Top Tips For Starting Mystery Shopping

Mystery shopping can be a lot of fun but it can also be a pain to get into and sometimes, depending on your location there just aren’t any opportunities. Most people think that you’ll be given loads of mystery shopping assignments and that they’ll be luxurious and have big pay outs but that’s just not the case.

I feel that mystery shopping has been glorified to be this amazing undercover job that you can make a big living from but that’s just not the case at all. In this post I’ll talk about the ins and outs of mystery shopping and what you can actually expect. Don’t think you’ll be mystery shopping holidays in Bali anytime soon!

Are Mystery Shopping Jobs Legitimate

Yes, mystery shopping jobs are legitimate although it’s always important to find proper companies that do mystery shopping. If you’re looking for mystery shopping companies it’s also important to check reviews for the company so that you can see how they function, what their pay out time is, if anyone has had any issues with them and if they often have mystery shopping jobs.

Mystery shopping is very popular and 100% legitimate. The more common jobs are for places such as Vodafone, Asda and PC World. I have done all three and more mystery shopping jobs and they can be a lot of fun.

Is Mystery Shopping Legal?

Yes, mystery shopping is totally legal. However, it’s important to give honest feedback on the forms as you can be thrown off any mystery shopping company if you are giving false information and it’s important to remember that they can check CCTV footage to make sure you were there when you said you was.

People have been thrown off mystery shopping before by saying they were there and making up an entire report when they didn’t even leave the house. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing mystery shopping for the money or to get out for the day, make sure you don’t lie but remember, mystery shopping is legal.

How Much Does Mystery Shopping Pay

This all depends on the website and the assignment given. Mystery shopping is not a gold mine, I think a lot of people see mystery shopping as amazing getaways or huge payouts but that’s just not true. On average I get paid £10/£15 for a mystery shop and sometimes if I need to buy anything I will have that refunded.

It also depends on the type of assignment you’re given. If it’s an urgent assignment then you might get a higher payout although if it’s a common mystery shopping assignment with lots of spots for people to do, the pay will be less.

I’d love to know if you do mystery shopping and what your average pay out is. It’s important to remember that certain companies will pay more and others will pay less. The Mystery shopping companies take a cut and it all depends on how much they take and this information isn’t always available.

How To Do Mystery Shopping?

There are various ways you can do mystery shopping. You can either do them in a physcial store, online or through a phone based assessment. Depending on what mystery shopping option you perfer will determine where you find your mystery shopper jobs, take a look at the list below where you can find mystery shoping jobs and sign up to the best ones that suit you

Tips For Mystery Shopping

Looking for tips on how to carry out your mystery shopping assignment? Mystery shopping can be a fascinating way to earn extra income while providing valuable feedback to businesses. Here are some tips to excel at mystery shopping:

1. Choose Reputable Companies: Research and select legitimate mystery shopping companies to work with. Avoid any that ask for money upfront or promise unrealistic earnings.
2. Read Instructions Thoroughly: Before starting any assignment, carefully read the guidelines provided by the mystery shopping company. Pay attention to specific details such as what to observe, questions to ask, and deadlines for submitting your report.
3. Blend In: To maintain anonymity and gather authentic experiences, blend in with regular customers. Dress appropriately and behave naturally to avoid drawing attention to yourself.
4. Take Detailed Notes: Record your observations discreetly but accurately. Note the time, date, names of employees encountered, interactions, cleanliness, and any other relevant details.
5. Be Objective: Focus on the facts and provide unbiased feedback. Avoid letting personal opinions influence your evaluation.
6. Ask Relevant Questions: If required, don’t hesitate to ask questions to gather more information. Ensure that your inquiries are pertinent to the evaluation criteria.
7. Time Management: Manage your time effectively to complete assignments within the specified timeframe. Punctuality is crucial in this line of work.
8. Be Professional: Maintain professionalism at all times, both in your appearance and interactions. Remember, you represent the mystery shopping company and the client’s brand.
9. Submit Reports Promptly: Submit your reports promptly after completing an assignment to ensure accuracy and relevance while the experience is fresh in your mind.
10. Continuous Improvement: Reflect on your experiences and feedback to improve your mystery shopping skills continually. Learn from each assignment to become a better evaluator.
11. Stay Organised: Keep track of your assignments, deadlines, and payments to ensure you’re maximizing your earnings and not missing any opportunities.
12. Communicate with the Company: If you encounter any issues during an assignment, communicate with the mystery shopping company promptly. They are there to support you and resolve any concerns.

Remember, consistency, attention to detail, and professionalism are key to success in mystery shopping. Enjoy the process of discovering new places and providing valuable insights to businesses. Mystery shopping in the UK can be a lot of fun as long as you remember what you’re doing and keep calm.

Where To Find Mystery Shopping Jobs

Finding mystery shopping jobs in the UK can be done through various channels. Here are some options:

1. Mystery Shopping Companies: Many companies specialize in providing mystery shopping services to businesses across different industries. You can directly sign up with these companies as a mystery shopper. Some reputable mystery shopping companies in the UK include Market Force, Retail Maxim, and Grass Roots.
2. Online Platforms: There are online platforms where businesses post mystery shopping assignments. Websites like Mystery Shopper, Retail Maxim, and Tern are examples of platforms where you can find mystery shopping opportunities in the UK.
3. Market Research Companies: Some market research firms also offer mystery shopping services as part of their research methodologies. You can explore companies like Ipsos MORI, GfK, and Kantar for potential mystery shopping opportunities.
4. Job Boards: Keep an eye on job boards such as Indeed, Totaljobs, or Gumtree for mystery shopping opportunities posted by companies or agencies.
5. Social Media: Follow mystery shopping companies and market research firms on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. They often post job openings and updates about available assignments.
6. Word of Mouth: Networking with other mystery shoppers or individuals in the market research industry may lead to referrals or recommendations for mystery shopping opportunities.
7. Company Websites: Some businesses recruit mystery shoppers directly through their websites. Check the careers or opportunities section of company websites for any available positions or information on how to become a mystery shopper for that particular company.

When searching for mystery shopping jobs, always ensure to verify the legitimacy of the opportunities and the companies offering them. Avoid any offers that require upfront payments or seem too good to be true. It’s also essential to thoroughly read and understand the terms and conditions of each assignment before accepting it.

Which Mystery Shopping Company Pays The Best?

If you’re looking for the best paying mystery shopping companies, it all depends on what you’re looking for. In person assignments are going to pay better than phone assignments so it’s important to keep that in mind!

1. Market Force: Market Force offers mystery shopping services across various industries, including retail, hospitality, and automotive.
2. Retail Maxim: Retail Maxim provides mystery shopping solutions for retail stores, restaurants, and leisure facilities throughout the UK.
3. GfK Mystery Shopping: GfK offers mystery shopping services to help businesses improve customer service and operational efficiency.
4. Amber Arch: Amber Arch specialises in mystery shopping for the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors, offering tailored solutions to businesses.
5. Tern: Tern provides mystery shopping and customer experience research services to businesses across the UK, helping them enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

All companies have different pay depending on the assignment so it’s always important to sign up to multiple websites and search for the best prices and assignments that suit you best, which will also depend on your location.

Why Do Mystery Shopping?

Mystery shopping can be a lot of fun, it can get your out of the house, gives you something to do and you get paid for it, what’s not to like!

People choose to engage in mystery shopping for various reasons:

1. Earn Extra Income: Mystery shopping offers an opportunity to earn extra money while performing tasks that can be enjoyable and interesting.
2. Flexible Schedule: Mystery shopping allows for flexibility in scheduling assignments, making it suitable for those with other commitments such as students, stay-at-home parents, or individuals with part-time jobs.
3. Variety of Experiences: Mystery shopping exposes individuals to a variety of industries and businesses, allowing them to experience different products, services, and environments.
4. Personal Development: It can help individuals develop observational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to provide constructive feedback—all of which are valuable in various aspects of life.
5. Contribution to Improvement: Mystery shoppers play a crucial role in helping businesses identify areas for improvement in customer service, product quality, and overall customer experience.
6. Perks and Benefits: Some mystery shopping assignments offer perks such as free meals, products, or services, adding extra value beyond monetary compensation.
7. Networking Opportunities: Engaging in mystery shopping can lead to networking opportunities and connections within the industry, which may open doors to other job opportunities or additional income streams.
8. Enjoyment: For some people, mystery shopping is simply enjoyable and satisfying. It allows them to visit new places, try new products, and interact with different people while getting paid for it.

Overall, mystery shopping can be a rewarding and fulfilling activity for those who enjoy providing feedback, have a keen eye for detail, and value flexibility in their work schedule.

Why Is Mystery Shopping Important?

I know a lot of people don’t like mystery shopping as they feel it’s trapping the shop workers and putting them on the spot. However, this is the exact reason. Companies want to see how their staff do without knowing they’re going to be tested. To make sure they’re professional and helpful at all times and that they’re following company policies, representing the company to the best of their ability.

Mystery shopping is important for several reasons:

1. Quality Control: Mystery shopping helps businesses maintain quality standards by providing an objective evaluation of their products and services. It offers insights into areas where improvements are needed, such as customer service, product presentation, and cleanliness.
2. Customer Experience Improvement: By identifying strengths and weaknesses in the customer experience, businesses can make targeted improvements to enhance customer satisfaction. Mystery shopping feedback often highlights areas where employees may need additional training or support.
3. Competitive Advantage: Businesses can gain a competitive edge by implementing the recommendations from mystery shopping reports. By consistently delivering superior customer experiences, they can differentiate themselves from competitors and build customer loyalty.
4. Brand Reputation: Positive mystery shopping results contribute to a positive brand reputation. When customers consistently receive excellent service and quality products, they are more likely to recommend the brand to others, leading to increased customer acquisition and retention.
5. Employee Performance Evaluation: Mystery shopping evaluations provide valuable feedback on employee performance. Businesses can use this information for performance reviews, training purposes, and recognising exemplary employees.
6. Risk Mitigation: Mystery shopping can help businesses identify potential risks and compliance issues, such as employee misconduct, fraudulent activities, or safety concerns. Addressing these issues proactively can prevent larger problems in the future.
7. Market Research: Mystery shopping can also serve as a form of market research, providing insights into customer preferences, trends, and competitor strategies. This information can inform business decisions and strategic planning.

Overall, mystery shopping plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving the quality of products and services, enhancing the customer experience, and ultimately driving business success. It provides businesses with valuable feedback and actionable insights that can lead to tangible improvements and increased competitiveness in the marketplace.