How to Mystery Shop

A mystery shop is one of the ways some stores, restaurants and apartment buildings evaluate their customer service. An agency hires fake customers who pretend to shop yet are evaluating the business and its employees. To successfully pose as a customer, you should follow certain guidelines. How do you act as a customer yet evaluate employees at the same time? How do you know what questions to ask? Should you enjoy yourself or be "all business"? Do you have to buy or eat anything? Can you tell people what you're doing?

Things You'll Need

• Notepad
• Pen
• Cash and a credit card
• Computer and Internet connection

Instructions

1. Print out and read the shop instructions before you go into the store. While shopping, you're there to act like a customer, so try to learn ahead of time what is contained in your instructions so you're not constantly referring to them.

2. Give yourself plenty of time to complete the shop. If your shop requires a two-hour stay, to be at the store for two hours or maybe a bit longer.

3. Follow the instructions and take detailed notes. You may not need all the notes when you complete your survey later, but it's better to err on the safe side.

4. If your shop requires you to purchase an item, bring a credit card. Your purchase will be refunded to your account when you return the item.

5. If your shop requires you to purchase food, like all restaurant shops, make a night of it and enjoy the experience. Unless the instructions specify a food item, order what you like to eat. Be sure to keep the receipt.

6. Complete your survey online. Attempt to report as accurately as possible according to the guidelines of the specific shop.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't feel obligated to purchase any extra items, and try not to feel bad when you return items.

• Be discreet when taking notes or perusing your instructions. Go to a quiet, out-of-the-way corner.

• If you get "caught" don't worry about it. Acknowledge that you're there to shop, then move on with your job.

• Try to relax and have fun with it---really get into an employee's description of warranty information or pricing.

• Try to write accurate surveys.

• Take breaks during a long shop. You don't want to get frustrated by long periods of waiting to talk to employees or waiting in lines.

• If you want to shop with someone, make sure that person maintains the ruse. You can tell people what you do, but it's best to keep it to yourself while doing the shop.