What is mystery shopping?
A factual introduction to mystery shopping, typical assessment tasks and the role of shoppers.
Observing against a defined scenario
Mystery shoppers carry out a specified customer interaction and then document what they observed. Depending on the project, the assessment may cover advice, service, presentation, processes or other defined criteria.
It is not an ordinary shopping trip
An assignment normally has a briefing, concrete requirements, a permitted time window and a report. Whether an assignment is offered and on what terms is decided by the agency or project principal responsible for that work.
Good observation matters more than acting
Many projects are not about performing an exaggerated role. The important part is to follow the scenario, observe carefully and distinguish facts, memory and personal judgement when reporting afterwards.
ShopperMatch’s role
ShopperMatch builds profiles and regional reach so that mystery-shopping agencies can later find suitable shoppers. ShopperMatch is primarily matching and intermediary infrastructure and is not automatically a contracting party to a specific mystery-shopping assignment.
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Related fundamentals
Is mystery shopping legitimate?
When mystery shopping can be a legitimate activity and which warning signs should make you cautious.
Read moreHow much can you realistically earn from mystery shopping?
Why there is no credible universal hourly rate and how to judge effort and compensation more realistically.
Read moreHow can I recognise a credible mystery-shopping agency?
Practical checks for the agency, assignment, compensation, communication and handling of personal data.
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