Becoming a Mystery Shopper

So you’ve checked out our web site, looked at the lists of Mystery Shopper agencies, now you’re ready to take the plunge and become a….. Mystery Shopper!

To help you along and speed up the process, we’ve included a step by step process to becoming a Mystery Shopper. If you’ve ever unsure, check back here often as this is a proven process to becoming a successful Mystery Shopper.

1.        Apply to as many Agencies as possible or that you feel comfortable with. The selection criteria will be different depending on the agency, use this time to understand the agency requirements and the types of questions they ask you.

2.        The application form, most agencies listed on this site offer an online application form. Take your time when you submit these. Lot’s of people complete these forms, so it pays to take a little bit of time with your answers. Ask yourself what sort of skills would be required to be the best Mystery Shopper in the world. Hopefully, your answer will include observation skills, attention to detail, great time management, great organisation skills etc.

3.        The TRIAL SHOP, this is like a test run. Some agencies actually request a trial run before they will consider hiring you. Use the trial run to work through any nerves you might have, identify areas where you could improve or get better at. Some agencies require details of a Trial Shop so this time will not be wasted.

4.        Your first offer, this will be a very exciting time. Don’t get too excited too early as the detail of the assignment is very important, most agencies will not pay you if you do not complete the assignment to the letter. The offer you receive will include information relating to the job, the location and what you’ll get paid. Once you’ve read and re-read the job description you can accept it or decline the work. We do not advice declining too many offers, however it is important that you fully understand the assignment and only accept the work once you are 100% confident.

5.        The assignment, once accepted you will be sent full details of the job and a questionnaire. It is very important that you read these documents until you fully understand them. If you’re unsure, go back to the agency and ask questions.

6.        Entering the store, if this is your first time you may be nervous, try not to be. Hopefully, you will have read the assignment details so you’re confident of exactly what is required. Take your time with the job, obviously you do not want to stand out as a Mystery Shopper, however it is important that you complete all of the information required. It may sound obvious, do not complete any paper work inside of the store, always wait until you leave and complete as quickly as possible whilst the information is still fresh in your mind.

7.        Complete the paperwork, once you’ve completed the paperwork, all that is required is to send it back to the agency. Make sure that you do this within their specified timeframes, also ensure that any receipts or travel expenses are also included at this time.