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
April 16, 2009 at 7:24 am |
Interesting comments. I actually do mystery shopping fairly regularly and can see why people use it to improve their business. Not a bad way of earning some extra cash either from the mystery shoppers point of view.
June 4, 2009 at 8:46 am |
I have been mystery shopping/merchandising for two years now and find it an excellent way of earning a bit extra and keeping busy since taking early retirement. IMS are by far the better of the agencies as they provide more regular work and pay for travel, making it worthwhile going that extra mile, literally!
However it’s a pity that there are some out there who don’t take it seriously enough and spoil it for the rest of us. Our main purpose is to improve customer service, not make easy money or try to catch people out.
Those that are new to this, make sure you take advantage of all the tax benefits of being self-employed including use of a room at home for an office and changing car.
June 5, 2009 at 6:12 am |
I love mystery shopping but why is it that when you are not mystery shopping you seem to get bad service! It is important for client feedback and it is great to know that your views will be taken into account.
June 5, 2009 at 8:14 am |
I’ve just recently started working for IMS and have really enjoyed it. A few teething problems with finding some of the supermarkets etc but have got a Sat Nav especially for it. Once I was aufait with the uploading of the reports then I was a lot more confident. I’ve passed the 18 – 20yr old mystery shopper address on to 3 of my kids so hopefully they will be able to earn a bit of extra money too.