The Dos and Don'ts of Mystery Shopping in the UK: Essential Advice for Beginners

Mystery shopping has become an increasingly popular way to earn extra income and gain insight into the customer experience. However, for beginners, it can be overwhelming and confusing to know where to start. In this blog, we will discuss the dos and don'ts of mystery shopping in the UK to help you get started on the right foot.

Mystery Shopping Do's:

1. Research the company: Before signing up with a mystery shopping company, do your research. Make sure the company is legitimate and has a good reputation. Look for reviews from other mystery shoppers and check their ratings on sites like Trustpilot.
2. Read the guidelines carefully: Each mystery shopping assignment will come with its own set of guidelines. Make sure to read them thoroughly before accepting the job. This will help you understand what is expected of you and what you need to do to complete the assignment successfully.
3. Be professional: Treat each mystery shopping assignment as a professional job. Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and conduct yourself in a professional manner. Remember, you are representing the mystery shopping company and the client.
4. Be discreet: When mystery shopping, it's essential to blend in with the crowd. Don't draw attention to yourself or act suspiciously. Keep a low profile and act like a regular customer.
5. Be objective: When completing a mystery shopping assignment, it's important to be objective. Don't let your personal biases or opinions affect your evaluation of the customer experience.

Mystery Shopping Don'ts:

1. Don't reveal your identity: It's important to keep your identity as a mystery shopper a secret. Don't reveal your identity to the staff or anyone else during the assignment.
2. Don't skip details: When completing your evaluation, make sure to include all the required details. Don't skip any questions or leave anything out.
3. Don't be late: Arriving late for a mystery shopping assignment can affect the client's evaluation of the customer experience. Make sure to arrive on time or even a few minutes early.
4. Don't discuss the assignment: After completing a mystery shopping assignment, don't discuss it with anyone else. This includes other mystery shoppers, friends, or family members.
5. Don't accept assignments you can't complete: Before accepting a mystery shopping assignment, make sure you can complete it within the required timeframe. If you can't, it's better to decline the assignment rather than risk a negative review.

In conclusion, mystery shopping can be a fun and rewarding way to earn extra income and gain insight into the customer experience. By following these dos and don'ts, you can ensure a successful and professional experience as a mystery shopper in the UK.