What are Reward and Revealing Shops?
Dear WAHFAQ, I’ve been mystery shopping for a little over a month now and yesterday I got an offer for a “reward” shop. What is this? Reward shops can also be called Revealing shops. They are when you are required to give up your identity as a Mystery Shopper and reward an employee on the spot for doing something fabulous. For example, you could go into a movie theater and purchase something at the concession stand to see if the employee up-sells you to a larger drink or popcorn size. If they do, you say, ‘Congratulations! I’m a mystery shopper…
Is this Mystery Shopping assignment worth my time?
Dear WAHFAQ, I recently received an email from a company for this assignment: Mystery Shoppers are needed in the NEW YORK cities listed below for BANK SHOPS. Payment is $20 and requires an inquiry for a new checking or savings account. Shops may NOT be done on Saturday, or after 5pm. Assignments are due before June 26. An online 2-page report will need to be completed with detailed comments regarding your experience. Manhattan Binghamton Westfield Rochester Albany Do you think it’s worth the fee they’re giving? Thanks! There are many factors to consider whether the assignment is worth…
Should I let a bad company go?
Dear WAHFAQ, I have a dilemma. I really don’t like one mystery shopping company I have been working for. They’re realllllllly picky about the assignments, they send them back to me all the time for re-writes, they don’t pay that great, and my scheduler constantly calls and emails me to remind me of shops. I work for a bunch of other companies, and I don’t have that problem with them so I don’t think it’s my work. I don’t want to burn bridges, but I don’t think I can work for this company anymore. What do you suggest? The wonderful…
What is a Financial Mystery Shop?
Dear WAHFAQ, I know you said that Mystery Shopping companies don’t deal with certified checks, but I had an assignment recently where I had to cash a check at a payday loan place. So, I’m confused. What are good and bad shops that deal with money? To clarify: Mystery Shopping companies do not PAY by certified check. That’s actually a really big scam! Financial institutions have a variety of shops available. Here are the main ones you’ll see out there: 1) Pay-day check cashing: The mystery shopping company will give you a check to cash. It is usually pretty small,…
Mystery Shopping Memory Tricks
Dear WAHFAQ, I’d really like to mystery shop, but after looking at your sample forms (in the Mystery Shopper Training Program) I’m a little nervous. I quite possibly have the worst memory ever. How on earth can I do mystery shopping? Mystery Shopping does require a fair amount of memory…but, no one is perfect, and there are always tricks to help you get the details you need for a great shop. Here are some that I use: For Apartment Shops: They always give you brochures, or floor plans, or community newsletters, or business cards, or whatever. Take them, and take notes…
What is an Apartment Shop?
Dear WAHFAQ, I heard that apartment buildings get shopped. Is that true? Would I actually have to rent an apartment? That just seems weird, plus I don’t have the best credit, so I would probably be denied anyway. I don’t really understand how they would work. Apartment shops are actually my favorite shops to do! You do NOT need to rent an apartment, fill out an application, or leave a deposit to do an apartment shop. It’s pretty simple: You call up the apartment building and talk to a leasing agent over the phone, setting an appointment to view the…
Can I bring my kids on a Mystery Shop?
Dear WAHFAQ, I was recently assigned a movie theater shop, and 2 restaurants. I’m so excited to get started! The only thing is that my baby sitter cancelled on me, and I have to get these shops done TODAY! What should I do? Can I bring the kids with me? Ok, first of all, RELAX. Then, call your scheduler! They are your life-line to help you when situations like these arise. I cannot specifically speak for your scheduler or company, but most restaurant shops allow you to take a few people with you. In fact, Mystery Shopping companies LIKE…
Mystery Shopping bait and switch
Dear WAHFAQ, What does “bait and switch” mean in mystery shopping? I can’t quite figure it out. “Bait and Switch” is a practice with some not-so-nice Mystery Shopping companies. It’s a rare occurrence, thankfully…but it can happen. When a Mystery Shopping company posts an assignment, they’re supposed to give you all the details, so that you know what you’re getting yourself into. Sometimes, they don’t do that, and bait you into taking an assignment that looks easy to do. Once you accept it, they throw a whole bunch of details, stipulations, and extra work that you weren’t counting…
What is a Retail Mystery Shop?
Dear WAHFAQ, What is a retail shop? Do you have to buy something? Do you have to spend your money, or will they give you some? Are you supposed to keep the merchandise or send it to the company? Retail shops vary by company and assignment. Here are the main points you need to know: 1) You generally will NOT receive money from the mystery shopping company to buy anything. You’ll have to use your own if a purchase is required. 2) If a purchase is required, they may have something specific for you to buy. 3) If a purchase…
Why do they want my email password?
Dear WAHFAQ, I signed on with a few mystery shopping companies, but they all ask me for my email and password. That seems a bit invasive. Why do they want to log into my email account? Do they need to? Is this normal? The Mystery Shopping company isn’t trying to log into your email. They want you to create an account on their site! Your user ID would be your email, and then you create a NEW password for their system. Kinda like how any membership site, or bank, or credit card company, or forum asks you to create a…