How Mystery Shopping Works?

Many Mystery Shopping Services operate almost entirely over the internet now. You will most likely receive notice via email. It is important to apply with an email address you use often as you may need to respond within 24 to 48 hours to be accepted for an assignment. You may also be notified through fax or phone.

You will be given the particulars of the assignment and have the chance to accept or decline.

If you accept, you will download or receive via mail or fax, the scenario that is to be used for your evaluation.

For example, you may be asked to go to a grocery store and ask the deli worker for help locating  an item, you may be asked to purchase alcohol and report if the clerk asked for ID, or you may be asked to evaluate service in a restaurant.

You will be given a form with specific instructions before you shop. You will be told who to speak to and all areas that are to be included in your evaluation.

Your instructions may include:  Looking at the displays to see if they are kept neat and well put together.  Asking the sales clerk for information about a certain item, and how they could assist you in getting a certain size not readily available.  They may ask you to try on several items and check the dressing rooms for neatness. 

Does the sales clerk offer to assist you with additional sizes? 
Are the shelves well stocked and neat in appearance?

Was the sales clerk helpful?  They will want you to actually purchase something they suggest or of your choice and will want you to observe the actual transaction and note how easily or difficult it was performed. 

They may also ask you to question the sales clerk on several different items. What was his/her response?  They may ask you to visit the restrooms and make sure they are clean and well stocked. Use a public telephone and comment on its accessibility.  

Study your scenario before you begin the shop, because you can't take your notes with you.  Remember you must remain undetected! Do your best to remember names and pertinent details, and as soon as you get to your car you can quickly jot down important notes.