For some of us, the thought of having to go to the grocery store, mall or any store for that matter is considered something of a pleasure! The hard part is always having a reason to go, or the extra money to spend when we do. Does this sound like you? If so, then you are a perfect candidate to become a Mystery Shopper!

As a Mystery Shopper you will have many benefits beyond the shopping - you can also receive free merchandise, get paid for your time, enjoy dinner at restaurants you have always wanted to try, take trips…the possibilities are endless. Now you can shop to your hearts content and have fun while you "work"!

What is a Mystery Shopper you say? Someone who can go to a store, restaurant, theme park or any business that values their customers and evaluate their appearance, services, and employee's without them knowing what you are doing. In some instances store clerks, counter help and other employees may treat customers differently when they don't know they are being evaluated. Your job is not to spy on the employee's or business, or even try to catch them in something wrong. You are not even looking for anything right.

You simply evaluate your experience.

Mystery Shoppers must remain completely unbiased when performing their duties. If you have had a bad experience in the past at a certain business, then you should be professional and refuse to evaluate that establishment if you feel you cannot be objective. This is not a time for revenge!

You are the link that keeps the Corporate Headquarters informed and they need you to maintain yourself in a professional manner. For a business to be successful, they must maintain customer satisfaction. They can better please the customer if they understand how the customer is being treated and if their product is being sold as they intended.

Many businesses operate from a Corporate Office with stores all over the country. For them, Mystery Shoppers are invaluable to maintain quality in each and every location. By having you, the ordinary customer report on your shopping excursion, they can better achieve uniformity throughout their chain. They are completely aware that cleanliness, service and the quality of their product is essential to their success. Give them your loyalty by not revealing your findings with any other source, whether friends, competitors or other Marketing Research companies and you can have a wonderful, long lasting working relationship with them.

You will have the benefit of working around your schedule, which can be beneficial for a housewife, mother or part time worker. Some places may want you to go to their establishment only during certain hours, i.e. happy hour, early bird specials, moonlight madness sales, etc. You may be able to request certain hours of the day that are best for you, such as early mornings for mom's with small children in preschool or late afternoons - early evenings for those who already hold down a part time job.

First do your homework. There are many companies that place Mystery Shoppers. You can review the list located in the back of this book or go to your local library or telephone book and look for Marketing Research companies. You will need to write to them and submit a resume. You may even want to send a recent photo of yourself. Don't worry about having professional pictures done, a Polaroid will work just as well. Make sure to give the times you are available, and you may want to copy a local or state map and detail the areas you would be available to work in. Also give specifics in your letter. If you prefer to only do restaurants, let them know. There are many areas you can work in, you don't have to take an assignment for a computer store if you have absolutely no knowledge or interest in that matter. There is a list on page with some suggested places that utilize Mystery Shoppers. Go over it carefully and make several selections. You can also decide to take assignments as they come.

Don't be afraid to say no if you are uncomfortable with an assignment. If you do not drink alcoholic beverages, let them know ahead of time and they will do their best to not place you on jobs that require drinking. After you have mailed this detailed letter and resume to them, you will have to wait. It may take two or three weeks, even up to two to three months to hear from them. After all, they have many applicants wanting the same thing you do.

Get ready for the phone to ring! When the Marketing Research Company calls you for the first time, they will ask if you are available at a certain time and date, for a specified job. For example, let's say a department store needs a Mystery Shopper next week sometime between Monday and Thursday in the mornings to evaluate the Ladies Department. Your fee may be $25.00 for the trip and merchandise valued up to $25.00. They will send you a questionnaire in the mail several days before your shopping trip with detailed instructions.

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. Now that you have decided that you are going to do this Mystery Shop, plan ahead. Look over the questionnaire they sent you. There may be 20, 30 or more questions to review. Study it carefully, so you can be prepared before you go of what you will be doing. Take along a notepad to leave in your car. This will come in handy for making quick notes to yourself to be used for reference when completing your questionnaire.

Your next step will be to actually go to the store during the times specified. Before you even get out of your car, note the time you actually go and also make some reference to surroundings such as weather conditions, crowded parking, etc. This information may not be required on the form, but may assist you later on in remembering details.

Next, go through your shopping as described on your questionnaire. Shop around, enjoy the beautiful displays, select something for yourself or as a gift for someone special and have fun while you make some money!

There's not a lot of work left, however, you will be required to file a report or fill out the questionnaire within a short time of your visit. A response is usually expected with in 24 - 48 hours. You can fax or mail your forms in, but always adhere to the time frame set by the company you are working for.

It is very important that you be as accurate as possible, giving only the facts that they request. For example, say you went to a restaurant and had to wait quite a while before being seated. After 30 minutes or so, you finally get your turn and are seated near the kitchen! Then the waiter takes another 5 minutes to come to your table. By the time your food arrives you are not a happy camper. You think the waiter has a personal dislike for you, and you may not enjoy your meal because of all the aggravation you have just endured. However, when you write your report, you must adhere strictly to the questions they are asking and interject no personal thoughts of your experience unless asked. You can't say you found his nose ring offensive unless they ask about his appearance. You can't express your annoyance at being kept waiting unless they ask how long it took to be seated.

Once you are back in your car, take a few minutes to make some quick notes in your notepad. Make sure you have your receipt. You will need to turn this in for reimbursement. Later, when you fill out the actual form you will refer to these notes extensively.

Answer all the questions to the best of your knowledge, keeping an unbiased view. If you are unsure how to answer a question, call the company for details. Follow the instructions accompanying your questionnaire completely. If they ask you to call within a certain time, do everything possible to comply. They may ask you to call and fax or mail your questionnaire within a certain time. Remember to adhere to the time allotted for response. If you do not respond in time, call the company immediately and let them know why. Once you have made a copy of your report/questionnaire for your records and turned in your paper work (including your sales receipt), you are done. Now you just have to wait a few days for your check in the mail and start thinking of where you would like to shop next!

  Look for ads in your local newspaper

  Go on the Internet and search Mystery Shoppers

  Contact Marketing and Research companies in your area

  Ask a friend - they may already be "Shopping"!

 Below is a list of some of the more popular business establishments that use Mystery Shoppers on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. You should read it carefully and note the ones that interest you most. When making your selection, keep in mind that the large chains are the ones most likely to use Mystery Shoppers.

 Be sure to mention your those that interest you most on you resume'.

_____  Grocery Stores

_____  Drug Stores

_____  Department Stores

_____  Specialty shops (various forms)

______ Toy Stores

_____  Stereo/Appliance Stores

_____  Hardware Stores

_____  Movie Theaters

_____  Theaters

_____  Theme Parks

_____  Casinos

_____  Night Clubs

_____  Florists

_____  Banks

_____  Travel Agents

_____  Air Lines

_____  Hotels

_____  Cruise Lines

_____  Restaurants (fast food)

_____   (family)

_____    (Cuisine)

_____  No preference

1.) Read this material before you make your decision

2.) Send your resume to several businesses. You don't have to do all of them, but it certainly can't hurt if you do! Don't forget to include your hours available, photo, map of area available to you, and a list of businesses you might prefer.

3.) Once accepted, you will receive your first assignment. You may receive a phone call from the company detailing the job. If in agreement, you will be sent a form with complete instructions.

4.)  Follow the instructions completely. Take a note pad with you, and keep in your car for quick notes. They will come in very handy when you fill out the application. Read the instructions again right before you go in to refresh your memory.

5.) Enjoy your shopping excursion! Remember to take mental notes of all the details requested on the instruction sheet.

6.) When you return to your car, make quick notes on your notepad for later reference. Don't forget to note your surroundings.

7.) Fill our the form/questionnaire as completely as possible. If you have a question, you can call the company for clarification. Remember to enclose any receipts for reimbursement.

8.) Make a copy of everything for your files.

9.) Return the form within the deadline time frame. If unable to do so, call the company and tell them why. Now you can wait for your check in the mail and the phone to ring!

SAMPLE SHOPPING QUESTIONNAIRE