Dinner and Dessert

Absolutely!

In these hard economic times, going out to eat is one of the first things slashed from everyone’s budget. Not anymore. There’s an endless variety of shops in every state (and internationally) to match your taste palette. The best news is you get reimbursed in approximately one month from the day that you performed the shop. If you’re smart, you’ll keep a separate account for the dining mystery shops, so there’s an endless flow of money.

Some companies, not only reimburse you for the shop, they give you traveling expenses, and money to do the report. This varies from company to company and from shop to shop. If it’s the end of the month and they need the shop performed, they are willing to negotiate with you with regards to bonus money.

Bingo! It’s a win-win situation.

If you live in urban areas, you will have more opportunities to do exclusive shops, and–of course–the variety is greater. If you are traveling, make sure to check the job boards for restaurants in other locations. These are date specific, but usually a range of dates is available (three to four days). There is often a case scenario involved: Go to the bar and order a drink before or after your meal. Be sure to read the guidelines because they change from month to month.

Some of my favorite mystery shopping companies that deal in great restaurant shops are: www.a-closer-look.com and www.coylehospitality.com.

With both of these companies, there is an entry-level test that you must take to be one of their shoppers, so make sure you read each question carefully. You won’t get a second chance to take the test.

A few hours of your time will reap great dividends, and it will be will worth it!

Happy Shopping!

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For more information on mystery shopping:

Here are some  helpful tips:

Tip #1: Make sure as soon as you get home, write down your timings first; they are the backbone of your report and will allow the rest of the report to flow.

Tip #2: Always get the name of the hostess, server, and manager.  This is intimidating at first, but becomes second nature with practice.  For instance, “Excuse me, what’s your name in case we need something else?”  Most servers do not wear name badges, so this is the easiest way to ask for a name.  Remember:  The better you are at getting names, the more valuable of a mystery shopper you become, and better jobs will be offered.

Tip #3: Write out all the names of those you came in contact with and their descriptions: Male, 23-24 years old, 5’10″, blond hair in a crew cut.  Do that as soon as you get home, so in your report you can cut and paste those descriptions into the report.

Tip #4: Always remember the beginning and ending phrase of each person you meet.  “Hi, how are you folks this evening?  Can I get you started with some drinks?”  And always remember to get the last phrase they say to you, “Have a great evening!”

Tip #5: Be objective.  You are the video camera; report what you saw and don’t subjectively comment on it.  Many new mystery shoppers fall into this trap:  “The restroom was filthy; I wouldn’t let my pet rat in here!”  At the end of your report, you can include some of your overall subjective comments, but never rant or rave. 

Tip #6:  This is the “Catch-22″ of mystery shopping.  For every negative comment, find two positive ones.  Remember, you are not only working for the mystery shopping company; they are providing their clients a useful service.  They want and need to hear the good and the bad.

Tip #7:  Never, ever give details in your report that would give you away as a mystery shopper.  Don’t engage in a lot of conversation with the server or give them personal details that they would remember.  Be courteous, but not overly friendly.  Don’t give away where you were seated in your report; otherwise, you may risk not being able to shop at that location again.

The more you do in the area of restaurant shopping, the better you will become and the more valuable shopper you will become.  Remember, the “secret” to mystery shopping is writing excellent reports.

Until next time, “Happy Shopping”!

Do you have to be a good writer?  Yes, and you have to pay attention to detail.  Each company has a specific way they want their reports written out.  Coyle Hospitality has strict guidelines, but I know exactly what they want every time…it is all “spelled” out. 

You are to be objective and fair.  Imagine that you are a pair of video eyes looking at the scene–only you’re in it.

Here’s an example of a paragraph you might write for the “host” section of the report:

“I entered the restaurant at 6:00 PM with my guest. We were greeted immediately by the hostess (female, 23-24 years old, long dark brown hair, shoulder length). She smiled warmly and asked, “How many are in your party?” I told her there were two of us. She picked up two menus and seated us immediately. She waited until we were seated before she handed us the menus, which were in excellent condition. She said, “Enjoy your meal.” She quickly left our table. The hostess was professionally dressed with black slacks, creme-colored blouse, with matching blazer.  She was polite and friendly.”

Each shop has its own specific guidelines and so you must read carefully the assignment given for each shop.  Sometimes you will do the bar visit first and other times you will do it last.  Following directions are crucial, and each company has a specific way they want you to report your findings, especially how you describe each person you come in contact with. 

The very first item you must purchase before becoming a mystery shopper is a watch with a second hand.  Timings are crucial:  “The appetizers arrived in one minute and 32 seconds.”  

Most first-time shoppers find the “timing section” of the report the most tedious, but in reality when you have your timings down, the rest of the report flows.  It is important and crucial that you do not take notes while in the restaurant.  When you do your “restroom” check, that’s the perfect time to take notes.

Until next time, happy shopping!

I’ve been mystery shopping now for four years and it took a while to break into the “elite” shops, like cruises, five-star hotels, resorts, and five-star restaurants, but there’s no turning back now. 

Don’t get me wrong, there is “work” to do on your part, but once you’ve passed the test for these “elite” companies, and complied by completing your first shop, you’re on your way.  With any of the “elite” shops, you have to prove yourself by doing an excellent report and I mean no grammatical errors. So if you’re not one for attention to detail, then these shops aren’t for you.  But consider the perks:  a three or four day stay at five-star resorts, all meals paid for, and travel reimbursement.  Once you have written your report, all charges will be reversed on your credit card. 

So if you’re wondering if these shops exist, I am here to tell you they are plentiful.  I happened to be referred to one of these companies because of the excellent work I have done for another mystery shopping company. 

Wherever you are on your journey of mystery shopping, remember to always do your best work because contrary to what you might think, your name will be passed around by other mystery shopping companies and the cream does rise to the top! 

With the increasing cost of gas, vacations may seem out of the realm of possibility, but with mystery shopping, you can reimbursed for enjoying the good life (with a little work!).  

Check out this article on mystery shopping from ABC News.

Happy Shopping,

The Mystery Shopping Expert!

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One of the best kept secrets about mystery shopping is that it’s international.  Not all companies work overseas, so you will have to read Cathy Stucker’s book, The Mystery Shopper’s Manual  to find out which ones do.  Whether you travel overseas or within the United States, you’ll be amazed at the variety and availability of shops worldwide. 

 Your Mystery Shopper,

Constance Rowley

The first thing you need to do is read Cathy Stucker’s book, The Mystery Shopper’s Manual (from cover to cover). Don’t apply to any companies until you first read her book and take the online test to get silver certified. 

Your Mystery Shopper,

Constance Rowley

Think of this site as Mystery Shopping 101.  You’ll learn the “secrets” of the profession and ways to get started.  Stay tuned for Secret #1!

Your Mystery Shopper,

Constance Rowley