Will Mystery Shopping Companies Call You? (Ask The Coach)

Question:

Do very many companies really call you? I get tons of email for the small stuff, but it seems that oil changes, good eats, and the like cost me more time chasing down than they are worth. I also find that I spend time teaching schedulers their jobs--I feel like schedulers should be shopped!

Answer From Coach Melanie: I have always had my top schedulers with whom I had a good working relationship call or e-mail me, offering plum assignments because I became a "go-to" person for many. I became someone they knew would do a good job, and save them from headaches. That takes time and it doesn't happen with everyone.

There are many good schedulers out there, and many that are quite poor. Obviously, you spend your time nurturing the good relationships, and drop those that are not worth your effort.

Have a great day and happy shopping!

Taking the mystery out of professional mystery shopping--Melanie Jordan http://www.mysteryshoppercoach.com

Copyright 2005 Melanie R. Jordan E-Publishing

Mystery Shops That Pay $20+ (Ask The Coach)

Hi All--

Sorry I didn't get to post anything for a few days. I just got back from a much-needed trip to Florida to see family. Back to the regular posting schedule with this one! Enjoy!

Question:

Melanie, I have just about stopped mystery shopping. because of low pay for way too much time spent. Is there any type of shop that you feel is truly coming out to $20.00 an hour or more?

Answer From Coach Melanie:

Absolutely! It is the service industry shops (banks, brokerages, gyms, apartments, car dealers, testing centers, new homes, etc.) and retail purchase and return shops that will typically pay that and more. A higher-end restaurant shop will certainly exceed that value in reimbursement. Plus any shop that uses technology such as audiotaped or videotaped shops will pay even more (as long as you are comfortable using such equipment in your shops--some shoppers love it, others are technophobes or question the ethics of such work).

Have a great day and happy shopping!

Taking the mystery out of professional mystery shopping--Melanie Jordan http://www.mysteryshoppercoach.com

Copyright 2005 Melanie R. Jordan E-Publishing

Getting The Employee's Name In A Mystery Shop (Ask The Coach)

Question: I recently did an apartment mystery shop during which the leasing agent did not give her name during the telephone portion of the shop nor during the on-site portion. I gave a good description of the agent in my report. Also, the agent was the only agent at that location.

However, my report is not being considered valid since I did not get the agent's name. I called the agent and left a message on her answering machine asking her to call me back with her first and last name. She did not call me back. Do you have any suggestions for how to get an agent to tell their name without leading her to suspect I am a mystery shopper?

Answer From Coach Melanie:

Technically the company is in the right to not consider the shop valid if they required a name. Some companies are more lenient and will accept a description, but obviously yours was not one of them.

There are many ways to get the name of someone you are shopping:

When on the phone, you can simply ask to whom you are speaking? Or when I come in to see you, whom should I ask for? Those are natural questions when you make an inquiry--I do it all the time even when it is not a shop.

You could also call another time and say "hi, is this Susan (although you have no idea who the person is)? This should get them to say, "no, this is Mary Smith".

In-person, you are usually asked to get the employee's business card as part of the shop and many companies won't count the shop as valid without it. This is an easy way to get the person's name even if it is not required.

You can also see if they are wearing a name tag, or have a name plate on their desk. To confirm that it is their desk when it is a name plate, say something or ask a question using that name. They will either respond or correct you with their proper one.

Calling back and asking them to leave you their first and last name was the same as saying "I'm a mystery shopper, and need your first and last name for my report", I am afraid. You blew your cover big time with that one. Next time, you'll do fine though I am sure.

Have a great day and happy shopping!

Taking the mystery out of professional mystery shopping--Melanie Jordan http://www.mysteryshoppercoach.com

Copyright 2005 Melanie R. Jordan E-Publishing

Doing Mystery Shopping & Owning A Mystery Shopping Business (Ask The Coach)

Question: I am curious about being able to still provide independent contractor services as a mystery shopper while starting my own local mystery shopping company. Would other mystery shopping companies still hire me? I'd like to get my own business started, but I am scared to cut my ties to other companies.

Coach Melanie: I asked my friend Shari Joseph, a veteran mystery shopping business owner and author of "The Business of Mystery Shopping" and the new "The Business of Mystery Shopping Kit". Here's Shari's answer as "guest coach:

You can still work for other mystery shopping companies while starting your own business ONLY IF the contracts/agreements you signed with those companies do NOT have a non-compete agreement. The only advice beyond this is it might not be a good idea to let the mystery shopping companies you work for know you are going into the same business.

Have a great day and happy shopping!

Taking the mystery out of professional mystery shopping--Melanie Jordan http://www.mysteryshoppercoach.com

Copyright 2005 Melanie R. Jordan E-Publishing

Mystery Shopping Business Interview Part II

As promised, here's part two of my interview with veteran mystery shopping business owner, Shari Joseph who graciously shared her experiences in running her own mystery shopping business, and how you can start one too!

Coach Melanie: Why did you decide to specialize in the restaurant industry?

Shari: I decided to specialize in the restaurant industry because as a shopper and report writer, this was what I was most familiar with.

Coach Melanie: Do you really think that anyone can start their own mystery shopping business? Why?

Shari: If someone is a seasoned mystery shopper, knows how to keep to deadlines, and knows how to get jobs done well, then they can succeed at their own company. They've got the reporting process down, it's just a matter of getting clients. What stops people is the belief they can't do it, OR the belief they can do it, but that it will only take one week to be up and running successfully, which is pure folly. To succeed it takes a specific roadmap and the perseverance to follow through on each step of that roadmap. I do believe anyone can start their own company and anyone can be a success. But, how many people actually make that choice?

Coach Melanie: Do you feel it is harder for a new mystery shopping business to succeed today?

Shari: While there are a lot more mystery shopping companies and the internet has entered the picture, the same basics of how to succeed still apply.
One more point along this line, yes, things have greatly changed. Some of those changes have caused me to have to adapt to some new ways of doing business. However, the main principles of success have not changed. Strip the word "business relationships" away and you have "relationships". Business, at its heart and soul is about forming relationships. That's one constant that I suspect will never
change.

Coach Melanie: What words of advice do you have for someone who is considering going out on their own in this field?

Shari: My advice is pretty simple. Realize that success involves PEOPLE skills. You have got to get out there and "show 'em what you've got!" - in person! Many people today foolishly believe that if they create an internet presence, then "people will come". Not so.

Let's say a company wants a mystery shopping service. They are considering two possible shopping companies for the job. They meet and shake hands with a representative of one company. The other company simply refers them to their beautiful web site. Who will get the job? It's familiarity that breeds clients. A handshake is a lot more familiar and comfortable than a cold web site. Of course, the representative also has to make a professional presentation and be knowledgeable.

Also realize that meeting and greeting new people is also what makes business fun. And, it's fun that will also keep one successful in business. One should never deny the value of having a good time while earning a living.

Shari--thanks so much for your time and insights!

You can order Shari's book 24/7 using this URL:
http://www.mystery-shopper-business.com/affiliations/mj.html

Plus she now offers a complete kit that will get you up and running in your own mystery shopping business as quickly and professionally as possible--check it out at
http://www.mystery-shopper-business.com/affiliations/mjKit.html

Have a great day and happy shopping!

Taking the mystery out of professional mystery shopping--Melanie Jordan http://www.mysteryshoppercoach.com

Copyright 2005 Melanie R. Jordan E-Publishing

Please note: I am only recommending Shari's book as the best resource I have seen at a reasonable price for starting your own mystery shopping business. The ultimate decision about whether or not you go into this business rests with you. Please do your own due diligence and check with your legal and other professional advisors on the viabiity of this business for your own personal circumstances. While I believe the information she has presented to be high quality and reliable, neither I, nor my publishing company can be responsible for any losses incurred as a result of your using the information she has provided.

Mystery Shopping Business Interview Part I

I had the pleasure of interviewing author and veteran mystery shopping business owner, Shari Joseph who graciously shared her experiences in running her own mystery shopping business, and how you can start one too!

Here's part one of her words of wisdom--part two will follow in a couple of days!

Coach Melanie: So how long were you a mystery shopper before you decided to start your own business?

Shari: My situation is probably unique. Back in 1980 I got a job with a mystery shopping company doing both report writing and mystery shopping for them. A couple of years later, I was promoted to company manager. Then in 1985, I decided to form my own company. From the time I was introduced to mystery shopping to the time I became a company owner was 5 years.

Coach Melanie: What made you to decide to get into your own mystery shopping business?

Shari: The main reason for this decision was that I felt I had gone as far as I could with the company I was working for, and frankly, I saw lots of potential business and had strong ideas on how to succeed.

Coach Melanie: How much did it cost you to start your business?

Shari: It cost almost nothing to start. The real expense was supporting myself until enough business came in. I have to admit that some money came from savings and my family was supportive. I just started out of my own home and used my home phone for business. I already had the equipment. If I had to do this again, I would have gotten a separate phone line for business. I have long since moved from working out of the home to an office.

Coach Melanie: How did you get your first client?

Shari: I got my business going by getting involved with a particular trade association. I went down to the headquarters, made friends, and let them know what I was doing. They were supportive and helpful. Once they were comfortable that I was legit and professional, many opportunities opened up through that association to meet and greet their members. Some of those members became clients.

You can order Shari's book 24/7 using this URL:
http://www.mystery-shopper-business.com/affiliations/mj.html

Again, watch for part two in a couple of days!
Have a great day and happy shopping!

Taking the mystery out of professional mystery shopping--Melanie Jordan http://www.mysteryshoppercoach.com

Copyright 2005 Melanie R. Jordan E-Publishing

Please note: I am only recommending Shari's book as the best resource I have seen at a reasonable price for starting your own mystery shopping business. The ultimate decision about whether or not you go into this business rests with you. Please do your own due diligence and check with your legal and other professional advisors on the viabiity of this business for your own personal circumstances. While I believe the information she has presented to be high quality and reliable, neither I, nor my publishing company can be responsible for any losses incurred as a result of your using the information she has provided.

Starting Your Own Mystery Shopping Business: What's In It For You?

Hi All--

Yikes, have I really not posted to this blog in all this time? Life happens.

Lately I have been getting quite a few e-mails on starting a mystery shopping business. Perhaps because of tax time, many shoppers are reassessing their financial goals and thinking about the tax perks of owning their own business. If you are already a mystery shopper, getting rid of the middleman (or woman as the case may be), could be the right next step for you.

So to help you consider it, and provide a trustworthy resource if you decide to go down this path, here's a link to my article: "Starting Your Own Mystery Shopping Business: What's In It For You?"
http://www.mysteryshoppercoach.com/mysteryshoppingbusiness.html

Next up, a multi-part Q&A with a veteran mystery shopping business owner. Watch for it in the next couple of days.

Have a great day and happy shopping!

Taking the mystery out of professional mystery shopping--Melanie Jordan
http://www.mysteryshoppercoach.com

Copyright 2005 Melanie R. Jordan E-Publishing