Mystery Shopper
- Customer experience research
- Read each assignment brief before accepting
What is mystery shopping?
The short answer
Mystery shopping involves following a brief to assess a customer experience, then submitting a report. An assignment may offer a fee, reimbursement of approved expenses or both. Confirm the budget, required evidence and payment conditions before making a purchase.
Jump to common questionsA participant guide by MIS Group Limited
Mystery shopping is a research process used externally by market research companies, watchdog organizations, or internally by companies themselves to measure quality of service, or compliance with regulation, or to gather specific information about products and services.
The mystery shopper's specific identity and purpose are generally not known by the establishment/shop being evaluated.
It is one of the most valuable tools when it comes to observing the quality of services provided by an establishment, store, shop etc. while acting like a regular customer.
How does mystery shopping work?
Mystery shoppers perform specific tasks such as purchasing a product, asking questions, registering complaints or behaving in a certain way, and then provide detailed reports or feedback about their experiences.
The tasks can massively vary from one visit to another, but usually always finish with a questionnaire in order to report all the insight gathered.
How to know it’s not a scam?
Verify the organiser independently and get the assignment brief in writing. Do not pay a fee to get an assignment, send money back from a cheque or share gift card codes.
Some well established brands may contact their clients directly, but in this case make sure you are contacted directly by that specific brand.
What are the rewards/incentives to take part?
Incentives and Rewards for mystery visits can vary massively from one mission to another.
Check the agreed fee separately from any expense reimbursement. Confirm the spending limit, receipt requirements and payment conditions before making a purchase. There is no standard reward for every assignment.
Take the next step
Explore research panels.
These are promotional referral links.
Check the provider’s current terms before joining.
Paid Focus Group
- Focus groups and other research studies
- Selection depends on each study
Paid Product Testing
- Product testing opportunities
- Check product and incentive conditions
A few things worth knowing
Your questions,
answered.
Clear answers before you take the next step.
Is reimbursement the same as a reward?
No. Reimbursement covers approved expenses; a fee compensates you for the assignment. Confirm both amounts and keep any receipts required by the brief.
What are warning signs of a mystery shopping scam?
Requests to pay a joining fee, wire money, share gift card codes or deposit a cheque and send money back are warning signs. Verify the company independently before taking part.