How to Start Your Own Mystery Shopping Service
Mystery shopping sounds like a wonderful job, doesn't it? Unfortunately, most of the advertisements for this type of job lead nowhere. However, there is hope for this type of job... Why not take the idea and start your own Mystery Shopping Service. I am going to show you how to do this very easily.
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Instructions
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The first thing you will need to do, is to sit down and write a business plan. This plan will include your Mystery Shopping Service's goals, objectives, and how to achieve them. It should also include what you plan to charge for your Mystery Shopping Services as well as specific times you will be available to perform them. Be sure to include how you will report your findings back to your customer. I have included a couple articles in the Resource section which might be helpful for you in this step.
Keep in mind there are several variations to the Mystery Shopping Service business that you can pursue. You can strictly target businesses, but you can also target home owners who are trying to sell their homes. If the sale of their home has become a problem for them, offer to set up an appointment with their Realtor and find out what he is telling potential customers. He might be scaring them off. Another viable option is to offer parents the opportunity of checking out their child's daycare facilities.
Be creative and build your business on past events that have sparked a need for a "spy", so to speak.
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Next, think of ways to advertise your Mystery Shopping Service to potential customers. Call around to businesses and ask to set up a time to speak to their manager. At your visit, present your business plan to the manager. Let him or her know what your Mystery Shopping Services are and how much you charge.
If they mention that they are already using a service similar to yours, try to find out who this Mystery Shopping Service is. This is a perfect time for you to study your competition. See what they are doing and compare to what you offer.
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The final thing you will need to do is to build your Mystery Shopping Serice business honestly and ethically. Meaning, build your customer's loyalty and trust. Make sure you are peforming the tasks you are paid to do. If the owner asks you for a report within the first 24 hours of your visit, make sure you are on time with the report. Ask for referrals from their friends, neighbors and co-workers.
Offer a discount of your service for referrals, as this will help build your Mystery Shopping Service business as well.
The important part of your Mystery Shopping Service is that you enjoy what you are doing. Have fun with your business and use your own creativity.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure you discuss if the reports are to be faxed, emailed, mailed or hand delivered. Keep copies of these report for yourself.
Keep track of all expenses for tax purposes, including mileage.
Never tell your shops who you are or what you are doing.
