In the current economic climate it is of paramount importance that retailers maximise their customer service levels. We’ve all had an experience, whether it be in a supermarket, pub or restaurant where we’ve not been happy with the standard of service we’ve received. Mystery shopping allows organisations to look at themseleves through the eyes of their customers and avoid giving their customers negative experiences.
Mystery shopping can be used by all retail businesses as well as a whole host of other service types (even churches and dentists can be mystery shopped). For retail chains with 20 or more outlets I’d recommend contacting IMS. They have a nationwide field team of over 2,000 and are the first (and currently only) agency to hold the DMA Field Marketing Best Practice Accreditation. You can check them out at www.ukims.co.uk They are also number 1 on www.google.com and www.google.co.uk for field marketing.
Alternatively if you’ve got between 1 and 20 outlets, it’s worth trying www.MysteryShopMyBusiness.com as they offer a pay as you go mystery shopping service which is really easy to use. This is quite a new service concept as mystery shopping has only previously been available to the larger retailers.
Actually conducting mystery shopping visits can also be a great way to earn some money and get the odd freebie for those people who find this type of work fascinating. The most popular mystery shopping visits for 18-21 year olds is Challenge 21 mystery shopping. It’s incredibly easy to do, submitting your shopping results is easy and you also get paid to buy alcohol (and there’s not even a catch). More information on this type of work can be found at www.oldenough2drink.co.uk
