Mystery Shopping - General Info

Companies contract Mystery Shopping companies to make sure that their stores and employees are up to par. When Mystery Shopping you will be required to observe, observe, observe. You may need to interact with shop employees, make purchases, and sometimes take pictures.



Requirements/TIPS
Detailed oriented - This is an absolute must! Examples of what most shops will require:
- Name of employee(s)
- Descriptions of employee(s) - Physical, attitude, required attire, use of proper procedure
- Times - wait times, time you entered and left.
- Description of shop - Physical inside and outside, aisles, wait rooms, checkouts, restrooms
- Description of products - Placement, condition of products, number and types available
- Additional specific info depending on shop



Organization - Must be able to stay organized. Some companies require receipts for reimbursement. Others will require that you keep all notes and receipts on file for 30 days in case the client has additional questions

- Keep receipts
- Keep very detailed notes

Follow Directions - Directions for shopping can be very specific - must be able to follow exactly. There will be SPECIFIC

- Times and dates to shop
- Items to observe - usually there a quite a few
- Items to purchase or inquiry about
- Questions you must ask
- Some even have a specific path you must follow through the store.



Discretion - This is a deal breaker in most cases.

- You have to blend in and not be noticed as a mystery shopper - unless required
- You can not let others (friend and family) know too much about your shops
- You CAN NOT shop where a family member or friend works
- Avoid note taking to help disguise your identity as a Mystery Shopper


Misc. Info

Payment - Payment should be specified before you accept a shop. Types of payments are

- Flat Rate
- Flat rate plus reimbursement (receipt will be required)
- Reimbursement only (receipt will be required)

Payment schedule and form of payment - Each company you shop for has a different payment schedule.

- Most will pay monthly by check, Paypal or direct deposit.

Taxes - You are considered an IC (Independent Contractor) so taxes will not be taken out.

- Will usually only receive a 1099 if you make over $600 in a calendar year
- Discuss taxes with a Tax Professional


Companies - I recommend signing up for different companies to get a variety of shops. Most companies have a main client or type of client so get a variety and to compare pay you may want to sign up for a few companies.