Mystery shopping programs

There are a multitude of reasons to start a mystery shopping program, and infinite insights to gain. But what, precisely, do you want to know? Consider the following:. Once you establish your goals, refer to them as you tailor your mystery shopping strategy to keep your program laser focused.

The amount you are willing to spend on mystery shopping will largely depend on what the results are worth to you. IntelliShop can help you:. Our experience provides a deep understanding of what brands must do to ensure success with mystery shopping programs. Get guidance on how to get the largest ROI from your program and see how it improves your stores' performance.

We have the largest panel in the industry with more than , verified independent evaluators. Not only can we get everywhere you need us to be geographically, but we can do it with the right person, at the right time, with appropriate rotation. One reason we've won MSPA's Shopper Choice Company of the Year for six consecutive years is that we do not use any outsourced providers for any aspects of evaluator recruiting, scheduling, certification, or contact.

We maintain tight control of this critical quality process. Our Client Services Teams have more than 50 years' collective experience in our industry. An industry leading chain of more than 2, quick-serve restaurants had the need to gain immediate visibility and a thorough understanding of their customer experience.

Everything is going as planned. I'm glad they look after FCA! Sinclair Customer Metrics has been in business for more than 40 years, making them a well-established business when it comes to mystery shopping. Their primary industries for secret shoppers include restaurants, banks, convenience stores and supermarkets. Sinclair has a good reputation among secret shoppers. Where Sinclair fell short for us was on their New Shopper page.

Where most of their competitors have ample information for their prospective secret shoppers prior to applying, Sinclair's page was very basic and outdated. In order to get any information, we had to enter our name and a valid email address. From there, we were taken to their requirements checklist, which includes an information page for new shoppers, Sinclair's independent contractor agreement, the online application, and a "New Shopper Challenge". Sinclair doesn't allow you to access all four requirements at once; you have to complete one step before being given access to the next.

Because Sinclair has such a solid track record among established secret shoppers, we're fairly confident that you'd have a positive experience working with them as a new mystery shopper. However, to be competitive with other mystery shopping providers, Sinclair would do well to increase the amount of information they offer to prospective contractors instead of making them jump through a number of hoops first.

Sometimes, if there's a high-priority shop near you, you may even receive a direct invitation to do the assignment. Of course, in order to be eligible, you'll likely have to fill out an application to be accepted as a mystery shopper for each provider that interests you. Payment varies by company; some mystery shops pay you for your time, while others reimburse you for making a purchase that you get to keep. In either case, you'll be expected to fill out some kind of survey or evaluation regarding your experience in order to get paid.

Most mystery shopping companies make payments via PayPal, though some still use traditional paper checks for their contractors. No matter which mystery shopping company you choose, however, you should never have to pay to be a secret shopper: though you can opt for shopper training and certification to increase your chances of being selected for certain jobs, joining a reputable company's shopper database shouldn't cost you anything.

When considering the many different companies that specialize in hiring mystery shoppers, there are several aspects to keep in mind. Some of these include:. We hope this free information gets you on the road to your secret shopping experience right away! If you're thinking of becoming a mystery shopper, there are a number of benefits awaiting you.

In addition to terrific hours, the convenience of taking a family vacation without asking the boss and having more fun at any job than most people will ever dream of having, you will enjoy the potential for a decent income at a job that offers plenty of free perks. Below are just a handful of detailed benefits for mystery shoppers. Flexible work schedule. When you get a job as a mystery shopper, you receive paperwork necessary for your evaluation and you will enjoy being able to arrive at work according to your own schedule.

Once you have completed your assessment, you simply fill out the evaluation and submit it to the company that hired you. Being able to set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want are two of the greatest benefits to being a mystery shopper. Instead of sitting in the same old office and staring out the same old window every day, mystery shopping offers a literal change in scenery. One day you may be evaluating a retail store, the next a fine restaurant and the next a movie theater.

Can you imagine being paid to watch a movie or dine out? If you would enjoy getting out of a career slump, mystery shopping may be the boost that you need.

Income potential. Whether you want to participate in mystery shopping as a way to earn a few extra bucks or you want to turn it into a part or full-time career, the choice is yours. The more mystery shopping companies that you sign up with, the more income you may receive.

As is the case with anything, your reward s that you receive will largely be determined by your efforts. Be in business for yourself. The fact is that you are the best boss that you will ever have.

When you work for yourself as a mystery shopper, you are working on your schedule, according to your hours and have more control over your income. Self-employed individuals receive tax advantages, receive higher rates of pay and are much more likely to enjoy their work. Free stuff. When you are a mystery shopper, you are assigned a job that requires you to evaluate either a product or service. You will be given specific instructions as to what items, if any, are required to be purchased in accordance with your evaluation.

Whether it is a slice of pizza or a pair of sunglasses, you will almost always be reimbursed for the cost of these items by the company who hires you as a mystery shopper. What this means for you is, in addition to being compensated financially for your job, you will also often enjoy the benefits of freebies.

Interesting work. At the end of the day, which side of the customer counter would you prefer to be on? Would you rather be the cashier ringing up the purchase or would you rather be shopping and getting paid for it?

If you are like most, the latter is the most appealing option. When you are a mystery shopper, your work is never boring because it varies from one day to the next. You can never get bored by seeing the same people every day or doing the same activities.

Mystery shopping will keep you stepping high and well over any slumps that a traditional job may offer. The bubble is 1, light-years wide and the source of all our star friends. Once upon a time in galactic history, a cluster of stars detonated to form fantastical supernovas. The blasts were so We always knew, thanks to the comments from a Marvel exec, but the Disney Since you're interested in Mystery Shopping Companies, here are some other reviews you might find interesting.

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Quest for Best provides mystery shopping opportunities in over 40 states in the US, mostly concentrated in the Midwest and Southwest states. You can see its full map here. Its opportunities include things like eating at a restaurant, bowling, and going to a movie theater. This means they voted IntelliShop as one of the best mystery shopping companies to work for. Perception Strategies, Inc. The company has performed over ,00 healthcare mystery shops since It has a list of the cities and areas where it needs mystery shoppers the most.

Since , Sinclair has helped thousands of businesses improve their overall customer experience. It offers a wide variety of tasks, including video, phone, and in-person mystery shops. Sinclair is a member of the MSPA.

If you live outside the US and are looking to mystery shop internationally, check out Ipsos. Your secret shops will be either in person, by phone, through email, or using web chat. BestMark is one of the largest mystery shopper companies and has been around since The payment will differ based on the assignment that you choose.

Second to None looks for mystery shoppers for a couple of specific jobs. Right now the company is looking for those who are AARP members or willing to talk to insurance brokers and organizations. Check in often to see when it updates its requirements. Confero offers mystery shopping opportunities in food service, retail, banking, automotive, healthcare, consumer products, airports, movie theaters, theme parks, and tourist attractions.

Amusement Advantage is a mystery shopping company that pays people to mystery shop at amusement parks, bowling alleys, zoos, museums, aquariums, and other popular attractions. You have to be just as detailed-oriented for these gigs, even though they can be more fun than going to a grocery store.

The downside is that it takes 30 to 45 days to receive payment, which is longer than other companies. Mystery shoppers who complete gigs for SeeLevel will find opportunities within the fast food, retail, financial services, and automotive industries. If you want to get a free meal while you complete a mystery shopping job, then you should sign up with SeeLevel.