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Want to know more? Read on......

How Mystery Shopping Works:

A business hires a mystery shopping company to evaluate their services; and the mystery shopping company, in turn, hires shoppers to perform those evaluations. Shoppers are given a list of things to evaluate/note during the shop. This may include:

• how long it takes to be greeted

• speed of service

• cleanliness of the location

• compliance with company standards – dress code, signage, greetings, etc.

• listening for specific services to be offered

• names/descriptions of employees

 

After completing a shop, the shopper submits her evaluation and receipts. Payment is made one to eight weeks after submission of a successful shop.

 

What Types of Businesses Use Mystery Shoppers:

• restaurants

• hotels and resorts

• retail stores

• hypermarkets stores

•  movie theatres

• car showrooms

• amusement parks

• petrol stations

• call centres

• telco outlets/branches

• .....and many others

 

How to Avoid Scams:

Unfortunately, not all mystery shopping companies are reputable. To avoid falling for a scam, you should avoid any company that:

• requires you to pay a fee – you shouldn't have to pay anything to get assignments

• advertises for shoppers in newspaper help-wanted sections or through unsolicited e-mails

• requires you to pay for and earn a shopper certification

• guarantees you shops or a set income

 

For even more protection against scams, look for companies that belong to the Mystery Shopper Providers Association (MSPA) of which CUSTOMEREYES International is a Member for MSPA Asia-Pacific.

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What the Typical Mystery Shop Entails:

Every mystery shop assignment is a bit different, but most assignments will require you to complete your shop on a specific day and time. It will also require you to listen for certain services to be offered; to ask specific questions and remember the answers you receive to those questions; and to note the details of your surroundings – everything from the cleanliness of the bathrooms to whether signage is placed appropriately. It may even require you to try out specific services (say a new burger at a fast food restaurant); to take photos of the location; or to record conversations that you have with employees.

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How Much Mystery Shopping Pays:

Mystery shopping is not a way to get rich, nor is it a full-time job. Expect to make RM20-50 per shop in addition to any merchandise or services that you receive during the course of the shop. A typical restaurant shop, for example, might result in a free meal plus a small shop fee for your time.

 

What It Takes to Be a Good Mystery Shopper:

• attention to detail and always check and recheck before you submit your shop report

• a good memory

• objective evaluation skills (meaning…focus on the areas to check and not get distracted by anything)

• the ability to perform and submit shops promptly, and have the common courtesy to inform the company if you face any difficulties.

 

Tips for Success:

• Don't accept a shop unless you are sure that you can complete it. Many companies will remove you from their list of shoppers after just one failed shop or inaccurate/doubtful information.

• Be willing to accept last-minute and less-than-glamourous shops when starting out – this will improve your standing with the company

• Read over the requirements of a mystery shop several times before attempting the shop. If you miss some of the details, you won't be paid.

• If you are not and have some questions about conducting a particular shop visit, call the company and ASK!

 

Starting Out with a Mystery Shopping Company:

When starting out with a new mystery shopping company, there are several things that you can do to ensure that the relationship is a good one. This includes:

• Starting with a shop with no or low out-of-pocket expenses

• Waiting to receive payment from your first shop, before taking on additional shops

• Evaluating whether you are being fairly compensated for your time. RM30 may sound like a fair payment until you discover you're spending five hours on each shop

• Evaluating how easy to use and reliable the site is. If the tools are difficult to use, you may find your earnings doesn't justify the hassle