Getting Invited to Better Shops: Build a Reputation Schedulers Remember
Getting invited to better shops is one of the most rewarding parts of becoming an experienced mystery shopper.
When I first started mystery shopping in 2006, I spent a lot of time searching job boards and applying for assignments.
After completing several shops, something interesting happened.
The assignments started coming to me.
Mystery shopping companies need dependable shoppers. When you consistently complete assignments correctly, submit accurate reports, and meet deadlines, schedulers begin recognizing your name.
I've worked with companies that contact me repeatedly because they know the quality of work they'll receive.
That's one of the biggest advantages of building a strong reputation in mystery shopping.
Want more help getting started? My book, Take That Job And Mystery Shop It!, walks you through finding assignments, completing shops, writing reports, and avoiding many of the mistakes new shoppers make.
Getting Invited to Better Shops Starts with Excellent Reports
I believe the most important thing you can do to receive better assignments is to submit high-quality reports.
Schedulers have deadlines to meet. They may need dozens of locations evaluated before the end of the month.
They want shoppers who follow instructions, complete assignments on time, and provide accurate information.
I've recently received requests for car wash mystery shopping assignments.
These evaluations involve several steps, and I need to observe different parts of the customer experience.
Sometimes I'm required to record employee names. If I can't read a name tag, I need to provide an accurate description of the employee instead.
Details like these matter.
When schedulers know your reports are complete and reliable, they have one less problem to worry about.
That makes you a valuable shopper.
Experience Makes Repeat Assignments Easier
I receive requests for apartment and new-home mystery shopping assignments.
Your first apartment shop can feel overwhelming.
Some reports require extensive narrative describing the leasing agent, property, apartment features, and sales presentation.
However, after completing several similar assignments, you begin recognizing what information you'll need for the report.
You become more efficient at observing details, organizing notes, and writing narratives.
That experience can make you especially valuable when a company needs several apartment communities evaluated in the same area.
Video mystery shopping can also provide additional opportunities. These assignments often pay more than traditional written shops, although they require specialized equipment and careful preparation.
New Home Assignments Require Special Attention
New-home mystery shops can be profitable, but they often require detailed preparation.
I've completed assignments where I needed to use a different name, telephone number, and email address as part of an approved customer scenario.
Keeping those details straight is essential.
You don't want to tell a salesperson one thing during your visit and provide conflicting information during a required follow-up.
When completing multiple assignments, I recommend maintaining whatever records the mystery shopping company permits so you can keep your scenarios organized.
A shopper who consistently handles complicated assignments correctly becomes someone schedulers can depend on.
Build Professional Relationships with Schedulers
Schedulers remember shoppers who make their jobs easier.
Respond promptly when they contact you.
If you accept an assignment, complete it as promised.
If something goes wrong, explain the situation rather than ignoring messages.
I've found that maintaining good relationships with schedulers can lead to additional opportunities.
When a difficult location needs to be filled, or a deadline is approaching, a scheduler may contact a shopper who has already demonstrated reliability.
However, don't feel obligated to accept every offer.
Consider the fee, travel distance, reimbursement, and reporting requirements before agreeing.
A good professional relationship should benefit both parties.
Package Deals Can Lead to Bigger Paydays
Some of my favorite mystery shopping opportunities have involved packages of several assignments.
Instead of completing one location, I might receive an offer to evaluate five or more businesses.
These packages can be worthwhile because you can organize a route and reduce unnecessary travel.
I once accepted an assignment package involving six mystery shops in five different cities.
I traveled approximately 700 miles in one day.
The original assignment was planned for two days and included a hotel stay. However, I was feeling good and decided to complete the entire route in one day.
With the shop fees and travel compensation, my total payday was almost $1,000.
It was a long day, but the compensation made the trip worthwhile for me.
I wouldn't recommend driving 700 miles simply because several assignments are available.
Before accepting a package, calculate your travel expenses, driving time, assignment requirements, and reporting workload.
Remember that completing six visits may still leave you with six reports to write.
And don't allow a busy schedule to compromise safe driving or your ability to meet deadlines.
Don't Sacrifice Quality for More Assignments
Once mystery shopping companies begin offering you more work, it can be tempting to accept everything.
Be careful.
Your reputation is built through consistent performance.
Accepting eight assignments and struggling to complete them isn't better than successfully finishing four worthwhile shops.
I've learned that the number of assignments you complete is less important than the quality of your work and the profit you earn.
Sometimes declining an assignment is the smartest decision.
Listen to my interview with Mystery Phil about his success in working the mystery shopping business full-time.
Make Yourself the Shopper Companies Want to Contact
You don't need special connections to become a preferred mystery shopper.
Start by doing excellent work.
Read the instructions carefully, arrive during the assigned time, follow the required scenario, and submit complete reports.
Communicate professionally with schedulers and take responsibility when something goes wrong.
Over time, you may notice that you're spending less time searching for assignments because companies are contacting you directly.
Not every invitation will be a better-paying opportunity, so continue evaluating each offer carefully.
But earning the trust of schedulers can open the door to assignments that might otherwise be difficult to obtain.
The best way to get invited to better mystery shops is to make yourself the shopper companies know they can depend on.
Read these related articles:
Mystery Shopping Scheduler Tips
Building a Steady Assignment Flow
How to Choose the Best Mystery Shopping Route
About the Author
I'm Mystery Don (Donald J. Servais, Jr.), and I've completed mystery shopping assignments for restaurants, hotels, apartment communities, automobile dealerships, new home builders, and other businesses.
I created MystShopper.com to share what I've learned from my own experiences, help new shoppers avoid common mistakes, and explain how legitimate mystery shopping really works.
I'm also the author of Take That Job And Mystery Shop It!, which includes beginner-friendly advice, real-world mystery shopping experiences, and a directory of more than 150 mystery shopping companies.
Drawing on my 45-year career in television, I've also written 7 Keys to Success in a Changing Television Industry, a guide for people interested in building a career in television and video.
My goal is simple: honest guidance without the hype.
We're always looking for new faces to visit different places.
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