FAQ
The questions below are questions I found on a few websites. They give good answers on the frequently asked questions and I hope this will help everyone who wants to have more information about mystery shopping.
What is Mystery Shopping?
A type of market research, Mystery Shopping, also known as secret shopping, is a standard and common business practice where service evaluations are made by mystery shoppers pretending to be real customers without the store’s personnel being aware that they are being “shopped.” Mystery Shopping provides our clients with information about the customer service and experience at all of their locations. This information helps companies to turn their service vision into reality and make necessary changes to provide a consistently positive experience for their customers. After all, good customer service benefits us all.
Anonymous mystery shoppers pose as ordinary customers and evaluate a business’ service, cleanliness, food quality and other factors that meet the client’s requirements. As an Independent Contractor, not an employee, mystery shoppers choose their assignments according to their schedule and receive complete guidelines for each shop that they choose to accept. Average shop time is between one and two hours.
What is Theatre Checking?
Theatre checkers perform similar tasks as mystery shoppers do, except they undertake special assignments inside movie theatres. Assignments can be either covert (secret) or overt (announced with a letter of authorization presented to the theatre employees). Tasks include counting guests, counting seats, recording the number of times a particular trailer is shown before a show, etc.
What is the difference between a Mystery Shopper and a Certified Field Associate?
Both are part of the Market Force Shopper Force, but they each complete different types of assignments. Market Force assignments are offered through two different websites. Please sign up separately for each in order to have access to the full range of assignment types.
Mystery Shoppers (aka secret shoppers) visit stores and restaurants posing as real customers and make various observations while there.
Certified Field Associates (CFAs) can accept similar observational assignments in movie theatres.
Why become a Mystery Shopper or Certified Field Associate?
Becoming a Mystery Shopper or Certified Field Associate will enable you to help improve Customer Service in your area while making some extra money with a flexible, part-time job. Your feedback is provided to the highest management levels in corporate America. You can make a difference and get paid for it.
Why join Market Force over other mystery shopping companies?
Market Force is the largest mystery shopping company in the world. With years of experience, we are one of the most respected leaders in the industry. Because of our size, we offer a very large number of brand names and assignments to choose from and a wide variety of locations, brands and industries.
Where might my assignments be?
Our clients represent a variety of businesses, including big brand retailers and stores, restaurants, movie theatres, drug and grocery stores, banks, convenience stores and gas stations. You will recognize many of these companies and may currently visit them on a regular basis.
What do I get paid?
For many assignments you will be paid a fee to compensate you for completing our service questionnaire. Some mystery shops require you to purchase a meal or item, the cost of which is later reimbursed. Shoppers are paid once a month for all approved shops completed in the prior calendar month. Note that fees are paid only for quality reports.
What are the requirements for joining the Shopper Force?
You must be at least 18 years old to be a Mystery Shopper or Certified Field Associate. You need excellent observational skills and must be very detail-oriented. Access to a computer is required and high-speed Internet access is highly recommended. A digital camera is necessary for higher paying audit-type assignments.