What is mystery shopping?

If I ever let people know that I am a mystery shopper (and it does come up from time to time) then the most common response I get in return is-

"What is mystery shopping?"

 It is a really interesting subject and people always have a load of questions to back up that first one, such as-

• How did you get into it?
• Can you make a lot of money from it?
• How can I get started?

So let's begin at the beginning and give you an idea of what mystery shopping is. Companies have got bigger and bigger. The days of one store owner being able to watch, advise and support all of the team while serving customers are gone. Businesses are now run by a board that rarely see the inside of their own store or hospitality venues.The ability to see what is going on, reinforce best practice and advise where to put things right has disappeared from the hands of the decision makers.

So they have put it in the hands of the likes of you and I - the people that would normally frequent the stores anyway. So we report back on the experience we have had to see how closely it matches the experience that the big bosses expect.

Mystery shopping is the best way that big companies have at the moment to monitor the service that their customers are being given. If they have set rules on how customers should be engaged and served to ensure that they offer the best care and maximise sales.

So how do we fit into all of this?

Well I fell into mystery shopping when I was looking for a job. I saw it advertised online and thought I'd give it a go. I have now carried out hundreds of mystery shops and written a book on the subject.

Mystery shopping is a great way to earn extra money and get hold of free things but I haven't seen a way to turn it into a full-time job. The assignments are too far and between even if you live in a big city. It does change your life, though. I have been able to get free meals every week, a hand with my grocery shop and pick up stocking fillers for the kids birthdays and Christmas. It is a nice little lifestyle job which is why it fits perfectly for stay at home Mums or university students where you can work from home.

Mystery shopping is easy to get started. Just Google the words 'mystery shopping' and you will see lots of adverts for companies that need shoppers. Never pay to join one and make sure that you understand what is required of you. If you spend on a mystery shop and get it wrong then you won't get paid and you'll be out of pocket.

My book on mystery shopping is the best place to start your journey-

The 4 reasons why mystery shopping can help with your university finances

It's only a few weeks into the start of the university year and if you are anything like the way I was then reality is starting to kick in. The freshers week celebrations are a distant memory and the partying is slowly being replaced with the studying. Welcome to student life!

The other thing that used to hit me around this time of the year was the fact that my finances were looking a lot thinner then they were at the start of term. Having a big chunk of money in my bank account was a real novelty (and it still is!) and the first few days and week saw pizza being delivered, taxis everywhere and "getting a round in." But as that money raced away I turned to beans on toast, walking or hitching to every destination and counting the pennies to buy a drink.

And that is where mystery shopping can come in really handy for student life. It is flexible, convenient and can help to stretch your finances when you need it most. Mystery shopping for student is a breeze. You have to spend a little time in a shop, restaurant or bar and then write a report. All you need is a little spare time (I know students have plenty of this) and internet access. I file most of my reports within an hour of doing the shop so it feels like I've drawn a line under it.

But you need to know what you are letting yourself in for, so here is my guide to the 4 reasons why mystery shopping can help with your university finances-

4 - Presents
Meeting many new people when you go to university means that you seem to celebrating someone's birthday every week. The partying is great but if toy need to buy gifts then this can pout a strain on your pocket. Mystery shopping takes in gift stores and perfume shops so you can ge access to great items that you can use as a gift. Saving your money for essentials such as food and heating is much easier if you can mystery shop for all the little luxuries in life. Try it!

3 - Stock up on groceries
All of the big supermarkets need their customer service to be assessed by mystery shoppers. The have extensive mystery shopping programmes so you can get that loaf of bread or your dinner paid for by someone else every now an again. The mystery shops at supermarkets and grocery stores are often among the easiest to carry out. You will have to go in, ask a question, buy something and the leave. It is a great way to get into mystery shopping when you start out.

2 - Cash
When it all boils down to it, cash is king. You may like the little treats that mystery shopping can bring you but none of it replaces the cold hard cash that you can earn. Don't get me wrong, mystery shopping can't make toy rich. The fees for mystery shops are usually under £10 but do a few of these a week and you can end up with a nice little extra income to help you along. Some more money every week can really help, especially now the weather is getting colder and the student loan feels like it is running out.

1 - Free food and drink
This can be a major issue when it comes to student life, especially if you live in a city. Eating and drinking can be quite a cost so anything that can help alleviate this burden is welcome. The top reason why mystery shopping can help with your university finances is to get free food and drink. There are many places that you can find mystery shops to carry out, including-

• Wetherspoons
• Pret A Manger
• McDonalds
• KFC
• Morrison's Cafe
• Greggs
• Bella Italia

and more.

If you want to get free food from these places then a mystery shopping account is the only way to go.You can get the chance to regularly visit these places and then report back on you experience.

If you are interested in mystery shopping then my book is a great place to get all the information you need. It takes you through the process of how to become a mystery shopper. Check it out today-

The top 6 qualities needed to be a mystery shopper

Mystery shopping is a great way to earn some extra money, pick up some great items and fill in your spare time. For anyone that is looking for a little extra then mystery shopping can really help. It is ideal for-

• University students
• Stay-at-home mums
• Parents with a family
• Those wanting to put something extra in their Christmas stockings

And mystery shopping companies are looking to recruit new shoppers near you right now. A mystery shopper has to be able to fulfill certain criteria and this guide will help you to see whether you have the necessary skills to be come a mystery shopper. Here is my guide to the top 6 qualities needed to be a mystery shopper.

6 - Be a good timekeeper

Mystery shopping companies are sticklers for time. You will have a certain date and time range outlined on any mystery shopping assignment and you need to tun up on that date within those times for your visit and report to be accepted. In some mystery shops you will also need to time how long it took you to be served or how long it took your food to arrive. Being able to keep and record accurate times is a key skill.

5 - Have good written skills

The report you have to file after any mystery shopping assignment will be typed into a website for the mystery shopping company and the client to read. This means that you need to be able to type in good written English for your reports to be accepted and used. Use a spellcheck program and then copy and paste this into the website if it will help you.

4 - Be a good planner

Most of the hard work for a mystery shop comes before you even leave your home. You will need to be prepared for what the mystery shop might entail. On most assignments you will receive a set of notes outlining what you need to do and the questionnaire that you must complete. Read both several times as well as checking the location of the assignment so you are able to get this just right.

3 - Be impartial

The people you are mystery shopping want to know exactly what went on during a visit, and you can;'t let your past experiences with them cloud what you report back. If you have had a previous encounter with the same brand (good or bad) then block this out of your mind and report only what happened on the visit. Mystery shopping companies want to know that you can be objective and give them a report that truly reflects the experience you had.

2 - Have a good eye for detail

A lot of the interesting part of mystery shopping involves looking for the small details that make a difference. As a mystery shopper you need to have a good eye for detail do you can pick these up and report back. The mystery shopping company will ask things like-

"Did all team member wear a name badge?"

"Were there 6 different sandwiches available?"

"How long did you have to wait to be served in minutes and seconds?"

Being able to see the little details that matter will set you up to be a great mystery shopper.

1 - Be accurate

The number one quality needed to become a mystery shopper is to be accurate. The mystery shopping company hire you to be their eyes in the outlets of their customers. They want you to be able to walk around like a normal customer and then accurately feed back what happened. Accuracy in terms of timings, descriptions of the people who served you, what was aid and other elements is a vital part of any mystery shopping report so make sure this is a skill that you have if you want to become a mystery shopper.

If you are thinking about becoming a mystery shopper then my book will really help you to get to grips with the process of applying and starting to be a mystery shopper. It also contains a list and contact details of all the current UK mystery shopping companies. Check it out!

The 5 reasons mystery shopping is great for students

Mystery shopping can be carried out by just about anyone over the age of 18 with access to the internet. There are certain groups that are perfectly suited to mystery shopping. Students are ideal candidates to mystery shop because they have some free time, are often located in big cities and have a need for many of the goods and services being shopped for. Here are the 5 reasons mystery shopping is great for students-

5 - It adds to your CV

It can be difficult enough when you leave university to get your name in front of the right employers. Every company wants to know that you will know how to deal with their customers, so experience in mystery shopping lets them know you what it's all about. It also lets prospective employers know that you didn't spend ALL your spare time drinking.

4 - It helps with your skills

Although towards the end of your university course you will want to focus completely on your degree, at the start you will have time to hone your skills. The reports you file for some mystery shopping companies will stand you in good stead when it comes to putting together your uni reports too.

3 - It is flexible

University work can have peaks and troughs so you might be available to work a lot of hours this week but none the next. The flexibility of mystery shopping is perfect for student life. You can pick up assignments all over the country so you can work when at home or at university. You can pick and choose the assignments you want to do so it fits in around your schedule. Just remember to plan in advance or all the best jobs might have disappeared!

2 - A little extra money always helps

It always helps to bring in some cash when you are at university. Although you can't make enough from mystery shopping to earn a living it does add a little extra cash. It is always welcome to being in a few pounds here and there to help you with the essentials such as food and drink. Mystery shopping is great for students because you can do a few shops and earn some extra income.

1 - Free meals!

Money can be quite tight when you are a student. Thinking back to my university days I would have loved the chance to get some free meals to lighten the burden a little. I currently get between one and four free meals per week. This is the ideal reason for a student to get into mystery shopping.

If you are interested in becoming a mystery shopper then my book is a great place to start. Pick it up now at the Amazon Kindle Store.

Who is mystery shopping ideal for?

Mystery shopping is accessible to all kinds of people and is a great way to supplement your income and get your hands on some free items or food. Mystery shopping can make a real difference to your finances as you get those extra bits or the odd free meal that will lighten the financial load from time to time. But who is mystery shopping ideal for? Check out my guide to the people that will benefit the most from mystery shopping-

Students will love mystery shopping
Because mystery shopping requires you to have little more than some free time and access to a computer it is ideal for university students. As most universities are in or close to a big town or city then the number of available jobs will be great so a student can find access to a ready supply of mystery shopping opportunities. It is a great way to get a free meal, go for a drink or get some free items that will help when money is tight.

Mothers with children at school are ideal candidates for mystery shopping
Again this is a wonderful opportunity for stay-at-home mums because they can drop the kids off at school, go out and do a bit of mystery shopping and be back in time for the kids coming out of school again. Mystery shopping doesn't require you to commit week-in-week-out so you can take time off when the kids are on their school holidays. It gives you a chance to go out and meet people as well as picking up a free coffee or some bits for the kids. There are also many fashion shops that need to be mystery shopped so you can supplement your wardrobe too!

People who have retired can get a lot from mystery shopping
Again the way that mystery shopping is structured means that someone who is retired and has free time can get out there to mystery shop and earn a little extra money. It is a great way to pick up extra items for free when you go out and perform a mystery shop so it is well worth giving it a go. The forms that need to be completed online are usually quite basic so you won't be bamboozled by technology.

Anyone that lives in a big city will get loads from mystery shopping
Cities are great for mystery shopping because there are so many shops and restaurants there that need to be mystery shopped. Whenever I'm in a big city I get free meals to keep down the cost of spending time there. There are always so many restaurants to choose from that you can easily have at least a meal or two a week paid for by someone else. It is a great way to make the most from mystery shopping. I had four meals in restaurants from mystery shopping last week and over the year this saves a lot of money.

Mystery shopping is a really interesting way to pass the time and get free items while earning a little extra cash. I love mystery shopping and I'm sure you will too.

If you are interested in mystery shopping then my book will give you the lowdown on how to apply and how to be a successful mystery shopper. Check it out today-

The 8 most common questions mystery shop companies ask

When  it comes to mystery shopping the forewarned is forearmed. You want to know what is expected of you when you walk through the door and start role playing the scenario you have been asked to carry out. Wherever it is that you need to carry out your mystery shop, the same questions come up time and time again. Here are the 8 most common questions mystery shop companies ask. Think about these whenever you go out shopping or mystery shopping and you will train yourself to be a top mystery shopper and earn good money-

Give the name and description of the person who served you
They want to know who they are measuring, who to reward and who perhaps needs a little extra training and support. It is vital that you know who it is you are reporting on when it comes to a mystery shop.

How many staff present?
How many customers present?
These to work together and gives the company a great idea of how busy the shop was and if they had the right staffing profile to match. It can explain delays in service if they were understaffed. This helps build the initial picture for the mystery shop.

As you browsed, were you approached?
This is a great measure of how proactive the team were on that day. The customer that is approached will have their inquiry answered and will be more likely to buy. That means more sales for the business - a key measure.

How long did you have to wait to be served?
The key service measure is waiting time at the tills. Customers leave behind their purchases, walk out and may not come back again if this time is too long. Every company wants to know that this is not happening from their mystery shops.

Could anything have been done to improve your visit?
I really like this question on a mystery shop because it goes above and beyond the simple yes/no or information collecting of other questions. It gives you a chance to add some detail and make the shop come alive.

Was the location clean?
This is another essential element to attracting and retaining customers so they really want to know what is going on here. Different mystery shopping companies have different standards here so some might just want a yes/no while others will want detail of why you feel that way.

Were you up-sold anything else?
The up-sell has become a major force in retail and hospitality over the years. By just getting each customer to buy one more thing companies can make millions of extra income. This is big business and it is much easier to sell more to your existing customers than it is to generate new ones. Mystery shop companies love to know how people have performed here.

Once you know the regular questions that mystery shop companies will ask then you can start to practice in your head whenever you go out shopping. The better you become at remembering these questions and gathering this information then the easier and more enjoyable you will find mystery shopping.

If you are interested in mystery shopping and want to find out more then my book is a great place to start. It will help you go through the process of becoming a mystery shopper step by step.

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.

The top 4 reasons to get out and mystery shop

Mystery shopping is fun. It gives you lots of things that you can benefit from. Here's the top 4 reasons to go out and mystery shop-

4 - Something to do

For some people mystery shopping is a great way of getting out of the house. It gives you the chance to travel around and visit new places. Mystery shopping got me around the area when I moved home. I credit it with me knowing so much about where I live. It took me to new towns, I found new attractions and learned about new places to eat and drink. It made a big difference to my life.

3 - The chance to meet people 

This links in to the previous thing. The mystery shopping you do will put you in contact with lots of new people. There are many people that I stand and chat to in certain shops now and I only know them from mystery shopping them several times. It's a great way to relieve loneliness and get you out and about talking to people.

2 - Free stuff

When you mystery shop there is usually a purchase that you have to make. In the vast majority of cases you get to keep whatever it is you have bought. When you mystery shop a restaurant or pub then this is a great free meal or drink! When you mystery shop in a retail outlet then you get to buy something that you might like or that would make a great gift. Clothing is a particular favourite!

1 - Money

For many people this is the reason they go out and mystery shop. On top of getting the cash to pay for whatever you buy you will also be paid a fee. Although it has to cover expenses such as fuel and parking the fees can add up - especially if you carry out a few mystery shops in the same location on the same day.

Unless you are incredibly dedicated and live somewhere that there are loads of mystery shop opportunities then you probably can't quit your day job but there is plenty of money to be earned.

If you are interested in mystery shopping then my Amazon Kindle book is a great place to find out all you need to know. It takes you through the process of becoming a mystery shopper step by step.

The six things you need to know when applying to be a mystery shopper

Mystery shopping is a great way to earn some extra money. It feels really satisfying to go out and spend someone else's money knowing that you are being paid a fee as well got the privilege. But mystery shopping is a serious business. It helps companies to train and monitor their teams and gives vital feedback to help the customer experience. Because of this mystery shopping companies want to know that you can fit their criteria before trey sign you up and let you ship for them. Here are the six things you need to know when applying to be a mystery shopper-

6- You need good written English

The reports that go back to the clients are used for staff training so they need to be ably to understand what it is you are saying. Most mystery shop companies have a spellcheck facility so don't worry too much about it. Just let them know that you can write a great report.

5- You must be consistent

The mystery shop company want your reports to be as fair on one visit as the next. It isn't the fault of the company you are assessing if you are having a bad day, so don't take it out in them! Consistency is really important so let the mystery shopping company know that you can do this for them.

4- You must be reliable

Mystery shops are designed to measure certain things at certain times in certain days. If you commit to doing a mystery shop then make sure you turn up and that you turn up on time. Every mystery shop company wants to know on your application that you will be a reliable shopper for them.

3- You must be accurate

Mystery shopping is all about reporting back exactly what happened. A mystery shop company wants to know when you apply that you are accurate in what you do. Inaccurate reporting means questions may need to be asked and your payment may be delayed. Nobody wants that!

2- You need to be objective

You need to put any other thoughts about the brand you are assessing to one side. The mystery shop company wants to know that you can assess the situation in front of you in an objective way. You are there to measure specific things so don't lose focus and think about times when you may have shopped there in the past.

1- You need a good attention to detail

Mystery shopping is all about seeing what is going on in a given sotuation and reporting this back. You may need to remember details such as the name and description of the person who served you or the cleanliness levels where you have shopped. This is why this is the most important thing that the mystery shop company wants to know you have in your skill set.

If you want to know more about mystery shopping then you can find my book on the Amazon Kindle store-

The top 5 UK mystery shopping companies to sign up for

My blog on mystery shopping has become more popular as time goes on and I get many questions relating to all aspects of mystery shopping. One question I am often asked is which mystery shopping companies to sign up for. I don't have a definitive answer but here are my favourite five-

5- Aba-i

Their website is a breeze to use with these guys. I love to carry out mystery shopping with aba-i because their reports are simple to follow as well. It's easy one-click answers followed by some description. This is a great place to start your mystery shopping career.

4- React Surveys

They are one of the mystery shop companies that use the Sassie system for their job search and results entering. React Surveys are really specific on what they want from you and this helps the first time mystery shopper to get up and running when they first start. Try them out.

3- Grass Roots

These are a mystery shopping company that likes to keep you informed. You get an email whenever there is a job in your area so you never miss out. Their reporting system guides you through question by question so you know exactly what is required from you. Great stuff Grass Roots!

2- Retail Active

Although they have changed their website recently (I absolutely loved the old one) Retail Active are a great mystery shopping company. They have a great range of clients and their assignments are always interesting. You get to try out your role play skills with these guys!

1- Market Force

For me these are the best mystery shopping company. You can set out your own search areas on a map and it brings up the mystery shops that match your requirements. They have a great choice of clients and the reports are easy to follow. What's more the guys on the office are brilliant too. These are a must to sign up with.

If you want to know more about mystery shopping then check out my book on the Amazon Kindle store today.