Mystery shopping has been accepted as an effective brand evaluation method worldwide. Several companies employ this method to quickly yet efficiently assess their business practices, performance of the employees and deliverables from the perspective of an impartial consumer. Mystery shopping is also known as secret shopping, performance evaluation, service check and front-line evaluation. The term ‘mystery shopping’ lets out a mysterious vibe, but the concept is actually clear-cut.
Market research is not a fresh concept. With time, the traditional market research methods have been modified to a great extent and this has given rise to many modern and fast means of market analysis methods – mystery shopping is one of them. In recent times, companies collaborate with market research companies, who take the responsibilities of designing mystery shopping assignments and hiring people for the same purpose. Mystery shoppers, who participate in the each assignment and submit them successfully, get paid. Mystery shoppers are required to submit accurate reports on the entire shopping event. The data is then collected, reviewed by the market research or mystery shopping company and finally forwarded to the client company. The companies then create their product and service improvement strategies based on the collected data.
Market research firms or mystery shopping companies possess sound expertise in modern-day market research and have their own sets of ethical practices. Though mystery shopping can be done by any individual with minimal or no experience and specific educational qualification, most companies prefer to hire seasoned mystery shoppers so as to get accurate records of their complete mystery shopping experience.
Mystery shoppers need not possess special skills except for a certain level of responsibility and professionalism. Rest of the training is provided by the market research companies. Mystery shoppers receive adequate training, tips for improvement and shopping opportunities once they register themselves with the market research company. There are paid pre-arranged fee for a particular shop, a reimbursement for a purchase or a combination of both. Mystery shopping cannot be taken up for sole living but it can definitely be a second income source.
To register with a market research or mystery shopping firm, an individual needs to fill an online form providing basic and accurate information including the valid e-mail id and phone number. Once registration is done, the companies start informing of the mystery shopping jobs opportunities on the first come first serve basis.
It is very important to build reputation as a mystery shopper if one aims at boosting the additional income. Companies tend to send high paid mystery shopping projects to those who complete the assignments on time and submit detailed and accurate reports as per the provided company guidelines.
Although mystery shopping does not ensure steady monthly income like a conventional nine to five job, it can provide some extra income along with an adventurous career.
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