TOP TEN SHOPPER MISTAKES

Avoid these shopper mistakes to ensure you conduct and submit a successful mystery shop report.

Common Shopper Mistakes

1. Not commenting on the “No” answers.

Remember to check each one carefully and provide a direct, specific comment to address it.

2. Not responding to an editor’s request for additional information.

Please be sure to check your email and voicemail within two to four days of submitting the report. Respond to any questions as soon as possible. Remember that we have a responsibility to ensure that our clients receive the information in a timely manner.

3. Not submitting the report within 24 hours.

All reports are due within this time frame. Let us know immediately if you encounter extenuating circumstances and will not be able to meet the deadline. We have more opportunity for flexibility if you contact us right away, rather than waiting until several days after the shop has been completed. After submitting your report, always check your shop log to ensure that your report is listed as “Completed”. If it does not say “Completed,” then we do not have the report.

4. Visiting the wrong location.

Refer to the shop log to verify the address you are supposed to be visiting. If you have any questions, contact us.

5. Performing the shop during the wrong dates or times.

Refer to the shop log to verify the specific dates and times required for the shop. Ensure that you conduct your visit at the appropriate time.

6. Not reading the shopper instructions AND the form before performing the shop.

Carefully read all of the information you receive. Please contact us if you have any questions at all. We are here to help  you understand all of the requirements.

7. Purchasing the wrong items.

Follow any purchasing/food ordering instructions exactly as they are written. Do not purchase too much or too little.

8. Writing opinions instead of facts.

Keep your comments as objective as possible. Focus specifically on the staff and their actions, rather than your own actions.

9. Not using spell check.

There is a spell check program available on the reporting site that will check all sections for you. If that does not work, please use the assistance of an online aid to check your spelling. Examples are a word processor or website like Grammarly.

10. Giving yourself away by asking too many questions of the employees.

Act as though you are a normal customer. Keep your questions specific, and to a minimum. Try to be as inconspicuous as possible.