SolveYourProblem Article Series: Online Shopping
Teach Me To Shop Smarter Online

What Is Online Mystery Shopping?
   

Many businesses today hire mystery shoppers to check on employees to verify that they are doing their job. This is also true of web sites, as they too can get mystery shopped. Online mystery shoppers are typically hired to be reliable and to complete assignments by the stated deadline. The companies that hire online mystery shoppers look for people who have a critical eye and are able to express themselves in writing. They typically look for people of all backgrounds, all ages, and all levels of computer experience. In some instances these companies look for relatively new Internet users as more experienced users may be able to navigate through any problems that might stop less experienced customers from buying.

Online mystery shopping jobs will not provide a steady income. Payment is typically made by check within two to three weeks and when consumers apply, they are likely to be asked to complete an unpaid training assignment. The online company may give a scenario and send the shopper to a web site in which they alternate between two screens, one being the client web site and the other with the questions. As you go through the website you will fill out a questionnaire which asks questions about what you are experiencing, how what you are getting differs from what you expected, and whether you would still be on the site if you were not being paid to be there. The training assignment will be shorter than a paid assignment, but will still take around thirty to forty minutes to complete. A paid assignment can take as long as an hour to complete. Paid assignments may also include testing the site’s search function and evaluating customer service by sending an email inquiry or making a telephone call.

Mystery shoppers are in integral piece in increasing customer satisfaction. It can be the perfect opportunity to make some extra cash and have fun doing it. Mystery shoppers may be dining at excusive restaurants, check valet parking at upscale hotels, stay at exotic resorts and spas, and shop at popular retail outlets and food chains. For any business to remain successful, they must keep their customers satisfied. An organization can better serve its customers if they understand how their customers are being assisted and if their product or service is being presented and sold as it was intended. Mystery shopping is one of the most effective ways for retail and service companies to determine how their customers are being treated, which will help improve performance all around.

Consumers should be skeptical of online mystery shopper promoters who advertise for mystery shoppers by email. It may appear that these companies are hiring mystery shoppers, but it is more likely that they are pitching unnecessary mystery shopping “services.” Also, if an online mystery shopping company offers to sell “certification” it is likely that they are not reputable. Any company that uses mystery shoppers generally will not require certification. Any company that charges a fee for access to online mystery shopping opportunities is also one to stay away from. It is wise to also verify that the company you consider working for does not sell directories of the companies that provide mystery shoppers. This is confidential information and if they sell the names on their list, chances are that your name and information is also being sold.

There are several reputable companies online who do hire mystery shoppers and the shoppers are compensated for the items they buy. The bad news is that most of the websites that advertise for mystery shoppers are scams. Some websites will claim that other mystery shopper sites are scams, but theirs is legitimate. This is likely to be another scan. As with any job, when filling out an application for an online mystery shopping position, keep in mind there are certain traits and abilities they look for in mystery shoppers. Mystery shoppers should be organized, self-motivated, and of course, observant. Experience working in retail or food services is also desirable. The online application may ask you to write an essay about your best and worst shopping experience. The key is to be as detailed as possible.

Most of the claims on the scam shopping sites are exaggerated. Mystery shoppers are usually reimbursed for their purchases and may be paid a certain amount on top of that, but it will never be a full time job and you’re not likely to become rich doing it.

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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007

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