The last few mystery shops before Christmas - free meals!

Its very quiet now in the mystery shop front, and the only jobs I'm picking up to carry out now are those in restaurants and pubs.

I've carried out a few over the last week or so, and I've for two more set before the end of the year.

I went to a chain pub last week for a standard assignment. It was about ordering a meal and a couple of drinks and them assessing the customer service and quality of the food and drinks. Its a repeat assignment, so it's something I can do in my sleep but sometimes this brings it's own problems. It really pays to read through the notes thoroughly, as these assignments can change over time. On this occasion I read through but it was very similar to the way it always has been - in fact this same assignment was my very first ever mystery shop!

Fee = £3.50

Reimbursement = £5.00

Spend = £11.00

Profit/Loss = -£2.50

I also visited the catering outlet of a local government establishment last week. It was to test the quality of food and service age in, but with a slightly different agenda. The measures that the client wanted was to establish whether the outlet was closer in standards to a catering facility or a restaurant chain. The offering was decidedly catering outlet fayre and this will no doubt disappoint the client. They are hoping to be viewed as a food destination in their own right but on the basis of this visit, that is unlikely to be happening any time soon.

Fee = £3.25

Reimbursement = £9.75

Spend = £19.00

Profit/Loss = +£6.00

If you are looking to mystery shop, and this really take soff in January then take a look at my book. It's a guide on how to become a successful mystery shopper.

There' still time to pick up the last few mystery shopping presents before Christmas

It really is just the odd mystery shop between now and the New Year, so make the most of the shops that are available. I had a mystery shop last Thursday in a clothing store in a local town. There were several enquiries to make in the same department, and as it happens there was only one team member present in that department.

I had to-

• ask about an item of clothing
• ask about an item of footwear
• ask to use the fitting room
• ask a question while in the fitting room
• ask about an online exclusive item
• make a purchase at the till

When you are asking this many questions of the same team member it can be easy to become spotted as a mystery shopper. It is important to keep the conversation as natural as you possibly can and to ensure that you are not spotted as a mystery shopper.

If someone ever asks you if you are a mystery shopper it's best to have a set answer in your mind. My stock answer if I was ever called out on it would be-

"Oh, what's a mystery shopper? That sounds interesting."

And I'd take it from there. Make sure you have an idea of what you would say if you were ever asked. It could save your fee for that assignment!

As for this assignment, I wasn't spotted and got a nice jumper as a Christmas present for someone.

Fee = £2.25

Reimbursement = £15.00

Spend = £15.00

Profit/Loss = +£2.25

If you are thinking about becoming a mystery shopper then my book is a good place to start. It gives the lowdown on becoming a mystery shopper and gives hints and tips on how to be a success. Check it out.