I used to do work as a Mystery Shopper and I really enjoyed it. The pay was low and the assignments could often be scarce, though I found Mystery Shopping a fun and interesting way to earn a little extra.
A mystery shopper will visit a particular shop, restaurant or other customer facing establishment in their area to assess cleanliness, customer service, sales techniques and so on, posing as an everyday customer.
As a mystery shopper you can expect to earn around £10 - £20 per shop, along with additional perks such as free meals and free cinema tickets. If you are asked to make a purchase, to assess queuing times etc, you usually get to keep the goods, with the full cost reimbursed.
Mystery shops can be scarce, with some companies offering only one or two assignments a month. For anybody interested in this line of work I would recommend applying with several companies to improve your chances of receiving a steady flow of work. You are under no obligation to accept assignments that are offered to you. You choose which assignments you want to accept and which you don't. Though there is work available in the evenings and at weekends, you will be offered more assignments if you are available weekdays during office hours.
The application process usually consists of an online form, which is similar to any other job application form, asking for details of previous employment and interests etc. You would also be asked industry specific questions such as 'Why do you feel you would make a good Mystery Shopper'. You may also be asked to carry out a test assignment before being offered paid work.
Mystery Shopping companies are free to join. You should never be asked to pay any money up front. It is common practice for a market research company to ask for your bank details for payment purposes, though please ensure that the market research company you are applying to is well established and reputable.
I was registered as a Mystery Shopper with the following companies. I received work from all of them and had no problems when it came to receiving payment.
GFK Mystery Shopping
Retail Maxim
Retail Eyes (UK)
Quality Eye
Grass Roots
A mystery shopper will visit a particular shop, restaurant or other customer facing establishment in their area to assess cleanliness, customer service, sales techniques and so on, posing as an everyday customer.
As a mystery shopper you can expect to earn around £10 - £20 per shop, along with additional perks such as free meals and free cinema tickets. If you are asked to make a purchase, to assess queuing times etc, you usually get to keep the goods, with the full cost reimbursed.
Mystery shops can be scarce, with some companies offering only one or two assignments a month. For anybody interested in this line of work I would recommend applying with several companies to improve your chances of receiving a steady flow of work. You are under no obligation to accept assignments that are offered to you. You choose which assignments you want to accept and which you don't. Though there is work available in the evenings and at weekends, you will be offered more assignments if you are available weekdays during office hours.
The application process usually consists of an online form, which is similar to any other job application form, asking for details of previous employment and interests etc. You would also be asked industry specific questions such as 'Why do you feel you would make a good Mystery Shopper'. You may also be asked to carry out a test assignment before being offered paid work.
Mystery Shopping companies are free to join. You should never be asked to pay any money up front. It is common practice for a market research company to ask for your bank details for payment purposes, though please ensure that the market research company you are applying to is well established and reputable.
I was registered as a Mystery Shopper with the following companies. I received work from all of them and had no problems when it came to receiving payment.
GFK Mystery Shopping
Retail Maxim
Retail Eyes (UK)
Quality Eye
Grass Roots