Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a mystery shopper?
A mystery shopper, or secret shopper, is a person who comes to your location and behaves as any regular customer would. The only difference is the mystery shopper will complete a questionnaire after leaving. This will give you objective feedback on everything that occurs while he/she was at your location.

2. Why are mystery shopper reports important?
They let you see your business as your customers do. This gives you valuable feedback on your staff, your facility and other facets of your business. If something is leaving a negative impression on your customers, mystery shopper reports will let you know. Then you can take steps to correct the problem before it costs you valuable business/customers/sales.

3. What is the mystery shopper questionnaire?
This is the report that the mystery shopper completes after their visit or call to your location. It is specially designed to report on all the information you need to determine what occurred on that mystery shopper's visit/call. You will receive each individual report.

4. How do I set up a secret shopper questionnaire?
If your company has one they have utilized in the past, Shoppers, Inc. can set that up for use with our program. Or, we can work with you to custom design a questionnaire that will fit your exact needs. We can provide templates as a starting point to help you determine what feedback you need.

5. Do you summarize results of all the mystery shopper visits/calls?
Through our optional Management Summary, you can view the results of all the individual mystery shopper questionnaires in an executive-style report. We can customize the summary to fit your needs to report by location, division, region, job description, employee, etc.

6. How long does it take to get a shopper program started?
Once we have your questionnaire finalized, we can be ready to begin mystery shopping in two weeks or less.

7. How do you handle my questions and changes, once the program begins?
Clients are assigned an Account Representative to assist them with their mystery shopper program. This person is specifically responsible for scheduling your mystery shopper assignments and is available to you at any time for questions or changes. In addition, our CEO and COO are always available to you.

8. How do I get results?
You can receive your completed mystery shopper reports via email. They will typically arrive within 48 hours of the mystery shopper's contact.

9. What kind of guarantee is provided?
Shoppers, Inc. guarantees 100 percent satisfaction for all mystery shopper reports. Any mystery shopper visit that is not completed within your required specifications will be redone at no charge to you.

10. Is a contract required?
Shoppers, Inc. does not require a contract. 30 days' notice is appreciated for any changes to an existing mystery shopper program.

11. How much does a mystery shopping program cost?
Costs vary greatly, depending on the type of contact, length of the questionnaire, and number of contacts to be made. Regularly scheduled programs (monthly/quarterly visits) and large numbers of contracts are given substantial discounts.