Mystery shopping is a market research technique that is used to evaluate a store on several parameters. The success of any business store depends on many factors such as the quality of the product that is sold, the manner in which it is displayed and the behavior of the sales staff. Mystery shoppers are asked by the market research company to ask specific questions and to keep a note of the replies that are received.
Before a mystery shopper is hired, the marketing company draws up a survey model that is to be followed. This ensures that the shopper understands exactly what information is sought. Some important details that are often noted include the number of employees who are seen in the store when the customer enters it and how they respond to him or her. The shopper may be asked to create a specific situation such as to ask for a product to be gift wrapped. The shopper may also be asked to take pictures of the store, buy a product and submit the relevant bill.
