by Lucy May

Created on: June 06, 2007   Last Updated: March 11, 2009

Mystery Shopping is hard work but GREAT FUN. I used to be a mystery shopper myself and loved playing the detective. I was sent on assignments either for shopping or dining out 2 or 3 times a week and held this post for about 3 years.

Maybe I was lucky but I worked for a company that did pay you a fee, along with travelling expenses, plus they reimbursed you for the merchandise they requested that you bought. I was always allowed to keep the item afterwards, not always a bonus, although personally I used some of the cosmetics later as Christmas presents! Have to admit though that being paid to dine out somewhere was probably one of the better perks to the job, my family always enjoyed that part of the work.

However the work involved is not easy, you have to train yourself to be very observant with a good memory. It does get easier with practice. You must learn to look at the condition of the premises both outside and inside. Are the staff helpful? I was always given questions to ask, this is where a good memory can help.

After I had finished my visit to the store I always preferred to go to a local coffee house, where I could complete the report form while everything I had seen or heard was still fresh in my memory.

I used to be so surprised especially when visiting two shops of the same chain in different towns. Lack of cleanliness, staff uniforms, piped store music, staff gossiping, stock and shelves very untidy. One store excelled, the other was abysmal. I returned in my own time a little later and felt quite thrilled inside to discover that the shop I had given the bad report on, had turned themselves completely around. I really felt I had made a difference.

It is not pleasant to feel that you are in fact spying on shop assistants or waiters and then reporting on their demeanour. However once you start this type of work, you soon are aware that there are practices going on that maybe should be reported back to employers. Customers have the right to expect better treatment, after all any outlet that wants to take your money should respect the consumer.

Overtime this industry has attracted new companies who wish to cash-in' on this business. Unfortunately some of them are exploiting the mystery shopper, by thinking that they can use the free meal as a reward. Do not sign up or get involved with any of these. There are plenty of positions available with respectable companies who will pay you for your reporting and always remember never lay out any money up front for any work.

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