The three words “Mystery Shopping Tests” are just what a private investigator looks forward to hearing. They are magic words…words that are associated with fun and good feelings. But, if you ever worked in retail or held a service position of some kind, these words could strike fear into your heart. These are three words that you don’t want your boss to say. These are three words that mean that you have to work hard, all the time, every day. These three words mean: secret accountability. And these three words are a great idea for businesses and for private investigators.
What are Mystery Shopping Tests?
Mystery shopping tests are purposefully simulated shopping transactions conducted by an undercover investigator. They are designed to observe and record, secretively, the service of a place, as well as the appearance of the place. They look at/for: friendliness, cleanliness, proper conduct, illegal activity, honesty and so on. Mystery shopping tests are a great way for a private investigator to act as the “eyes and ears” of a company. They are, in essence, accountability for a company.
How Do They Work?
First, a company will hire either a private investigator or work with a mystery shopper hiring agency to fulfill the man-power required. Then, the company will detail for the investigator exactly what to ask, what to look for, where to go and what to do. Then the investigator will perform their job, observe, record, and report back the results of the shopping trip. For example, a retail store might hire an investigator to go through their store, ask for help, pick out something, perhaps try it on (if it is a clothing store), purchase the item and leave. Throughout the time in the store, the investigator will really be looking for evidence of theft, or cleanliness, correct procedure, etc. It is that simple, and it is highly effective.
Benefits of Shopping Tests
Mystery shopping tests are extremely beneficial for company. Here is a list of how a company can benefit:
- Produce Greater Faith in Staff
- Perform Front of House Accountability
- Control Revenue
- Increase Revenue
- Increase Awareness of Potential Security Risk and Guest Safety
- Ensure Quality of Service
- Maintain Consistency
- Eliminate Internal Fraud
Who Uses Mystery Shopping?
Without working at each store you go to, it is hard to tell who uses mystery shopping tests and who does not. Yet, most stores utilize this investigative tool, including non-retail companies. From Starbucks to City Parks Lifeguard services, to tax companies, a wide range of companies have seen the benefits of mystery shopping tests and decided to run some for themselves.
What are Mystery Shopping Tests?
Mystery shopping tests are purposefully simulated shopping transactions conducted by an undercover investigator. They are designed to observe and record, secretively, the service of a place, as well as the appearance of the place. They look at/for: friendliness, cleanliness, proper conduct, illegal activity, honesty and so on. Mystery shopping tests are a great way for a private investigator to act as the “eyes and ears” of a company. They are, in essence, accountability for a company.
How Do They Work?
First, a company will hire either a private investigator or work with a mystery shopper hiring agency to fulfill the man-power required. Then, the company will detail for the investigator exactly what to ask, what to look for, where to go and what to do. Then the investigator will perform their job, observe, record, and report back the results of the shopping trip. For example, a retail store might hire an investigator to go through their store, ask for help, pick out something, perhaps try it on (if it is a clothing store), purchase the item and leave. Throughout the time in the store, the investigator will really be looking for evidence of theft, or cleanliness, correct procedure, etc. It is that simple, and it is highly effective.
Benefits of Shopping Tests
Mystery shopping tests are extremely beneficial for company. Here is a list of how a company can benefit:
- Produce Greater Faith in Staff
- Perform Front of House Accountability
- Control Revenue
- Increase Revenue
- Increase Awareness of Potential Security Risk and Guest Safety
- Ensure Quality of Service
- Maintain Consistency
- Eliminate Internal Fraud
Who Uses Mystery Shopping?
Without working at each store you go to, it is hard to tell who uses mystery shopping tests and who does not. Yet, most stores utilize this investigative tool, including non-retail companies. From Starbucks to City Parks Lifeguard services, to tax companies, a wide range of companies have seen the benefits of mystery shopping tests and decided to run some for themselves.
Nickels Private Investigations can easily perform these shopping tests for any company in the states of New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Massachusetts. We are secret. We are confidential. And we have the investigative know-how and the experience required to give you all the information that you need. We are good eyes and ears.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m a private investigator in NYC. Interesting blog! Never heard of the term Mystery Shopping Tests.
Yeah we have strange names. We are trying to stay above the fray and keep things exciting.
thanks for dropping by.
I am glad you enjoyed it. We are very passionate about private investigations. Please come back and visit
Thanks for posting, I very much liked reading your most recent post. I think you should post more frequently, you evidently have natural ability for blogging!
Pretty cool post. I just stumbled upon your site and wanted to say
that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your posts. Any way
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Hey, have you seen this news article?
New details about Michael Jackson’s Death Emerge
I was wondering if you were going to blog about this…