This job is exciting, as you get to check out airlines, restaurants, hotels, retail shops, and even auto dealerships. However, framing it appropriately is crucial, if not, how well you do the work can be impacted. If you are a mystery shopper, and it gets revealed, the person might treat you differently than intended. This can change their report, as well as the company’s improvement mechanisms.
During mystery shopping in the UAE and the GCC, below are some methods that can help maintain your cover.
1. Don’t Be Dramatic
An effective way of keeping the woof over your head while mystery shopping is by acting as a usual customer. Wear a confident smile as you walk into certain places and conduct yourself how you would normally do. At the store or restaurant never take out more paper than necessary. It would be better to let the finer details go, but if you do need to jot some things down, make sure you do so while pretending to text or check your phone’s notifications.
2. Attire for the Event
Your outfit should complement the place you are going to. If you are shopping at a luxury department store or going to a swanky hotel, ensure that you are well-dressed. For casual restaurants or car showrooms, something clean and comfortable will do. Looking out of place can raise eyebrows amongst the staff.
3. Adhere to the Directions Closely
Every mystery shopping task comes with instructions. Ensure that you follow them appropriately before the visit. If you need to request more information about a certain item in the shop, make sure you do so. If your task is to record how long it takes for your food to arrive at a certain restaurant, be careful not to look obvious about it.
4. Always Be Prepared To Tell Your Story
Staff may tend to ask questions related to your presence in the shop and so you need to have something ready. You should have a good embroider response ready to give them. If you are present in a car showroom, you can say that you want to buy an automobile. If you are in a hotel, say that you are looking for a place to stay for an upcoming traveling. Keep it simple and natural.
5. Avoid Frequent Visits to the Same Spot
A common mystery shopper tip is to not visit the same restaurant or retail store as often as possible because the employees could identify you. Whenever possible, it helps to take fresh assignments or take a break before heading back to the same spot. This ensures that you are not tracked.
6. Handle Photos and Receipts with Caution
For some assignments, you may need to take photos or save receipts. If your assignment needs a photo, ensure you take it in a way that appears casual. As an example, take a selfie or photo of interesting things in the shop. When it comes to receipts, dispose of them in your bag or pocket.
7. Don’t Ever Let It Slip That You Are a Mystery Shopper
Whatever the situation is, do not disclose that you are a mystery shopper. If any staff member makes a guess, just smile and try to steer the conversation towards something else. Your secret remains with you and that helps you obtain an authentic service.
Conclusion
An excellent way to experience the UAE and GCC countries while, at the same time, helping businesses improve their services is mystery shopping. By remaining incognito, you make sure that business owners get genuine feedback and customers’ service is improved. Just remain calm, don’t forget to follow guidelines, and above all else, don’t let your cover be blown!
Are you looking for the next challenge of mystery shopping? Remember these suggestions, and enjoy your shopping!