Welcome to the Mystery Shopping Learning Center Blog

Preparing for a mystery shop takes some planning, and whether it’s your first or 100th shop, it’s always important to review all of the information you receive.

In talking with shoppers, reading message boards, and talking with coworkers, I have heard feedback and comments about the ways shoppers prepare for shops – some only read the guidelines, others only look at the report questions, and then there are some who read and print out everything.

How can you be sure you have all of the information you need? Below is a guide to the different documentation you may receive and how to use it to best prepare for a mystery shop. Because each company is different, there will be some variances, but you can use this as an overall guide.

1. The invitation email/phone call: this is where you learn the basic details of the shop..dates you can complete the shop, fees and reimbursements, and a basic overview of what you can be expected to do. Before applying, make sure that you are available and willing to complete the shop as stated in the email or during the phone call.

2. Acceptance email: when you are assigned a mystery shop, most systems generate an automated email. Be sure to read through the email carefully; many times this includes pertinent information about the requirements, scenarios, or other important information. If you are working with a Sassie company, the information in the acceptance email is also in your shop log. To find this, simply login, locate the shop in your log, and click on the “comments” link to review the information.

3. Guidelines: Again, this is something that is either emailed to you or found in your shopper log under “guidelines.” There is a misconception that the guidelines include information on every single question in the report and that this can be used as a catchall for the specifics of the shop.

This is typically not the case. The guidelines include important information, including the scenario and general requirements of the shop. It also covers clarification on how to answer certain, but not all, questions on the report. These are typically the most important questions to the client, or ones that need clarification for other reasons. Finally, if there are issues a company sees over and over in shop reports, clarification is provided here.

4. The mystery shopping report: this is the report you will fill out after the shop is complete. It is a good idea, especially when you are new to mystery shopping, to print out a copy of the report prior to the shop. Review the form to know which employe e names/descriptions you need, what timings, if any, you will need to document, etc. As I mentioned, the guidelines do not refer to every question on the report – it is essential that you review (and print) the report.

Why is it done this way? Why can’t everything be included in one place? There are a few reasons…..

1. Comments: for certain types of shops, the scenario may change monthly or even multiple times per month. Using the shop comments/acceptance emails to relay this information is the most effective method. It is also another reminder of the times and days the shop can be completed.

2. If we included information on each and every question in the report, the instructions would be extremely long! The feedback we receive from shoppers indicates that they are generally long enough already – the longer the guidelines, the more information that can be missed. To read about an experiment with shop notes, please read a past post on this topic.

3. The most important information is included in multiple places for repetition sake. The more times you see it, the better you will remember it.

Do you have to print out everything you receive for one shop? If you’re new to the mystery shopping industry, we do recommend it, at least until you become comfortable with the process. Another tip is to read through the material, making notes for yourself on a cheat sheet. Not only will this incorporate all of the important points, the repetition from reading and rewriting will help you remember better. It is also helpful for you to take along as you go on the shop to review one last time before you enter the store/restaurant. NOTE: Never take any paperwork on the actual shop! It is best to keep this hidden in your car. Taking in any type of paperwork will “out” you as a shopper.

Mystery shopping is hard work, and takes some preparation time. However, reviewing all of the information and becoming comfortable before your shop not only makes your shop easier and more successful, but it will give you time to contact the company with any questions you might have before hand.

You may also want to review a recent post with ideas for getting more mystery shops and tips for successful mystery shopping.

Until next time…happy shopping!