Qualifications Of Mystery Shoppers

Having learnt about what is mystery shopping and what does it involve the natural question would be- what is the qualification required to become a mystery shopper?

Can I become a mystery shopper? 

Do I have in me, which is required to be a successful mystery shopper?

The answer to all these questions is, yes! 

You can do it. You can avail mystery shopping opportunities if you have some extra time and are willing to make some additional money while having fun and enjoying your favorite pastime like shopping, eating out, going to movies or playing a game of golf at your favorite golf course. This moneymaking opportunity is available to you at your own convenience, and you can work and make money whenever you have spare time.

The mystery shopping opportunities is good for students, homemakers, retirees, senior citizens, employment seekers and start up entrepreneurs who would like to add an extra stream of income to their purse. This career option is also available to part timers, freelancers and creative persons like musicians, artists and writers.

You have the freedom and opportunity to take your kids and family members along with you for the mystery shopping assignments. This makes it easier for sit home dads and moms to take up the shop assignments. 

Even assignments like crèches, day care centers, toy stores and play groups it is a requirement to take them along with you. Going with your spouse, kids or family adds the credibility to your mystery shopping assignment because in that case you look like a genuine customer for that restaurant or business establishment. 

However, you should ensure that your kids are well behaved. You must always keep in mind that the objective of your visit is observation and presence of your family or kids should not distract your attention from the assignment.

In majority of cases, the persons taking up mystery shopping assignments should be above 18 years of age, however in case of certain establishment where the mandatory age limits are higher you should match that minimum age requirement. This may be the case with shop assignments where a purchase of liquor may be involved. 

It is helpful albeit not mandatory to have a valid driving license or a document to prove your age. The mystery shopping assignments allow you the flexibility to decide your time schedule yet you should have sufficient amount of spare time to complete the assignments within a stipulated period.

Mystery Shoppers Qualifications

There is no specific academic qualification required to become a mystery shopper. Persons from all lifestyles, occupations and with all levels of academic qualifications can take up mystery shopping assignments. The people opting for mystery shopping assignments should have reasonably fair oral and written communication skills. 

Mystery shoppers should be observant and should have an eye for detail. They should have good imagination and should be reliable. The mystery shoppers need to have a reasonably fair memory and retention power to remember their observations and report the same accurately after the shopping is over. They should have an unbiased attitude and good personal integrity.

Since most of the mystery shopping assignments are available on the Internet, the basic ability to browse the Internet sites and operating e-mail functions are necessary for those seeking online shop assignments. 

The reporting requires basic knowledge of PC, word processing and spreadsheet skills. You may need to create spreadsheets but your job is limited to entering the necessary data in the pre-designed spreadsheets. Neat writing and documentation skills are necessary when you have to file a handwritten report at the end of the mystery shopping assignment.

Experiences and Skills Needed

There is no preset experience parameter required to take up mystery shopping assignments. The person should have good written and verbal communication skills. The oral communication skills are necessary because you have to interact with the employees at the business establishment.

It is helpful if you have some background information and experience in customer care. Persons with an exposure to business areas like retail, leasing and finance, education, travel and hospitality have an edge over others while seeking the mystery shopping jobs. A prior exposure to market research and experience in market surveys and focus groups is a definite help to those seeking mystery-shopping assignments.

Good memory, an eye for detail and ability to accomplish objective observation are the key skill requirements for mystery shoppers. Another factor that is vital for your mystery-shopping job is your reliability and impartiality. The assignment requires you to report the facts "as it is" and not your personal preferences; therefore, it is necessary that you do not let your personal bias to interfere with your objectivity while taking up mystery shopping assignments.

No specific training is required for taking up mystery shopping assignments. However, if there is a specific assignment that requires training, the mystery shopping companies provide you the necessary training. The companies also provide the background information and observation parameters before commencement of each assignment.