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Just as there are many different mystery shopping companies - so there are many different kinds of mystery shopping assignments. The most common of these is the retail assignment, which can also come in many forms.

Retail - Observation - These are usually relatively short, under 30 minute, assignments that require you to make a visit to a specified location and make some observations. You may or may not have to make a pre-visit phone call to see how the phone is answered and what kind of answer you get to a specific question. You may have a specific product to ask about, and may be required to pick up a business card as proof of your shop. An associate interaction is a must as you will not be able to submit a report without a name or at least a detailed description.

Retail - Purchase - These assignments are a little more complicated, but usually have a bit higher fee plus you get to keep whatever you purchase. Be aware that there are purchase assignments where you will be paid a flat fee and still must make a purchase. Pay attention to your fees/reimbursements for these jobs. Usually you are paid XX for the job and XX for the purchase. If your purchase is less than the reimbursement amount you will be reimbursed for your entire purchase. If it is more then you will receive the maximum reimbursement amount. These types of shops also require interaction with an associate. You may be given a specific scenario to follow such as you are shopping for a baby shower gift. The associate will assist you in your selection and you will make a purchase.

Retail - Purchase/Reveal - This is a very specific scenario type of shop. Generally you will enter the location and make a specific purchase following a specific scenario. Based on the associate’s responses, after you complete your purchase you will reveal yourself as a mystery shopper and either reward them or explain why they didn’t earn the reward. Some mystery shoppers do not take these assignments because of the downside of telling an associate that they are not getting the reward. The reward can be cash directly from the mystery shopper, which the shopper will be reimbursed for later. More commonly the reward is a giftcard or certificate that will be sent in advance to the mystery shopper to present on a successful scenario or the company will send the reward directly to the associate in the near future. IF you are sent something to reward an associate on a successful reveal shop DO NOT disqualify them by nitpicking so that you can keep the reward for yourself. In these cases you are usually required to send the reward, whatever it is, back to the mystery shopping company.

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