. And then, of course, there is your memory.
With smart phones now being part of just about everyone’s anatomy, your memory can have an assistant to help you accurately remember details of your mystery shop.
Taking pictures would not make sense and be outright improper or even illegal to do on some mystery shops. Think bank or financial, inside of a pre-school, or while actually test driving a care. There are, however, several types of mystery shops where it would be very natural to do so.
Take Plenty of Pictures During These Mystery Shops
Restaurants
You mean you don’t take a picture and post every meal out on social media? If this isn’t you, you may reconsider for your restaurant mystery shops. It is not unusual these days for people to photograph their food, so go ahead and click away. It may even be required as part of your mystery shop. Taking a photo of your food will help you to remember all the details. You don’t, however, need to post it on social media! As a matter of fact, if it’s for a mystery shop, you shouldn’t post.
While you are there, take photos of your companion too. Try to include the table setting or especially anything that was not correct at the table. Take another at the entrance. Or of the pretty centerpiece. You may not be required to send in such a picture, but it will definitely help you to remember or if your reporting is questioned in any way.
Apartment Shops
When conducting apartment or new housing shops, it is certainly not considered ‘weird’ to take pictures. You could be doing so to show a spouse or roommate the set up. Or because you want to determine how you would fit your furniture in the room. Last we heard, many agents encourage prospects to take pictures. It’s all part of their selling process.
Hotels and Cruises
For many of these higher end shops photos are required. So be prepared with a well charged phone or digital camera to take pictures of the bathroom, bedding, hallways, lobbies and more. Make sure you read your instructions and photo exactly what is required. And then take more! Especially if something is extraordinarily wonderful – or – if something’s gone terribly wrong.
No Picture Taking Here
Whenever you take pictures, please do so legally. Never take a picture when you are the driver of a car. Or where someone has asked you not to do so. Or specifically of a person where not required. Be respectful of other guests and the staff of the establishment. Never make anyone feel uncomfortable.
Photos can be used to help you remember – but always use common sense!
How do you use photos to help you with your mystery shops? Please share below so others can learn from you!
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