I Recovered From My Shopaholic Addiction By Becoming A ‘Mystery Shopper’.

“I always say shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist” Tammy Faye Bakker

The image you see above could well have been me just a few years ago. I used ‘Retail Therapy’ to make myself feel better about my life.

I would buy things on a ‘whim’ and then return them a few days later. Returning things always made me feel embarrassed. I worried that I may get banned from Stores if I did this too often.

Then one weekend, I had visited 3 different towns using the rail network. Coming home on a packed train gave me a wake-up call, it was standing room only on a 2 hour journey (what on Earth was I doing?)

Then I had an epiphany. I’d heard of Mystery Shopping, but knew nothing about it, so I googled it. Sure enough some sites came up:

‘Retail Eyes (Market Force)’ has always been my favourite. https://uk.marketforceshopper.com › login

‘Mystery Shoppers’ often have hotel stays — Search: mystery.shoppers.co.uk;

‘ESA-retail’ are mainly local stores, such as Poundland, Co-op and Lidl.

‘Retail Maxim’ are mainly for specialist stores, I did an assignment at ‘Antler’ in a Outlet shopping Centre.

‘DQM’ offer various assignments, often road works. I used to evaluate road works on my drive into work on the Motorways. They also offer specialist mailing assignment whereby the shopper forwards mail (unopened with the date of receipt) to their head office.

A few of the other companies I worked for have stopped trading, but keep an eye out, because retailers always need an undercover sleuth!

Normally a photo of the location is required at the end of your visit, but with mobile phones that’s easy and doesn’t look too obvious.

What Does Mystery Shopping Entail?

Normally, the shopper has to ensure they are visiting the correct store as some chains have multiple stores in the same town, think ‘WHSmith’ who also have outlets at railway stations.

Read the Assignment notes carefully, and take note of the information the Company Require. For Example: Name of Staff Member; Time of Visit; Special Promotions; Level of Trade — was it busy, quiet, or just a steady stream of customers; Was the item you were reviewing available, if not, how helpful were the staff; How many choices were on the menu (usually only for coffee shops); How many variety of Sandwiches were available; Time of Exit. A photo of the exterior of the shop/coffee shop/restaurant after you have left.

It’s a good idea to try to fill in your assignment questionnaire the same day, whilst the experience is fresh in your mind. And, please try to remember what the staff member said to you, whether it was ‘can I help you?’ Or, ‘is there anything in particular you are looking for today?’ Remember, the store will get a copy of your report, and staff often use the same greeting.

Typical Assignments:

When I was travelling through London everyday, I always tried to have a coffee shop assignment first thing. I’d buy a lovely coffee, taking note of when the coffee beans were ground, a sandwich and a healthy chewy bar, or piece of fruit.

So, my food was paid for. I didn’t have to prepare it, clean up afterwards, and I got paid for scoffing! (What’s not to love about that!)

Twice a week on my way home, I’d try to pick up a restaurant assignment. usually a pub (again no meal planning, no shopping for food and NO CLEARING UP!)

When I was doing the assignments on my way to work there were no additional travel expenses, that really makes a difference.

I’ve had hotel stays, lots of meals in restaurants, lunches and coffee, sports wear, toiletries, train journeys, books, medicines, clothes, Christmas gifts, car accessories and the cash to do it!

I also picked assignment where I could combine my visits and meet up with friends, or visit a museum, or special location.

Well, it’s the First Million that’s the Hardest!