Saturday, April 23, 2011

S is for Secret Shopper......

Now that I am no longer working, I do side work as a secret shopper. What is that you ask? Let me explain.  I go to banks, restaurants, fast food, clothing stores, etc and conduct my business.  It can be withdrawing money to buying a shirt or getting a burger. I observe the environment, inside and outside the establishment IE, cleanliness of parking lot, counters, and restrooms.  I pay special attention to customer service IE, if they greeted me warmly or made me feel welcome.  I notice their products and if it meets companies standards. I calculate the time it takes to be assisted, how long it takes to be assisted, and how long my total time to finish my business.   All this information has to be stored in my head until I leave the store.  Then we I get away from store, I will make notes.  I take those notes and when I get home I submit a report on line.  I cannot disclose who I am or that I taking notes.  The company wants all this to be done "secretly" to see if their products and/or employees measure up to the company standards.
Most companies will reimburse you if you must make a purchase.  Must obtain a receipt and upload on report.  Sometimes I have to take a picture of the store or kiosk that I shop.  In addition to reimbursement, some companies will even pay the shopper a small fee for doing the shop.  It's nothing to make a living at but its fun and you get free food or product.
The good thing about secret shopping is that you can choose when and where you shop.

3 comments:

Robin said...

I want to do that!!! How fun! How did you get started?

Keena said...

Hey, I just sent you a lengthy email on how I got statred.... It will be from Keenalynn@juno.com

Robin said...

Keena you are awesome! Thank you.