This blog has moved to my new and snazzy site, (still on the wordpress platform, of course) at:

www.QueenoftheRandomJob.com

Please feel free to visit me there!

-Bethany
“Queen Buzzy”

Dear Bethany,

-Hemmingway I’m Not

Don’t worry…Mystery Shopping companies are not looking for the next great American novel for their reports. Stick to the facts, expand when requested, and ask for feedback! Companies love shoppers who take pride in their work, and will be happy to give you a helping hand. After all, when you improve, then their clients are happy! 
And you might just get more work!

But, for the basics, keep these in mind:

1) Never reuse an old form. I know it may seem like you’re saying the same thing over and over again, but make sure you use a clean form every time.

2) Don’t compare your assignment with one you did before. They want to know about THIS assignment, not the other one. 

3) Don’t compare your location with the competition. They don’t care that another grocery store has a better deal on ground beef this week. 

4) Don’t falsify your forms. EVER. Most stores have security cameras now, and they can verify the information you provide. 

5) Check your spelling. Most online assignment programs have a spell check. If they don’t, just copy and paste into your word program and make sure it’s right. 

6) Keep your opinions to yourself, (unless specifically asked, “what did you think?”) and report only on the facts.

7) Thesaurus.com, and dictionary.com are great resources to find words that will help you say the same thing in new and exciting ways. 

Don’t use the word “nice”…it means nothing. 

I also have sample reports available in my Become a Mystery Shopper Training Program which can give you an overview on detailed report-writing.
Just remember that in time you’ll figure out each company’s style and requirements. Writing well is just like any other skill, you’ll need to practice it to perfect it!

Good luck, and happy shopping!

-Bethany

“Hi Bethany! 

I recently received an email from a company for this assignment:

Mystery Shoppers are needed in the NEW YORK cities listed below for BANK SHOPS. Payment is  $20 and requires an inquiry for a new checking or savings account. Shops may NOT be done on Saturday, or after 5pm.  Assignments are due before June 26. An online 2-page report will need to be completed with detailed comments regarding your experience.

Manhattan              Binghamton             Westfield            Rochester         Albany             

Do you think it’s worth the fee they’re giving? Thanks!”

-I wanna be a shopper

There are many factors to consider whether the assignment is worth your time, and even after taking one that looks good, you may find that it really wasn’t worth it!  Sometimes trial and error is necessary to figure out if a company has good compensation.

What you want to think about is the distance from your house to the location.  Is it right down the street, or will you have to drive 30 minutes to get there?  The offer states that you’ll be inquiring on a new checking or savings account, which means you’ll actually be on location for about 10-15 minutes, including waiting for an associate, (as long as its not horribly busy.)  The form they’ve described is 2 pages, (not too long) but wants detailed information.  This means you’ll be writing narratives, typically about 3-4 sentences per section.

So, we can determine from this offer that you’ll be spending about an hour on the assignment.  This is the time for filling out the form and talking with an associate.  (If you type fast, maybe even shorter) As long as your drive time isn’t too horribly long, you’ll be making more than $10 an hour.  If you can pick up more assignments in that area on that day, or have errands that require you to be in that area anyway, it starts looking even better.   It is my personal opinion that as long as you make a minimum of $10 an hour, the assignment is worth it, and this one definitely looks good.

Good luck, and Happy Shopping!

-Bethany

Hey Bethany,

-Cluttered Cathy

In general, some things you should always have are:

1) A file cabinet or filing system to keep track of your IC agreements with your companies. You can also keep notes on the assignments you did, if you were paid on time, if you liked working for them, etc. 

2) Maps: both online (yahoo, mapquest, and google) and physical. If your car is not yet set up with the GPS system of the future, (I doubt I’ll ever have one!) then maps of your area are a necessity for when you get lost.

3) A watch with a second hand, or a subtle timer. Mostly for restaurant shops so you can keep track of the timing of food. I got a sport-type watch for $20 or so…best investment ever.

4) The Apartment Guide and For Rent: These are free booklets available at groceries and some retail stores that list apartments in your area. They are invaluable for finding out information about an apartment you’re shopping, before you head out there. 

5) Digital Cameras can be purchased for relatively cheap, and sometimes they’re used for assignments. Remember, it’s tax deductible if you need it for your business!

6) Cell phones: you probably already have one, but it’s a lifesaver if you get lost, or you can use it to text yourself or leave voicenotes about the particulars of a shop. 

7) Fax machines…if you don’t already have one, you can generally send faxes through your email program or use efax.com. 

Of course, you can always spend a ton of money on cameras and video cameras, and high-tech gear, but these cheap tools should help you get your shops a little better organized without the added expense.

Good luck and happy shopping!

-Bethany

Hi Bethany,

I was recently assigned a movie theatre shop, and 2 restaurants.  I’m so excited to get started!  The only thing is that my baby sitter cancelled on me, and I have to get these shops done TODAY!  What should I do?  Can I bring the kids with me?

-Worried and Hurried

Ok, first of all, RELAX. Then, call your scheduler!  They are your life-line to help you when situations like these arise.  I cannot specifically speak for your scheduler or company, but most restaurant shops allow you to take a few people with you.  In fact, Mystery Shopping companies LIKE you to take people with you because 1) it makes you appear like a normal customer, and 2) you can have them help you keep track of timings which results in a more accurate shop!

The same principles apply to movie theatres…most often you can take someone with you on the assignment.  Just make sure that the movie is kid-friendly!

If you can take people with you, regardless if they are your kids, your spouse, or friends, remember that your confidentially agreements still apply.  You may not be able to TELL them that it’s a shop!  Especially if they are kids.  The last thing you want to hear out of your child’s mouth is, “Mommy, they didn’t say “Hi”…do they get points off for that?”

Now, if these were apartment or bank shops, I’d be a little bit more concerned.  But most likely, it will be ok for you to bring the kids with you.  However, don’t just take my word for it!  PLEASE talk to your scheduler before you head out.  If these are shops that do require you to go solo, your scheduler may be able to buy you some extra time so you can get them done tomorrow or over the weekend.

Good luck, and Happy Shopping!

-Bethany

Hi Bethany!

I’ve just started with Mystery Shopping, and I still can’t seem to tell a real company from a scam artist.  I called on an ad in the newspaper, and they wanted me to pay them $75 to be a mystery shopper!  What’s up with that?

-No fee Shopper
 
I cannot say this enough, so repeat it aloud until it gets into your subconscious and haunts you in your dreams:

NO LEGITIMATE MYSTERY SHOPPING COMPANY WILL EVER CHARGE YOU TO BE A SHOPPER!!!!

That’s pretty much the easy distinction between a real company and one that’s not.  But there are some 
points to note:

1) Mystery Shopping companies generally don’t advertise in the newspaper.  MERCHANDISING companies do, but Mystery Shopping companies generally don’t.  If ever you see an ad for Mystery Shopping, they’re just trying to sell you something.

2) Those companies that advertise in the newspaper AREN’T necessarily scams!  They’re just charging you for information or a service.  For example, you have to pay a fee for our “Become a Mystery Shopper” CD Rom, but you get a LOT of good information!  There are other people out there like me who charge for our knowledge…we’re not scam artists…we’re called “consultants.”

3) ALWAYS check out the company before you pay a fee, and know what you’re getting for your money.  If they’re listed in our manual as a company, they’re legit. You can also check out other resouces, message boards, and websites to see what other shoppers think of companies.

4) Stay away from the ads in your email that want you to take a survey to “earn” $1000 to shop with…or the ones that have you complete 6 offers in order to get a gift card. Don’t trust any unsolicited email. I have yet to hear anything nice about those companies.

The more you’re in the industry, the more you can figure out who is actually offering assignments, and who is trying to sell services or information.  Some do both…some do neither.  For now, stay away from paying fees, and start with the companies in the back of your book, or in the resource section to find companies in your area.

Good luck and Happy Shopping!

-Bethany

Hi Bethany,

Our family is taking a vacation this summer, going to the East-Coast to check out all the historical sites and all…you mentioned in class that you can shop while you travel.  How does that work?

-Winnebag-a-go-go

Shopping on vacation can be a fun way to earn some money to defray the cost of travel!  Here are the basic things you need to keep in mind:

1) Who will you shop for?

Do the companies you currently work with have shops in the area that you’re going to?  If so, contact your scheduler, and let them know that you’ll be in a different area for a certain period of time, and see what they have for you.  On the sites that allow for self-scheduling, you can usually browse by zip code, and you can apply for shops that way.  If none of the companies you work for have shops in the area that you will be in, then you can find more companies through the message boards. Instead of looking for your usual area, just scan the listings for wherever it is that you’re going. And, don’t forget that the Become a Mystery Shopping Training Program Manual has a list of over 160 companies to choose from!

2) How will you deliver the shops?

Remember, most shops are now done through the Internet in some way, shape or form.  Do you have a laptop with Wi-Fi that you can take with you? Most cafes offer free-access, or for a cheap fee. If not, you can usually drop in to local libraries or colleges, (even Kinko’s/FedEx have computers for a fee) to fill out your forms.  If the company requires a hand-written form, then make some extra copies…we all know how things get lost when we travel, and you certainly don’t want to lose a form!

3) Should you inform your traveling companions?

Now, you all know that it’s ok to tell people that you’re a mystery shopper, but remember there is a fine line for keeping those confidentially agreements.  Make sure you consult your scheduler to see if you can bring your family with you.  For shops like amusement parks, restaurants, movie theatres, etc…that shouldn’t be a problem.  And, should you choose to take banks or apartments, you can always pawn the kids off on your spouse for an hour or so to get the shop done.

4) What about tax deductions?

I am NOT a tax professional.  I know I’ve done a lot of stuff, but taxes are not one of them.  What I recommend is that you write down all of your mileage from point A to Z and everywhere in between, and keep receipts for EVERYTHING.  Take everything to your tax-man and let him sort it out.  Yes, you can deduct things on your vacation, but what, and how much, is really up to Uncle Sam.

I hope this helps!  Good Luck and Happy Shopping!

-Bethany

Bethany~

-Wannabe Shopper

A computer and the Internet are going to be your best tools to get you started quickly. Here are some other things that may come in handy:

1) Microsoft word and Excel: some companies still use these programs to write up their forms. While most companies have web-based systems now, there are still a few who require these programs.

2) A car, or reliable transportation. If you’re in a city like New York or San Francisco, where public transit is the norm, then you’ll be fine getting from shop to shop. However, in most areas, you’ll need a car if you’re going to make assignments worth your time. 

3) Digital Cameras are pretty popular for some assignments, and you can get them fairly cheap. You can always shop around online for the best deal.

4) Video cameras are becoming more popular to use on shops. Sometimes the company will require that you use their cameras, (you’ll have to go through a whole screening process) so don’t just head out to the spy-shop yet. (Yes, these are the ‘hidden’ cameras that you’d be wearing on a tie, hat, or pin. 

5) GPS system in your car, or, if you’re old-fashioned like me, a good old map!

6) Fax Machines may be required to send in documentation…but you can always go to an office supply store to fax, or send it through scanning. Some email programs allow for faxing through your inbox, or you can sign up for efax.com.

7) Cell phones are always important, in case you get lost, or want to use them to take notes about the assignment. 

All in all, it really doesn’t take that much to get started in mystery shopping. More important than the physical tools are the character requirements: good observation skills, clear writing ability, accuracy, honesty, and reliability. 

I hope this helps!

Good luck, and happy shopping!

-Bethany

Hey Bethany,

Can you tell me who shops Walt Disney Cruise Lines?  I’m also interested in doing Panera, or Shell Gas Stations…I can’t seem to find out who shops these companies, and I don’t want to waste any more time!

-Eager to Shop

I would tell you if I could…but this is the cardinal sin of Mystery Shopping: revealing “who shops who.”  We can’t do it. Please don’t ask me to violate my confidentially agreements…I don’t like people being mad at me!

We can’t reveal these things because Mystery Shopping companies like to keep their clients.  If they didn’t have the confidentially rule, we’d be able to tell ABC shopping company that XYZ shopping company has “Billy Bob’s House of Pancakes” as a client, thereby giving ABC a reason to woo “Billy Bob” and perhaps undercut the fee that is currently being paid to XYZ.  When this happens, THE SHOPPER is the one who is going to pay the price with reduced payment rates! So it’s in everyone’s best interest to keep your mouth shut!

Now, with some Mystery Shopping companies, you can kinda tell what industry they serve.  It’s pretty easy to figure out who Restaurant Evaluators, or Ellis Property Management, or Amusement Advantage targets.   So you can get a clue with the company’s name, and start there.  Also, on Mystery Shopping Company websites, they may state the industry that they serve.  Some will list current or previous clients, so you can get a gist as to the types of assignments that they may have available.

I’m sorry, but this is one area where you’re going to have to do some trial and error. No shopper worth their salt will ever tell you “who shops who.”

Good luck and Happy Shopping!

-Bethany

Hi Bethany,

I’ve been Mystery Shopping for a few months now, and I love it!  You are right that it isn’t consistent though…and now that the Holidays are approaching, I was thinking about doing something else part-time just to help with buying gifts.  What would you recommend?

-Money Making Momma

Mystery Shopping, like I’ve been saying for years, isn’t consistent…but Merchandising is!  So you might want to try that out for awhile.  Merchandising is where you go into a store and do set-up/display work.  It’s nice because you might have several locations that you have to service over a period of time, so it’s not “grab and go” like Mystery Shopping.  You can get Merchandising work through some mystery shopping companies, through Merchandising companies, through the temp agencies, and also jobs are listed in the “general help wanted” section of your local classifieds.  These companies also generally have some listings for product demonstrators in stores too!

If merchandising doesn’t appeal to you, you might want to consider just trying various types of market research work to fill in the gaps of mystery shopping:

You can become a focus group participant and give your opinion on food, commercials, products or whatever else they think of.  Now, focus groups are even more random than mystery shopping, but at least when you get an assignment, you’re looking at a $50-$150 (and up) payment, as opposed to a $10-$30 payment.  So they can be quite lucrative.  You can call the local Market Research Section of your phone book to get signed on with these companies.

Exit Interviews (also known as surveys) can be something to earn some extra money as well.  Here, they’ll put you outside of a chain store where you’ll ask a few questions of people as they leave.  “How was your food?”  “Did you find everything that you were looking for?” etc.  You’ll either be required to be out there for a certain amount of time, or you have to collect a certain number of surveys.  You can get this work through the temp agencies, some mystery shopping companies, and some market research companies.

As a shameless plug, I do have to mention that I have a whole website devoted to other legitimate ways of making extra income: www.QueenoftheRandomJob.com but the key words here are: “extra income!”)  Most of those take a little longer to get into, though, so if you’re looking for a quick fix, I’d recommend Mystery Shopping, Merchandising, Surveying, or Focus Groups.

Try them out…you never know what might appeal to you!

Good Luck and Happy Shopping!

-Bethany