It is exciting when you receive the first email from a mystery shopping company scheduler with the subject line of:
ASSIGNED: XXX Restaurant or Retail Store (Due: November 2)
That little squeal of delight you let out when you see the subject line can likely be heard throughout your home.
“I’m going to mystery shop! Yeah!”
But then you start clicking on the links and may not be sure of how this is all going to work. You get nervous. You question why you thought you could do this.
And for many, the first thought is, “Wow! there is a lot of reading and learning I have to do before I even go out. Is this worth it?”
Stay with me here – because Yes – it is worth it!
As with any new job, there is a learning curve. And the quicker you learn about the systems and processes of mystery shopping, you will have the opportunity to receive more emails with the ASSIGNED subject line!
Three Simple Steps to Marking Mystery Shopping Worth It!
Step 1: Learn the basics of the processes and the software programs the mystery shopping companies use and soon you will be clicking around in seconds, rather than minutes.
Most of the mystery shopping companies use one of the popular mystery shopping or customer experience software programs like Sassie or Prophet. The process for confirming jobs, reading your guidelines, and submitting your shops is nearly identical for every mystery shopping company.
Step 2: Read your guidelines or instructions before going to your shop. Follow them to a tee, and submit the receipt, photos, or other documents as requested. If you do this, your report will be accepted without question.
Guidelines are written for you to read, even when you are an experienced shopper. Not every shop for the same client is identical. Clients’ needs change, so guidelines change. Always read through your guidelines to understand what is expected of you, what you are to look for, and how to submit your report.
Step 3: Communication is key to getting the job done correctly. If you have a question about what you are to do, see something at a shop location that doesn’t fit in with the expectation, or cannot make your due date – tell us! Email, phone, text. Even use our Facebook page to let us know, if necessary! We are here to help.
You are part of our team! Schedulers, account managers, and editors are all there to help you complete your shop as requested by the client. Sometimes due dates can be changed. There are situations at particular locations you may run into that may not have been communicated to our account managers. Let’s communicate so everyone can be successful at their job!
Be a Successful Mystery Shopper
If you follow these three simple steps, you will soon create your own system of applying for shops, confirming assignments, completing your shop and submitting your report. You will become efficient, effective, and successful!
And when you receive your check or deposit for having conducted the shop, you will say “It is worth it!”
Do you have a process or system you use for finding and completing shops? Your experiences can help a new shopper! Please share with us below or on our Facebook page!
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