Mystery Shopping Interview With Cinthia Reilly

Cinthia Reilly is a mystery shopper for Market Force and has taken the time to share some information about what she does with Simply Thrifty.

Q:  How did you start mystery shopping?

A: I started mystery shopping after I watched a news segment on the topic this past summer.  It sounded interesting and seemed like an easy way to earn extra money.  I went on-line, researched it and then applied to become a shopper.  As a mother of three, I wanted to find a part-time job that I could complete on times that were convenient for me.  Mystery shopping allows me to choose which assignments I want to complete and the flexibility of time. 

Q: Is it time consuming or difficult to do?

A: Mystery shopping is not difficult if you carefully read the shopper directions.  I make sure to review what is expected of me on a shop.  I read the directions carefully prior to accepting a shop and then again right before I complete the shop.  In this way I know what needs to be observed and what the client is looking for.  Everything that a shopper needs to do is neatly organized and laid out.  All you have to do is read the directions.  It is not time consuming as long as you read and plan what you need to do prior to the shop. 

Q: What happens during a typical shopping trip?

A: Read it, accept it, print it, reread it, perform it, note it, enter it, submit it……The eight easy steps to mystery shopping. 
1.    Read it-Read through the available assignments
2.    Accept it-Click on the I accept shop box
3.    Print it-Make a copy of your shopper’ s directions
4.    Reread it-Make sure you know what this shop entails
5.    Perform it-Complete your shop
6.    Note it-take detailed notes of what happened during your shop
7.    Enter it-Report your results
8.    Submit it-Click on submit report

A typical shopping trip consists of you (the shopper) downloading, printing and reading directions for your assignment.  Then you go to the assigned location and act as a normal customer.  You pay attention to the details needed that were listed on your shopper directions.  You take good notes that might include names, times, descriptions, cleanliness, manner, politeness, etc.  You know what you are looking for prior to the shop.  After you complete the shop, then you go home and enter your observations on-line.    

Q: What did you like best about mystery shopping? Least?

A: I enjoy mystery shopping for the convenience.  I choose the shops that I want to complete.  If it doesn’t fit into my schedule, then I do not sign up for it.  If I am heading out of town I can read through the available shops and see if there are any available in the area that I am going. Again, if it fits into my schedule great, if not, then I do not sign up for it.  

I really do not have a least favorite part of mystery shopping.  If I had to be picky and choose one thing, then I would say that I would like more of a variety of shops.  I have completed numerous shops of the same companies.  I want different types of shops.

Q: Do you have any tips for someone who’d like to start mystery shopping?

A: Text yourself!  With the popularity of cell phones and texting it is very easy to act is if you are texting a friend, but in reality you are texting details of your shop to yourself.  The employees are certainly unaware and you are documenting key details of your shop.   Give it a try.  Pay attention to details.  If you are not a texting type of person then keep a small notepad in your purse or pocket to discreetly write observations.  If you would like to earn extra money and work at times that are convenient for you, then give mystery shopping a try. 

Want to know more about mystery shopping? Don’t miss the Mystery Shopping 101 post. Market Force gave me quite a bit of really helpful information for someone who wants to pick up some extra cash as a secret shopper.

Photo by Sanja Gjenero