There Are Some Skills Involved In Being a Mystery Shopper
Think you’d like to be a Mystery Shopper? There are definite skills involved. If you don’t have these skills already or aren’t willing to develop them you will not be a success. However, they are not hard to acquire.1. Are you observant? Some people are more observant than others, but you can develop the ability with concentration and focus. As you get more assignments you will become more aware of what to look for and your observational skills will improve easily and quickly. To get some practice in observing, visit a store, restaurant, theater or such (even a bank) with a friend. Walk around together for 10 minutes or so just as two friends shopping. Don’t discuss your hidden agenda while in the store; you are just shoppers.Later, when you get outside and away from the store, compare your observations. Did you notice the kinds of things the Company might like to know? For instance, is the store clean? Well lighted? Clutter in the isles? Was the clerk helpful Available? Neat? What was the servers name? Was the meal hot? These are the kinds of things you want to observe and remember. You cannot take notes while in the store. Wait until you get around the corner or into your car.2. Are you conscientious? and reliable? You’ll meed to be. Obviously when the company or scheduler gives you an assignment it must be carried out. The Mystery Shoppers company or scheduler is obligated to have all the assignments done by a time schedule. If you don’t do what you say you will, and do it the best you can, your shopper career will be very short.3. Can you write an objective and thorough report? Short brief answers will not give the kind of report the companies want. It the questionnaire asks was the bathroom clean – just saying yes or no won’t do for an answer. Something like this is more appropriate. The mens room was low on supplies, the waste basket overflowing and paper was on the wet floor. However, I noticed the cleaning schedule on the back of the door called for the attendant in about 10 minutes. I took a quick peek as I left about 20 minutes later and the room had been cleaned.4. Do you have a computer and the ability to use it. Much of your written work can be done on computer. Remember, as a Mystery Shopper you will report on your experience. Your report will enable management to see where and what their problems are and how to fix them. The Mystery Shopper job is an important one. If you want to dedicate yourself to it, you can have good experiences and earn some extra money. But, if you are not ready to follow through, don’t commit.
