How to Know If Video Mystery Shopping
Is a Good Fit for You
How to know if video mystery shopping is a good fit for you is an important question to ask before accepting your first video assignment.
Video mystery shopping can be an excellent opportunity to earn additional income. These assignments often pay more than traditional written mystery shops, and some require less written reporting because the interaction is recorded.
However, video mystery shopping isn't for everyone.
I've completed thousands of mystery shopping assignments, including video evaluations. I've learned that successful video shopping requires more than simply wearing a hidden camera.
You need preparation, confidence, technical awareness, and the ability to carry on a natural conversation while following the client's instructions.
Here are some things to consider before deciding whether video mystery shopping is right for you.
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.
1. Are You Comfortable With Regular Mystery Shopping?
Before accepting a video assignment, I recommend gaining experience with traditional mystery shopping.
Written assignments help you develop important skills, including following instructions, remembering employee names, observing customer service, and completing accurate reports.
You'll also learn how to approach employees naturally without making them suspicious.
If you're still struggling to remember required questions or complete basic reports, consider gaining more experience before moving into video assignments.
You don't need to become an expert first, but a solid foundation makes the transition easier.
2. Are You Willing to Learn the Equipment?
Video mystery shopping requires recording equipment, and you need to understand how to use it.
Depending on the assignment, you may work with a button camera, recording device, microphone, or other approved equipment.
Before beginning a shop, you should know how to:
- Charge and check your equipment
- Position the camera correctly
- Verify that the recording is working
- Check available storage space
- Save and transfer video files
- Follow the company's submission requirements
You don't have to be a technical expert.
However, you must be willing to practice until you're comfortable operating the equipment.
A technical mistake can result in an unusable recording and a rejected assignment.
Learn more about Video Mystery Shopping.
3. Can You Act Naturally While Recording?
One of the biggest challenges of video mystery shopping is behaving like an ordinary customer while wearing recording equipment.
You need to concentrate on the employee, ask appropriate questions, and follow your assigned scenario.
At the same time, you must avoid unnecessary movements that could interfere with the camera.
I've learned that small details can make a tremendous difference.
During one assignment, duct tape securing my hidden button camera came loose. The salesman noticed something unusual about my shirt, and the assignment was eventually rejected.
I later had a seamstress modify my shirts so the camera would remain securely positioned.
That experience taught me how important preparation and natural behavior are during video assignments.
Learn more about How to Prepare for a Video Mystery Shop.
4. Do You Enjoy Talking with People?
Many video mystery shops involve conversations with salespeople.
You might visit an automobile dealership, apartment community, new-home builder, or another business where employees are expected to explain products and services.
Some conversations can last considerably longer than a typical retail mystery shop.
You need to ask questions, listen carefully, and respond naturally.
If you're uncomfortable talking to strangers, video mystery shopping may feel challenging at first.
However, confidence often improves with practice.
Start with assignments that match your experience and comfort level, rather than taking on the most complicated opportunities right away.
5. Is the Additional Compensation Worth the Effort?
Video mystery shopping assignments often offer higher fees than traditional written evaluations.
That's one reason many shoppers become interested in them.
However, a higher fee doesn't automatically mean a better assignment.
Consider the time required for preparation, travel, customer interaction, video handling, and reporting.
You may also need to purchase or maintain specialized equipment, depending on the company.
Before accepting an assignment, calculate whether the compensation justifies the total effort.
I've learned through mystery shopping that an assignment paying more money isn't necessarily the most profitable one.
6. Can You Follow Detailed Instructions?
Video assignments may have very specific requirements.
The client might want you to ask certain questions, discuss particular products, or follow a realistic customer scenario.
You may also need to meet recording requirements and submit files in a particular format.
Missing an important step can affect whether the client accepts your assignment.
Read everything before accepting the shop.
If something is unclear, ask the scheduler for clarification.
And always follow applicable recording laws and the client's authorization requirements. Don't assume hidden-camera recording is permitted everywhere.
Learn more about Common Video Mystery Shopping Mistakes to Avoid.
7. Are You Prepared for Occasional Problems?
Even experienced video mystery shoppers encounter difficulties.
Equipment can malfunction. An employee may become suspicious. A recording may not capture the information the client needs.
When something goes wrong, stay professional and follow the mystery shopping company's instructions.
Don't attempt to hide problems or submit inaccurate information.
Learn from mistakes and improve your procedures for future assignments.
My experience with the loose camera tape was frustrating, but it helped me develop a better equipment setup.
Learn more about what you can do it you're Recognized as a Mystery Shopper.
How to Know If Video Mystery Shopping Is a Good Fit for You
Before accepting your first assignment, ask yourself whether you're comfortable with customer interactions, willing to learn the equipment, and prepared to follow detailed instructions.
If the answer is yes, video mystery shopping may be worth exploring.
If you're uncertain, continue completing traditional mystery shops while learning more about video assignments.
There's no requirement to become a video mystery shopper to succeed in this business.
Some shoppers prefer restaurant evaluations, retail assignments, telephone shops, or other opportunities.
The important thing is choosing assignments that match your abilities, interests, and financial goals.
Video mystery shopping can be rewarding, but the best assignment isn't necessarily the one paying the highest fee. It's the one you can complete accurately, professionally, and profitably.
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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