Mystery Shopper Checklist
Mystery shoppers enjoy the privilege of being paid to shop while posing as customers at establishments such as retail stores and restaurants. To be an effective mystery shopper, it is helpful to possess a good eye for detail and the ability to write complete, accurate reports of your findings. A checklist can help you perform your job more efficiently, which can lead to more jobs in the future.
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Did You Visit the Right Location?
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As a mystery shopper, you may be asked to visit a specific location in a retail chain. When you arrive at the store, be sure you verify the address before you enter, as it can be easy to go to the wrong location if a retailer operates a number of stores in one city. You may be required to visit the store at a particular time of time, so be sure the time of your visit falls within those parameters.
Is Your Report Complete?
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Be sure that you have completed all required areas on the report and that you didn't overlook any questions. If a report item doesn't pertain to your particular store, you may still be required to indicate this on your report. For example, if you're calling on a restaurant and you're asked to sample a specific menu item, you may need to indicate that the restaurant did not offer the item on its menu.
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Did You Provide Additional Comments?
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Some shopping reports will provide you with the opportunity to expand on your shopping experience by adding additional comments. This is an opportunity for you to enhance the value of your report. For example, if you observed that a competitor across the street is offering a special promotion, this information could be beneficial to the retail operator and can be included in your report. Be sure that you've checked your comments for errors in spelling and grammar.
Did You Get Documentation?
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If you are required to make a purchase during your visit, be sure to get a receipt so that you can be properly reimbursed. A receipt can also verify the day and time of your visit. Be sure you get any other required documentation such as a business card or promotional literature.
Did You Record Your Expenses?
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Some mystery shopping companies will reimburse you for expenses such as the mileage driven to and from the store locations. Be sure to write down your mileage before you leave home, when leaving the store and when arriving home. You can also use mapping sources such as MapQuest to verify the miles you've driven.
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References
- Photo Credit question mark image by Georgios Kollidas from Fotolia.com