UK MYSTERY SHOPPING SPIES BEAT THE CREDIT CRUNCH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) August 28, 2009 -- Hundreds of British companies are employing part-time 'spies' to pose as customers to check that their outlets and employees are up to scratch. It's a service mainly used by shops, restaurants and pubs, but is also widely used by cinemas, airlines, theme parks and hotels. Mystery shoppers are the eyes and ears of their businesses.

Whilst acting as a typical customer, an undercover mystery shopper or diner visits a location and performs specific tasks such as ordering goods or services whilst observing sales and service techniques. They might also ask the staff specially prepared questions or register a complaint. The shopper then leaves the premises without revealing who they are and completes a questionnaire to be returned by a specified date.

Robert Brady, who founded the The Mystery Shopping Club in 1995 says, "Mystery shoppers are paid to purchase and keep products such as clothes, spectacles, groceries and petrol. They can also get paid to have their car serviced.

Occasionally they're even paid to stay in a hotel or go on holiday." Brady added, "Mystery shopping raises the quality of the service and the goods on offer. Customers complain less than you might think, they often just stop using a particular shop or service and take their business elsewhere. Companies and organisations gain an excellent insight as to how their companies perform in the eyes of their customers. This helps reduce complaints and stop customers converting to their competitors."

Brady says that a typical shopper's day might include visiting a travel agent to ask them a tricky question, then a cinema to check whether the sound and vision of the film was clear. It might then be followed with a meal out - restaurants provide free meals and drinks for mystery diners and their companion.

Shoppers have the ability to take their children with them on some visits. Many fast food restaurants actually prefer it. Theme park assessments often make this a requirement. Some shoppers who don't have children often borrow a young relative for the day.

It is also possible to take a working holiday by planning a trip and then checking with a few mystery shopping agencies if assignments are available at your destination or on route to the area that you plan to visit. Mystery shopping can also be carried out from home by telephone, e-mail or over the Web. Online companies are assessed regularly as are fast-food home deliveries.

Brady says that fees per visit vary between companies, but are usually between £6 and £30 per assignment. Some jobs do command £100 plus, but these are for more complicated assignments such as staying at a holiday park or buying a pair of prescription spectacles. Most agencies also pay travel and petrol expenses and, if you make a purchase, you will be reimbursed and often be allowed to keep whatever you bought. He says that it's a casual job that gives people the freedom to work when and where they want. http://www.themysteryshoppingclub.co.uk

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