by Linda L Kinyon

Created on: January 25, 2010   Last Updated: January 26, 2010

Companies want to know how they are doing. To find this information out they hire people like you and me to “shop” or rather inspect their services, products and establishments. They prefer average everyday types of people from all walks of life in order to gather a sampling of information that will answer their questions and help them to know what changes may or may not need to be implemented in order to continue providing good service.

I have been a mystery shopper for nearly 13 years. Its fun and pretty easy to do. You will need a few things though. First you need to sign up with a few different companies. If you do not want an assignment for some reason, they are very workable and you are always able to decline an assignment. Some companies will assign you shops and you accept or decline them, while other companies have available shops listed and you go in and pick and choose what you want to do.

When you accept a shop there is a specific date they want it shopped and a specific time frame. Before you accept that shop make sure you are available on that date at that time. Some companies are very workable on changing dates but others are not and you want to leave a professional impression. After all, this IS your business.

You will also need access to a computer to select or reject shops and to submit your reports. This is easier than when I first started. Back then I had a 25 page report to fill out by hand and then I had to copy my report and submit the original. Its so much easier on line and the reports I have filled out have not been 25 pages. In fact for most companies they are only a few pages with anywhere from 10 to 100 questions to answer. You will need to submit your reports within the specified time frame which is usually anywhere from 6 hours up to 24 hours after the shop time. Make sure you are able to do that also.

You will also need access to a printer and a scanner and a digital camera can be very helpful also though not necessary for all companies. Often you will be asked to submit your receipts and sometimes those can be scanned and submitted that way rather than snail mail. A stop watch, wrist watch, cell phone clock or such is also helpful as one frequent question is, “How long did you wait before your order was rung up?”. Timing is a valuable information tool but remember to be subtle and not looking at a stop watch etc. while you are waiting in line.

After you receive your assignment prepare for your job. You

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