Top 5 tips on how to be a better mystery shopper

When it comes to mystery shopping we all want to get better at it. The more time you can save by becoming efficient then the more money you can earn. As far as mystery shopping companies are concerned they want you to get better too. More accurate reporting means that they don't have to get back in touch with you to clarify anything and they can get your report back to their clients as quickly as possible. Here are the top 5 ways that you can become a better mystery shopper.

5 - Use a stopwatch or smartphone to make sure your timings are accurate

The timings that you record are used to measure service times so they need to be totally accurate. In some mystery shops such as fast food outlets the timings are absolutely crucial. Make sure that you report these accurately by using s stopwatch of the stopwatch facility on your smartphone. If you don't include accurate timings then your report may be rejected and you may not get paid. Not a great thing for a mystery shopper!

4 - Think like a mystery shopper everywhere you go

I find that practice makes perfect. I think l like a mystery shopper whenever I'm out shopping or having something to eat. I look for name badges, record service times and think about the service I am being given. This all helps when it comes to the real mystery shops. Get into that frame of mind and it will help you to get better at mystery shopping!

3 - Ask the mystery shop company of there is anything you are not sure about

This is a simple rule that makes a big difference. If you read through all the mystery shop job notes and there is something you are still not sure about then ask. All mystery shopping companies have contact numbers or email addresses so you can contact them to clarify what you have to do. Never go in to a mystery shop unless you are certain you know what is required of you.

2 - Read your assignments notes thoroughly before you go

This may sound obvious but it can trip you up, especially if you are shopping a location or company that you have been to before. The notes and the questionnaire give you all the details you need when it comes to the mystery shop you have been assigned. Read the notes thoroughly at home and once again just before you go in to the location - making sure you are not seen.

It is by knowing what is expected of you when it comes to a mystery shop that you can deliver what is required.

1 - Write your reports in Word and spellcheck them before uploading and submitting

Your spelling and grammar need to be perfect when you send through your reports. The mystery shop company and the end client need to be able to read and understand what you have written.

We're not all great at these things all the time so writing in Word and using the spelling and grammar check is the top tip when it comes to getting better at being a mystery shopper.

If you are thinking of becoming a mystery shopper then my Amazon Kindle book is a great place to start. If gives a step by step guide on how to become a mystery shopper and how to get the most out of it.