How to Avoid Mystery Shopping
Report Rejections
Mystery shopping report rejections can happen to even experienced shoppers. You might complete an assignment, answer every question, and submit your report on time, only to discover that the mystery shopping company won't accept it.
Sometimes the problem involves missing information or failing to follow instructions. Other times, the shopper is identified during the visit, making the evaluation unusable.
I've had several mystery shops rejected over the years. Some of those experiences taught me lessons I've never forgotten.
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.
When My Hidden Camera Was Discovered
One of my most memorable rejected assignments involved a video mystery shop.
I was wearing a hidden camera attached to my shirt. During the salesperson's presentation, the tape holding my equipment came loose, making the camera noticeable.
The salesperson looked at me and asked if I was having a problem with my shirt.
I shrugged it off, hoping the conversation would continue normally. However, I had a feeling something wasn't right.
After that moment, the salesperson stopped treating me like a serious customer.
He suggested I look at some products on my own before returning to his office. When I came back, he handed me several brochures.
Smiling, he said, "You probably won't read this," and wished me a good day.
When I reviewed the video at home, I noticed something I hadn't seen during the visit.
The salesperson rolled his eyes when he questioned me about my shirt.
I later learned that he had reported to his manager that he suspected a mystery shopper. He also indicated that he didn't have time to deal with me because he was preparing for another sales meeting.
The assignment was rejected.
That experience taught me the importance of keeping recording equipment properly concealed on assignments where recording is authorized.
I eventually had a seamstress sew a small pocket inside my shirt that looked natural and helped keep my equipment secure.
A small equipment problem had ruined an entire assignment.
Mystery Shopping Report Rejections Caused by Unbelievable Stories
Another assignment taught me that keeping your story believable is just as important as following the written instructions.
I was evaluating a new-home builder and told the sales consultant that I wanted to purchase a house as a surprise for my wife.
I thought it sounded like an interesting explanation.
The salesperson didn't believe it.
I later learned the consultant had written a note to their supervisor saying they suspected a mystery shopper.
My story had raised suspicion instead of making me sound like a legitimate customer.
When completing an assignment that requires a particular scenario, make sure you understand it and can explain it naturally.
Don't make your story unnecessarily complicated.
If a salesperson asks a follow-up question, your answers should remain consistent with the scenario.
Remember Your Assigned Identity
Some mystery shopping assignments, particularly new-home evaluations, require shoppers to use an assigned or alternate name and telephone number.
Forgetting those details during the visit can immediately raise suspicion.
Imagine introducing yourself with one name and accidentally using another name later in the conversation.
The salesperson may recognize that something isn't right.
Before entering the business, review your assigned identity and any required background information.
Know the details well enough that you can respond naturally without repeatedly checking your notes.
Always follow the mystery shopping company's instructions concerning names, contact information, and the scenario you're expected to present.
Other Reasons Mystery Shopping Reports Get Rejected
Not every rejection involves being identified as a mystery shopper.
Common problems include:
- Visiting the wrong location or arriving outside the permitted time frame.
- Failing to interact with the required employee.
- Missing photographs, receipts, or other documentation.
- Providing incomplete or contradictory answers.
- Forgetting important details about the interaction.
- Failing to submit the report before the deadline.
Sometimes shoppers complete the visit correctly but make mistakes when preparing their reports.
Always review your answers before submitting them.
If an editor requests clarification, respond promptly and provide accurate information.
Never invent details to fill gaps in your memory.
Learn From Your Mistakes
Mystery shopping report rejections can be frustrating, especially when you've invested considerable time and travel expenses.
Depending on the company's policies and the reason for rejection, you may not receive payment for the assignment.
However, a rejected report can also teach you something valuable.
My hidden-camera experience taught me to check my equipment carefully before beginning an authorized video assignment.
My new-home evaluation taught me to use believable scenarios and keep my story consistent.
Both mistakes made me a better mystery shopper.
Protect Your Reputation With Every Assignment
The best way to avoid mystery shopping report rejections is to prepare thoroughly, follow instructions, remain observant, and submit accurate reports.
Before leaving home, review the assignment requirements. During the visit, pay attention to details without drawing unnecessary attention to yourself.
Afterward, complete your report while the experience is still fresh in your mind.
Even experienced mystery shoppers make mistakes. What matters is learning from them.
One rejected assignment doesn't have to define your mystery shopping career. But the lesson you learn from it can improve every assignment that follows.
Related articles:
How to Write a Better Mystery Shopping Report
Mystery Shopping Mistakes Beginners Can Avoid
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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