Hello everyone!
Greetings from the fine state of Minnesota. I'm back to try out a few mystery shops after not shopping for about 6 years. So, dusting off my observation skills and hoping to be efficient and timely when doing shops. Working to get a strategy in place to maximize my profit margin!
Hello Kendra,
It's perfectly normal to have a few nerves in this industry. I shopped from 2010-2016 and now am back in the game.
If you are looking for advice, I would say look over the shops in your area. Start with a store that is BIG-like a Wal-Mart. If you have your shop directions on your phone, no one will think twice about you looking over the directions on your phone because everyone stares at their phones these days! You can review what you are expect to do while wandering all over the store!
I print out the directions for my shops as well. I wish they weren't so TEXT intensive but they are. With a highlighter, I mark areas that I need to focus on.
It's much easier to do shops with a phone but I still find having a printout gives me more confidence.
There are many compliance type shops too. Those are a bit less intimidating because you can just follow the directions and fill out the forms as you are in the store. You may have to snap some photos but the compliance shops are looking to see if the chain has all the signage needed.
If you'd like to have a quick chat with me on Zoom, let's find a time to meet. Otherwise, just remember, You are Annie the Actress, (acting like you need a product or service) David the Dectective (finding all the details) and Betty the Bookkeeper (filling out your forms) when you are a mystery shopper.
You got this!
Jody Bryant