Are you a secret shopper?
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You may have to revise how you ask the questions or the tone you use. If you are new to shopping, it should get easier with time/practice.
I would say you don't have to say word for word the script. Don't focus so much on the exactness of things. Sound natural. I was "caught" one time doing a timeshare mystery shop as they came up from behind while I was seated and looked in my shirt pocket and saw the recorders (inside the glasses case). When challenged about it, I played dumb and acted like I did not know what that was and I wanted MORE information on how to get paid to do it.
Not sure what happened with you on the phone, but were you asking questions word for word and in some order that maybe they caught on? If you sound serious and like you're scripted or you ask them to speak slower and/or repeat things, that might tip them off. Don't ask for the name up front (even if you missed it). Do NOT ask them to SPELL it either. For your phone call, maybe you record the conversation and then go back and listen to their answers if you are not remembering exactly what happened.
At the mattress store, do you look like the other shoppers (not specifically physically, bu t more mannerisms and actions) or are you working so hard it's obvious you are gathering information and not truly interested in the product? Another thing could be demographics. I remember back in the day, when McD was being shopped and I went inside a South Central location and I was the only pale face present (between workers and customers), they made my order first, because what white guy would be coming in there? Maybe thru the drive-thru, but definitely not eating inside a gang/drug infested area.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/07/2022 08:17PM by hbbigdaddy.
Not sure what happened with you on the phone, but were you asking questions word for word and in some order that maybe they caught on? If you sound serious and like you're scripted or you ask them to speak slower and/or repeat things, that might tip them off. Don't ask for the name up front (even if you missed it). Do NOT ask them to SPELL it either. For your phone call, maybe you record the conversation and then go back and listen to their answers if you are not remembering exactly what happened.
At the mattress store, do you look like the other shoppers (not specifically physically, bu t more mannerisms and actions) or are you working so hard it's obvious you are gathering information and not truly interested in the product? Another thing could be demographics. I remember back in the day, when McD was being shopped and I went inside a South Central location and I was the only pale face present (between workers and customers), they made my order first, because what white guy would be coming in there? Maybe thru the drive-thru, but definitely not eating inside a gang/drug infested area.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/07/2022 08:17PM by hbbigdaddy.
If they ask if you are a secret shopper, ask them what is that. Whatever they answer, tell them you heard on the news that was a scam.
When I do on site retail, I try to think hard and do what I need to do to look like I fit in with the typical customers at that store. I dress accordingly, which is not always like I might dress on the everyday. As hbigdaddy pointed out, sometimes the various demographics can give you away. There is not always a lot you can do about that, but play along as best you can to pull it off. On the phone shops, distant area codes and accents can both give you away. I have handy back stories variously about travel with work and being new to the area. *67 is your friend, but it doesn't always work with the various phone systems. Google voice can give you an extra free number. I also keep a cheap burner account to give me an extra number that I can use in a pinch. I try to get the extra numbers from outside my area. All those can help you maintain your anonymity.
How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg?
"Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg."
-- Abraham Lincoln
"Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg."
-- Abraham Lincoln
Hinakhuynh, I was thinking the other day about how mystery shopping requires bravery, since it's delving into the unknown and putting yourself "out there". Congratulations for taking the first giant step and not giving up!
In my opinion, mystery shopping is essentially acting--with you as the star of the show. As with any great actor, when you're new, you need to rehearse over and over and get in character, before you go on stage. This requires creating a well-developed "backstory" to convincingly explain why your character--in this case--has chosen to look for a mattress and to describe what you're looking for, how much you want to spend, etc.
When you're new at mystery shopping, you don't have the luxury to just wing it. I promise you though, over time, you will get better and more confident--to the point you can comfortably wing it.
As an example, a couple of months ago I did a mattress shop. Since I only sporadically mystery shop, I spent some time developing a convincing backstory and practiced it until I believed it. To make a long story short, the salesman helped me take notes on the different mattresses and when he became visibly frustrated about my choice of adjustable base, it was clear he didn't suspect I was a mystery shopper.
Welcome, my friend!
(heart)
In my opinion, mystery shopping is essentially acting--with you as the star of the show. As with any great actor, when you're new, you need to rehearse over and over and get in character, before you go on stage. This requires creating a well-developed "backstory" to convincingly explain why your character--in this case--has chosen to look for a mattress and to describe what you're looking for, how much you want to spend, etc.
When you're new at mystery shopping, you don't have the luxury to just wing it. I promise you though, over time, you will get better and more confident--to the point you can comfortably wing it.
As an example, a couple of months ago I did a mattress shop. Since I only sporadically mystery shop, I spent some time developing a convincing backstory and practiced it until I believed it. To make a long story short, the salesman helped me take notes on the different mattresses and when he became visibly frustrated about my choice of adjustable base, it was clear he didn't suspect I was a mystery shopper.
Welcome, my friend!
(heart)
I intend to live forever. So far, so good.
It happens, no matter how long you do it! I've been MSing since 2005, and just a few months ago, ran into this situation. I was MSing a grocery store that I will frequently MS, because I like the store and the MSC as well. Some of the things you have to do just seem to set you up to be "outed". With this MSC, you ALWAYS have to stop by Customer Service and ask them something (as well as at several other departments....dead giveaway, if you ask me, but I try my best to "act naturally" ). Well, after seeing me in there enough, I think they started wising up. How many things can you think of that are different to ask at Customer Service when you're in there every two weeks or so???
Anyhow, my scenario was at self-checkout, and the self-checkout employee, with whom I had interacted several times in the past, came up to me and whispers to me, point blank, while nodding her head back in the direction of the Customer Service desk: "We think you are the mystery shopper. Are you?" So I started my Oscar-worthy performance....looking puzzled and putting my head forward slightly and speaking in a low whispery type of voice...."Mystery shopping? What's that?" So she tells me that it's when someone comes in to evaluate how the store is doing. So I go on: "You mean someone comes in like, with a clipboard and stuff, and interviews the employees?" She says, No....the mystery shopper reports how we are doing at the store. So I ask: "Who does this person report to? The store manager? And who gives the OK for someone to come in and even do this?" So she's starting to think it's not me now, telling me: Whoever hires someone to do this. So I ask....astonishingly: "You mean someone can get PAID to come in here and see how you're doing? Who gives them the right to decide whether or not you're doing things right anyhow? Seems like a lot of hooey to me." So she dropped it, and I haven't run into that again at that store, even though I still MS it. The store is real friendly anyway, but at times it seems they're SUPER-friendly! Oh well....if they get a good report from me, why would they jeopardize that?? And anyhow, there are SEVERAL folks who MS that same store, so they can look for someone else to wonder about!
Anyhow, my scenario was at self-checkout, and the self-checkout employee, with whom I had interacted several times in the past, came up to me and whispers to me, point blank, while nodding her head back in the direction of the Customer Service desk: "We think you are the mystery shopper. Are you?" So I started my Oscar-worthy performance....looking puzzled and putting my head forward slightly and speaking in a low whispery type of voice...."Mystery shopping? What's that?" So she tells me that it's when someone comes in to evaluate how the store is doing. So I go on: "You mean someone comes in like, with a clipboard and stuff, and interviews the employees?" She says, No....the mystery shopper reports how we are doing at the store. So I ask: "Who does this person report to? The store manager? And who gives the OK for someone to come in and even do this?" So she's starting to think it's not me now, telling me: Whoever hires someone to do this. So I ask....astonishingly: "You mean someone can get PAID to come in here and see how you're doing? Who gives them the right to decide whether or not you're doing things right anyhow? Seems like a lot of hooey to me." So she dropped it, and I haven't run into that again at that store, even though I still MS it. The store is real friendly anyway, but at times it seems they're SUPER-friendly! Oh well....if they get a good report from me, why would they jeopardize that?? And anyhow, there are SEVERAL folks who MS that same store, so they can look for someone else to wonder about!
You need to know the questions to fill-in on the report, but don't focus on grilling the employee with question after question. In the case of the mattress store, the employee is suppose to do or say certain things. By showing an interest and having a few things down in your head; size of mattress, type, budget, etc., you won't need to ask some of the questions. The answers will come out naturally as you interact with the employee.
Also, if the employee is suppose to do something like tell you about the current promotions, but does not. Don't ask about promotions, just mark the report accordingly. I think scenarios like this, or "can I lay on a mattress" (when the employee is suppose to ask) can give one away as a mystery shopper.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/07/2022 09:59PM by Zek.
Also, if the employee is suppose to do something like tell you about the current promotions, but does not. Don't ask about promotions, just mark the report accordingly. I think scenarios like this, or "can I lay on a mattress" (when the employee is suppose to ask) can give one away as a mystery shopper.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/07/2022 09:59PM by Zek.
Depending on the type of shop I say how much is that coupon or how does that deal work.
Shortly after I started mystery shopping, I was asked if I was a spy. It feels kind of silly now, but I had never equated mystery shopping with spying and I do like spy novels, so I was thinking espionage, covert surveillance, international intrigue, that kind of thing. I thought a moment and said, "I might be?," then under my breath I said, "But then I'd have to kill you!," as I walked out. My husband still laughs when I tell that story.
I also find it like acting. My husband says I am a professional liar lol I'm like hey, it took years of practice to get this good.
I will say, in some cases, I will skip on shops that require I ask or do something that a regular person would likely not do.
I will say, in some cases, I will skip on shops that require I ask or do something that a regular person would likely not do.
@stilllearning wrote:
Hinakhuynh, I was thinking the other day about how mystery shopping requires bravery, since it's delving into the unknown and putting yourself "out there". Congratulations for taking the first giant step and not giving up!
In my opinion, mystery shopping is essentially acting--with you as the star of the show. As with any great actor, when you're new, you need to rehearse over and over and get in character, before you go on stage. This requires creating a well-developed "backstory" to convincingly explain why your character--in this case--has chosen to look for a mattress and to describe what you're looking for, how much you want to spend, etc.
When you're new at mystery shopping, you don't have the luxury to just wing it. I promise you though, over time, you will get better and more confident--to the point you can comfortably wing it.
As an example, a couple of months ago I did a mattress shop. Since I only sporadically mystery shop, I spent some time developing a convincing backstory and practiced it until I believed it. To make a long story short, the salesman helped me take notes on the different mattresses and when he became visibly frustrated about my choice of adjustable base, it was clear he didn't suspect I was a mystery shopper.
Welcome, my friend!
(heart)
I find the closer to the truth I can make my back story, the easier it is to remember. It also makes it easier to continue in character if the person you're interacting with makes small talk around your back story.
For instance, during a test drive ar a car shop, the salesperson asked me where my kid was going to college. I was unprepared for the question because my daughter was just entering high school.
The problem was I had told the higher end dealership I was looking for a new car for me since my daughter was taking my old truck to college this fall.
For instance, during a test drive ar a car shop, the salesperson asked me where my kid was going to college. I was unprepared for the question because my daughter was just entering high school.
The problem was I had told the higher end dealership I was looking for a new car for me since my daughter was taking my old truck to college this fall.
Great advice! This is exactly how I feel about mystery shopping. I have always approached it this way, and it has served me well. We actors do have to adlib a lot though.@stilllearning wrote:
... mystery shopping is essentially acting--with you as the star of the show. As with any great actor, when you're new, you need to rehearse over and over and get in character, before you go on stage. This requires creating a well-developed "backstory" to convincingly explain why your character--
(heart)
If your back story matches closely your real life, your body language won't give off clues during the shop that you are not being completely honest. Some people are geniuses at picking up on those clues.
Hello - You will get better at "acting". You can do this :-)
When I first started mystery shopping I was surprised at how nervous I sounded; I had done lots of public speaking to big groups of people but asking canned questions to one person did not come easy to me. I started practicing by recording myself asking questions before going to the shop. Hearing myself helped me to stop sounding so scripted.
For shops like mattresses, cars, etc. I looked on the internet and printed off information about similar products. I when in with the print outs and told the salesperson "I've been looking online at this type of mattress, do you this or something like it?". Having something to show the salesperson helped me to be start the conversation and I was more confident because I had something to refer too.
Somewhere in the forum a person wrote if someone asks if your the mystery shopper say "what's that, did I win a prize" I've said this and it worked. Good luck to you.
When I first started mystery shopping I was surprised at how nervous I sounded; I had done lots of public speaking to big groups of people but asking canned questions to one person did not come easy to me. I started practicing by recording myself asking questions before going to the shop. Hearing myself helped me to stop sounding so scripted.
For shops like mattresses, cars, etc. I looked on the internet and printed off information about similar products. I when in with the print outs and told the salesperson "I've been looking online at this type of mattress, do you this or something like it?". Having something to show the salesperson helped me to be start the conversation and I was more confident because I had something to refer too.
Somewhere in the forum a person wrote if someone asks if your the mystery shopper say "what's that, did I win a prize" I've said this and it worked. Good luck to you.
"Yes, please keep my purchase a secret. Its a gift for my XXXX."
I am surprised that the employees would ask such a question.
I was in line during a pizza shop. A customer behind me asked if I was a shopper when she saw me check my stopwatch. Her company used shoppers.
For one of my food shops, as soon as I walk in the door, the manager gets behind the register to take my order. Their location hits all of the metrics.
I was in line during a pizza shop. A customer behind me asked if I was a shopper when she saw me check my stopwatch. Her company used shoppers.
For one of my food shops, as soon as I walk in the door, the manager gets behind the register to take my order. Their location hits all of the metrics.
"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton
During a few location audits years ago, I was asked if I was a mystery shopper. I said that I didn't even know what that was. I was there to perform this audit and was just an auditor.
This gig involved no aspect of a mystery shop and was completely overt. My guess? The MSC wanted to know whether I would blurt out something instead of using a suggested method of deflection.
This gig involved no aspect of a mystery shop and was completely overt. My guess? The MSC wanted to know whether I would blurt out something instead of using a suggested method of deflection.
Bach is not noise, Madam. (Robert, in Two's Company)
@HonnyBrown wrote:
.......For one of my food shops, as soon as I walk in the door, the manager gets behind the register to take my order. Their location hits all of the metrics.
I've had similar experiences and see nothing wrong with it. They do well and I have an easy report. Nothing is mentioned by either party.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/11/2022 02:28PM by wrosie.
"Are you a mystery shopper?"
"No, I'm not Mrs. Hopper."
"No, I'm not Mrs. Hopper."
Once upon a time, in a Kroger that no longer exists, someone decided i was a mystery shopper and "spied" on my through the entire store, or maybe they thought Iwas stealing something?. Back when we had to ask folks in 3 or 4 different department really incredibly stupid questions and buy a 1/4 lb. of lunchmeat. A manager hung around the corner and behind me through the entire store, and when I got to the register the manager whispered to the cashier and excused the bagger so they could bag my groceries and watch me. Keep in mind, I never bought just 3 things or spent less than $10 in any Kroger store I was shopping. And I didn’t stare at anyone or write anything down in the store. If I missed a name I simply missed the name. I didn’t make a major project of getting names.
I ignored the manager through the whole store, and even while they were bagging my groceries. I talked to the cashier about the weather or some such thing, and was pleasant as I could have possibly been. I reported the managers actions to the MSC, and explained everything I did. I'm sure it had nothing to do with me, but that store closed just a few months later. And that manager didn’t get transferred to any of the other local stores, at least not as a manager..
I ignored the manager through the whole store, and even while they were bagging my groceries. I talked to the cashier about the weather or some such thing, and was pleasant as I could have possibly been. I reported the managers actions to the MSC, and explained everything I did. I'm sure it had nothing to do with me, but that store closed just a few months later. And that manager didn’t get transferred to any of the other local stores, at least not as a manager..
Misery Shopper? Do I look miserable?
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