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Mystery shopper checklist

Q & A

Q: What is a mystery shopper?

A: A mystery shopper is a person who poses as a real customer whilst assessing customer service levels provided by a company or organisation. A mystery shopping assignment can be a telephone call, visit, email, letter, website survey, face to face visit, a home visit.

Q: What are you looking for in a mystery shopper?

A: You need to have a good memory, excellent observational and writing skills, a good command of written and spoken English, and an ability to work to strict deadlines. You must also be committed, enthusiastic and reliable.

Q: Can I become a full-time mystery shopper?

A: Mystery Shopping is a great way to earn a few extra pounds in your spare time, but is unlikely to provide you with full time work. However, video mystery shopping assignments, which involves mystery shoppers using covert recording equipment whilst visiting stores/restaurants/car dealerships etc., often pay a higher fee.

Q: Are there any age restrictions?

A: There is no minimum or maximum age to be a mystery shopper, but if you are under 18 we may need to obtain formal agreement from your parent or guardian.

Q: Do I need any qualifications?

A: No formal qualifications are required, but you must have a good command of written and spoken English, and regular access to the internet and email.

Q: I'm disabled, can I still be a Mystery Shopper?

A: Yes, definitely! We also have some assignments specifically for shoppers with access issues or disabilities – when you complete your application form make sure you tick the relevant box, then when we have an assignment relevant to your disability, we can contact you.

Q: How long do assignments take?

A: Assignments vary depending on the type, it could be a 2-minute telephone call, or an overnight stay at a hotel. Always make sure you read the Shopper Brief before you agree to complete any assignment.

Q: How many assignments will I get?

A: We never guarantee regular assignments to our mystery shoppers because the available work depends completely on our clients’ needs and requirements.

Q: How much will I get paid?

A: The payment will depend on the length and complexity of the assignment. The fee will be stated in the details of the assignment. Sometimes we will ask you to make a purchase as part of the assignment, in which case we often reimburse you for the cost. Please check the Shopper Brief for this information.