Where to Place Hidden Cameras: What Mystery Shopping Companies Prefer (and why)

You may ask, "Where to place hidden cameras for video mystery shopping?"  There is one method that has been used for some time, but others are finding acceptance in the industry. 

Mystery shopping companies generally aren't particular about where you have the camera hidden.  They're more concerned about the framing of the camera shot and clear audio. 

Let's be clear about one thing.  The mystery shopping companies I work with require employees to sign release forms allowing them to be video recorded.  They know they will be recorded - they just won't know who the person will be.

For businesses, this is a great way to properly train people to be better at their jobs, especially salespeople.  They can play the video back to the employee and point out the strengths and weaknesses of their presentation. 

As a video mystery shopper, you want the mystery shopping company to have this rule in place.  This helps keep everything compliant, especially in two-party states (where both parties know about the recording).

The four common “hidden” camera styles shoppers ask about (and the reality)

CameraShirt


One of the buttons on this shirt has a camera behind it.  Can you guess which one? 

Answer below.

1) Shirt-button camera

These are popular because they’re hands-free and naturally face forward.  One of the buttons is replaced with a similar cover, and the camera is placed behind it. 

A popular camera to use is the PV500 camera/recorder.  It's user-friendly and records long visits in 10-minute individual files.  (After these files are uploaded to the mystery shopping company, these files play back without breaking up.) 

Mystery shoppers have different methods of applying the camera to the shirt.  Many will use tape to hold portions of it in place so the camera can temporarily replace the button.  You have to be careful that the tape stays in place.  You don't want it coming apart during the mystery shop.  After the assignment, the shirt and button can be used again normally. 

Others set aside a couple of shirts to be used exclusively for mystery shopping.  I'm one of them.  I have four shirts where I had a seamstress remove the primary button and build a small pocket for the camera to slip into.  I have better control over positioning the camera forward and not risk it going in different directions.  I also had the seamstress replace all the buttons so they all looked the same. 

The microphone is placed inside the shirt, usually pointed downward for best audio recording quality.  

Here's the difference between one-party and two-party laws regarding video recording.

2) Cameras in a cap or hat

Hat-based cameras have been used by mystery shoppers.  The camera is positioned in the front panel of the hat.  Anywhere the mystery shopper looks is what they'll have on video.  They also work well for drive-through windows, like a bank or a fast-food restaurant. 

The problem is that the video from these cameras can be rocky from people who constantly move their heads.  The wiring from the cap may be difficult to conceal unless the mystery shopper has long hair.  Otherwise, you'll have to carefully place the wire along the back of your head and neck. 

3) Camera in glasses

There are some similarities between cameras in glasses and caps.  Both capture what the shopper actually sees. That's good for keeping the person being shopped on camera for as long as possible.  These cameras have the capability to store the video internally without using wires.  

The main issues with cameras in glasses are that they can also cause shaky video if the shopper moves their head too much of the time.  Also, some glasses are bulky.  A mystery shopper may unintentionally reveal themselves as a shopper. 

This method may be a problem for people who don't wear glasses.  They may find it difficult to wear, even for a short period.

4) Cameras on a purse or handbag

Bag-mounted cameras work well for mystery shoppers who carry a handbag or purse.  The concealment is fairly simple, and there is room for the gear and battery.  The shopper can follow the action by keeping it on their person, or by placing it naturally on surfaces and pointing the camera at the subject.

However, it takes discipline to keep the bag pointed in the right direction.  You have to keep moving it to keep up with the subject.  Plus, the bag could get blocked by a counter or someone's arm.  

5) Pen cameras

Pen cameras are small and easy to carry.  Some models can store the video without using wires.  However, a pen clipped to a shirt or held in hand can look unnatural, especially if it's for a long assignment.   

6) Cell phones

Cell phones can sometimes be used for mystery shopping assignments, but they're not ideal for covert work.  They're highly visible and socially noticeable when working undercover. 

Cell phones are often used during audits to photograph products and for discreet note-taking.

Where to Place Hidden Cameras:  Your Best Next Step

If this article "Where to Place Hidden Cameras" helped, read these next:

If you want beginner-friendly tips and honest guidance without hype, my book, "Take That Job And Mystery Shop It!" will give you the information you need to start.  I'll also give you a list of over 150 mystery shopping companies to contact.

The mystery shopping business is always looking for new faces to visit different places.

Buy the Kindle eBook (instant download)
Buy the Paperback (best field manual)
Buy the Hardcover (durable reference copy)

ANSWER:  It's the middle button.

Share this page: 

Privacy Policy