Who Hires Mystery Shoppers?
Most companies all around the world do, big or small hire mystery shoppers. Grocery Stores, Departments, Restaurants, Gas Stations, Hotels, and every kind of company hires Mystery Shoppers. Usually, these companies don't react directly with people to become a mystery shopper, they work with agencies and agencies find people to mystery shop in these companies. People that want to work as a Mystery Shopper go to these agencies as well and then find companies to work for. That's how the system goes.
What do Mystery Shoppers Actually Do?
Once Mystery Shoppers are hired, they come to the store and check out how the store is going. Mainly they test the cleanliness and customer support. They see how friendly and helpful the staff is and how their experience goes in the store. In grocery stores they check the quality of products and check if everything is placed in Hygienic places and also if there aren't any expired items place on stalls.
In restaurants, mystery shoppers usually take a sandwich, a drink, and one side option. They see how well the waiters and staff interact with customers, cleanliness of tables, and also the prices. Another major thing that mystery shoppers have to watch in restaurants is the speed of service and the accuracy of the order. In a survey, 59% of customers leave restaurants due to slow service. Mystery Shoppers can also be hired to test a drive through to see if everything is fine.
In hotels mystery shoppers see the cleanliness of hotel rooms and the speed of service. In gas stations many companies even hire mystery shoppers to check if the restrooms are clean! Mystery Shoppers are needed everywhere in every type of business!
Where to Find Agencies:
There are many agencies all around the world that help mystery shoppers and companies to interact with each other. Good agencies do not require a fee to sign up. Personally, I recommend that you should not work with companies that have sign up fees as most probably they are scam. Another thing is that it does not mean that you will be selected once you sign up. Some agencies may ask you to take a test first. These tests will be short and general knowledge based. Go to www.mysteryshop.org. for a list of reputable mystery shopping agencies and they also include a forum where mystery shoppers of all levels can interact with each other and share their experiences.
How Much do Mystery Shoppers Get Paid?
At first, when you are a new mystery shopper you will not be paid much, but slowly and steadily once you build a reputation as a mystery shopper your pay per assignment will increase. The equation that you get paid by varies from company to company and agency to agency. Some pay you per assignment while others pay you by hour. Starting pays are at $10 per hour. That's enough to get you started. Slowly this may increase with time. Some companies may pay you with free offers. For example, a restaurant may give you 3 free meals if you work for them. Some companies may give you exclusive offers like a trip to the Bahamas. Once you become experienced you may start making a salary off Mystery Shopping.
This is a great way to make money and it is a must try for those that can easily go to different stores at different times.