Mystery Shopping Tips & Helpful Hints

Mystery shopping is a serious business and companies we contract with expect professional, accurate and objective reports. Once you have completed some shops, you find out that it is not all “fun and shopping.” It is serious work that you are paid for. You are an employee of QSI Specialists vs. an independent contractor as most other mystery shopping companies work with and as an employee you are held to higher expectations. We want you to succeed as your professionalism reflects directly on us and our business growth. When our business grows, you are offered more shop options and opportunities.

Below are some simple tips that can help you be a better mystery shopper.

Deadlines are critical: Do not accept a job if you cannot complete it. We depend on you to complete any assignments accepted within the assignment dates provided. Emergencies do arise and if you cannot complete the shop due to an emergency you must contact the assignment scheduler immediately offering as much notice as possible for rescheduling.

Instructions and forms: Completely read client instructions and forms prior to doing your shop. Even if you have done the shop before, requirements change. Your scheduler will try to point out any new information, but you are ultimately responsible for completing an accurate shop and providing the client with the information they need.

Completing forms: Before submitting your shop double check for accuracy and to make sure all questions are answered. Make sure your answers are complete but concise; offer detail and give them what they request. The client is interested in facts more than opinions; however there are instances where opinion is important as well and it should be clearly stated on the form.

Spelling & Grammar Check: As important as supplying the client with a detailed, accurate report is supplying them with a report this has correct spelling and grammar. Many online forms offer spell check ability and it should always be used. If the form is in Word, turn on your spelling and grammar check. There is no excuse for misspellings. If the report form you are completing does not have spell check, consider typing the summary text portions into a Word document allowing for quick spelling checks and the copy/paste into the form.

“!!!....??” Punctuation: Be sure to use correct punctuation. In a quotation, the period, question mark or exclamation point goes INSIDE the quotation marks, such as, “Did you see the car?” or “The car was red.” or “The car was fast!” There are plenty of online sites that offer punctuation tips if you are unsure about the proper punctuation, and Spell Check will help in some instances, such as when to use a semi-colon instead of a comma or period.

Tell a Story: The client was not there with you doing your shop. They need to know the story of what happened while you were there. From the time you entered the parking lot to the moment you walk out the door, they want to know what happened and how you were treated as well as your visual observations of the business you are shopping.

Details: You will be required to obtain multiple details from your shop. Sometimes it is hard to remember everything you need to know. You can consider a digital recorder to help you remember the facts, but don’t rely complete on the recorder as data can be lost. Many shops require a visit to the restroom, even for those that don’t, the restroom is a good option for making quick notes…associate names and descriptions, timings, etc. Keep a small note pad with you and watch for options to take quick notes when you will not be observed. If your shop allows a companion, have that person watch for specific details. If at a restaurant you may be able to hide a paper under a coat on the seat next to you, or under a placemat and take quick notes while no one is watching. DO NOT GET CAUGHT TAKING NOTES! Your shop will be rejected if you are found to be a mystery shopper!

Synonyms – Be descriptive: Be unique; instead of using the old stand by terminology such as “The food was nice. It tasted good.” “The associate was friendly.” “It was clean.” Offer a better description of what you saw or how the food tasted or even associate responses. “The dinner was presented on an elegant plate of china with the food arranged in an eye appealing manner that focused on the main entrée. It was garnished with parsley which added to the sophistication of the meal. After my first taste I knew it would be as delicious as it looked.” “The associate greeted me with a smile and upbeat attitude that continued throughout our interaction.” “Upon entering the establishment I immediately noticed the care and upkeep of this location. The doors were free of fingerprints and the entry inviting with attractive wall paintings and flower arrangements.”

Are you a shopper? Although it does not happen often, it is possible that you will be asked by an associate you are evaluating, “Are you a shopper?” The best plan is to give them a blank look and ask, “What is a shopper?” This puts it back on the associate requiring them to explain what a shopper is and gives you an opportunity to compose yourself and figure out the reply. It could be a simple, “That sounds fun, if I were a shopper, you’d get a great score!”