So how does it work?
Why do businesses use shadow shoppers?
Because people have choices. Customers don't go back to a business where they were not treated well. They won't buy merchandise that is more expensive than other places. And if they don't think they are getting good value and service, they simply go elsewhere.
You will have been somewhere - a shop, a cafe, a restaurant - where you have had terrible service. You probably wondered if the owner or manager knew about it, and what they would do if they did know.
Did you complain? Probably not; most people don't. But the chances are that you made up your mind never to go back, and you probably told all your friends about it and warned them off.
Retaining Customers
Retailers can't fix what they don't know. Today, retailers are finding it more and more difficult to attract and retain customers.
They know that it costs 5 times more to get a new customer than to satisfy and existing one. The quality and price of their merchandise is important, but it's not the only consideration. Their people - the sales and management staff - make the difference. And this is where Shadow Shopper comes in. We evaluate how customers are treated when no one is watching.
What is Shadow Shopping?
Shadow shopping is also known as 'mystery shopping' and 'secret shopping'. As a shadow shopper you visit the business as a customer, interact with the employees and usually make a purchase. Afterwards, you fill out an on-line evaluation of your experience.
From your report, the business knows exactly what service their customers are receiving, and how they are being treated. They can also find out what the customers think about their service, their product and their premises. Once they know they can do something about it. They can take steps to reward employees if the service is great or to improve if it is not 'up to scratch'. Or they can fix a problem with their product, or their premises.
Who can be a Shadow Shopper?
Anyone who has ever shopped! You can be male, female, old or young. Employed, unemployed, retired, full time parent, whatever - there are no restrictions.
The most important attributes of a Shadow Shopper are:
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So you have already satisfied the last attribute - after all you are reading this on the Internet!
What kinds of businesses use Shadow Shoppers?
All kinds of businesses as long as they have customers!
Retail stores, banks, restaurants, cafes, hotels, real estate agents and many
others. Businesses that provide services - cleaning, gardening, financial advice, home deliveries.
This means that you can get paid to have coffee, to have flowers delivered,
to have your car washed, to eat out, to go to a movie and lots of other things
you like to do.
Why do shoppers have to be certified?
Mystery shopping is an important job. We need to be sure that our shadow shoppers understand what is involved in shopping professionally, their responsibilities and the techniques to be used.
The Shadow Shopper certification test is free, and on line. We provide you with all the information that you need to be able to pass this test. Then, after you've passed the test, you just wait for the job notifications to be delivered right to your email in box. We even SMS you to make sure that you don't miss any jobs. And everything is free - we never ask you for money at any time.
Where do I start?
We suggest that you look at the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions). Then, just click on the 'Steps to be a Shopper' on the side panel of this screen. It gives you all the information you need to get you up and going as a Shadow Shopper!
You really can Get Paid to Shop !
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