Welcome to Internet
Homeworking Directory.
MYSTERY SHOPPING AND MARKET RESEARCH WORK
Companies are much more conscious of the importance of
customer opinions and many agencies have sprung up requiring
researchers to check out shops, offices and anywhere that
staff come into contact with their customers. More recently,
companies have been set up to carry out the same services on
corporate websites. If you'd like to review websites see
below for UK companies currently looking
for researchers.
Companies want to know how customers view their business
and will contract marketing companies to send mystery
shoppers to evaluate their employees secretly. This
information can be used by them to learn of problem areas or
to give the outstanding employees the recognition they
deserve.
Similarly, they will use market researchers to establish
people's awareness and perceptions of a company or product ,
or when trying to introduce a new product.
STARTING OUT MYSTERY SHOPPING
When applying for these positions you should expect to be
asked the following questions. Think up answers in
preparation.
"Have you done any Mystery Shopping Before?"
"What is your work experience?"
"State why you would make a good Mystery Shopper."
You don't need to have any experience, so don't pretend
if you are a novice. Remember, as soon as you've completed
one assignment, you can then claim to have experience in
future applications.
The Work
Your job is to secretly "shop" a business in a low-key
fashion and to fill out a report and return it to the
company that we contracted with.
Sometimes this can take 5 minutes or an hour depending on
the information required. Your pay can be reimbursed costs,
a flat fee or both. Sometimes you are required to make a
purchase or just ask questions to evaluate the employees
responses. We also need to be observant of our surroundings
by counting customers, eyeing cleanliness and any other
factors required.
To get started what you need to do is decide if you have
the time to do these shops that you commit to. IF you DO,
then start contacting companies by Web site, and email or
mail out a letter of introduction
Would You Make a Good Mystery Shopper?
People who make good Mystery Shoppers are those who
appreciate good service and getting paid for doing what
comes naturally. Good Mystery Shoppers look upon Mystery
Shopping as an opportunity to help improve service levels at
the places they like to frequent. They take personal
satisfaction in watching service levels rise and in knowing
that they played an instrumental part in that improvement.
Good Mystery Shoppers are conscientious, reliable and
objective. They approach each new assignment as if it were
the first time they had ever heard of the store. They only
accept assignments which they will complete on time,
objectively, and without bias.
Good Mystery Shoppers know the importance of following
directions, they read and follow each client's evaluation
criteria to the letter.
People Who Should Not Become Mystery Shoppers
Individuals that think this is a "get rich quick scheme."
The pay can be very good for the motivated shopper and even
better if you are able to accept last minute shops. The
prime jobs are given to shoppers who have proven themselves
dependable.
Individuals with very little free time.
Companies count on their Mystery Shoppers to meet their
deadlines and often there is very little time to reschedule
an incomplete shop.
Mystery Shopping Is Fun, But It's NO Joke!
Mystery Shopping can be a fun and enjoyable way to pick
up a little extra money and, in some cases, a free meal.
But, make no mistake Mystery Shopping is serious business.
With many client's, Mystery Shopping results are a key
factor in reviewing and assessing bonuses to their
employees. They make decisions based on the data supplied by
you, the Mystery Shoppers.
Be Aware On Your First Shopping Trip
Your first shopping trip can be an exciting one. Remember
that it isn't a game and the companies are relying on you.
Never take a job that you don't think you will be able to do
or feel uncomfortable doing. Be "professional" if you want
to get a consistent schedule of shops.
There are things to remember that the company wants you
to make notes of and yet you have to gather this information
without giving away the fact that you are a Mystery Shopper.
Before the Shop
Review the report before the shop. Make a note of the
items that you are supposed to check. Some companies will
want you to check the exterior of the building and want to
also know the business names of the surrounding buildings.
Double check the address. Some companies have different
branches on the very same street, or town.
After the Shop
Do not let someone catch you filling out forms or making
notes. This is a sure way to blow your cover. Drive down the
street and stop to make the necessary notes. You can also
carry a small casette-recorder and tape your notes to play
back later. The more notes you have, the better your report
will be.
The Report
A copy of your report will go to the company you are
working for. It may also go to the client. It is important
that your report be neat without scribbles or cross outs.
These things will make your report appear less credible.
For these same reasons, check your spelling. If you are
unsure of a spelling, look it up in the dictionary.
Be considerate when describing employees. Do not be
insulting. For example, use full-figure, pale medium
blonde/brown hair versus dishwater blonde.
Reports that arrive late normally will not be paid for.
Some companies will allow you to fax or email in the report.
Always check with the company for exact details.
PUBLICATIONS TO READ
"The Mystery Shopping Handbook" published by Streetwise
Marketing, Riverside House, Claire Court, Rawmarsh Road,
Rotherham, S60 1RU. Tel. 01709 820033
This guide includes:
What is expected of you; How to organise and carry out
assignments; expected earnings; How to set up your own
agency and employ others; 45 companies to contact for
mystery shopper work.
Price £27.75 with a 30 day moneyback guarantee.
COMPANIES TO CONTACT
MYSTERY SHOPPERS
Get paid to give
your opinion on websites
A new UK company, Visitor Friendly requires
mystery shoppers to visit specified sites and then complete
questionnaires on their findings. Ech visit should take
approximately 15 minutes and pays a flat rate of £1.50
per questionnaire, giving a potential rate of £6 per
hour. As yet there aren't many assignments available so you
won't be able to make a full time job out of it, but over
time, who knows? I have already received my first payment
from them. As an extra incentive to spread the word, the
company will also pay you 25p for every assignment completed
by someone you refer. You need to say who referred you so
remember to quote my name,Lynne O'Connor, and e-mail
address shoppers@homeworkingideas.co.uk
For full details and to sign up, go to
http://www.visitorfriendly.com/webshopper/webshop_home.htm.
There are sometimes problems accessing this site. Please
keep trying. Do not e-mail me to sign up.
New Media are another new company offering a
similar service. At present they are simply building a
database of researchers so assignments are not yet available
but don't let that stop you signing up. They will e-mail you
when they have an assignment they wish you to complete.
Payment can vary from £2.50 to £9.50 per survey
depending on the amount of work involved. In some cases you
are also required to survey competitors sites. You must be
over 16 and only one researcher can be accepted per
household.
For more details go to
http://www.newmediamr.co.uk/
emysteryshopper.com
No figures given on expected pay rates but they do seem
to have high quality standards as they state " Our shoppers
all work to Market Research Society standards. Each shopper
is carefully briefed, monitored and his or her feedback is
audited on a regular basis. " Fill out an
application
on line. Covers UK, North America or mainland Europe.
NEW! Website Editors Needed
Nobags.com
is unique in that it uses independent editors to rate and
review the thousands of online stores actively trading in
the UK.
Now you can join the team of reviewers who provide that
essential link between visitors to the site and the shops
they want to see.
Do you:
Want to work in your spare time, from home?
Have an excellent command of the English language?
Love online shopping?
Want to receive generous remuneration for your writing
skills (£8-£14 per hour)?
Want to gain invaluable experience with a top dot.com
name?
Have the ability to write colourfully but concisely?
Want to set your own hours and your own pace?
Then we want you on our team...
How to apply
Simply take some time out to complete our
online
application form.
The application form will consist of a couple of tasks
relating to the editorial skills we will require of you.
Take your time completing the form as it's used to assess
your suitability for the role.
Apply
Online Now
Globaltestmarket.com
is a unique online community where consumers from around
the world participate in the development of new-to-the-world
products and services. GlobalTestMarket.com is now active in
140 countries. Members have the opportunity to hear about
and use new products and services while earning MarketPoints
-- the online currency at GlobalTestMarket.com which is
fully exchangeable for goods or cash. Membership is free of
charge.
How it works
You will be invited to participate in a variety of
interactive sessions where you will be able to influence the
people who are developing new products and services. All of
these are done using a convenient online approach which is
designed to accomodate your busy schedule.
Some examples:
Concept tests: You will see new product ideas
which are described in words and images. These are often
very early-stage ideas for which the developer is seeking
initial feedback about whether the idea is appealing as well
as how it could be improved.
Usage tests: You will be able to use
development-stage products which you have indicated would be
of interest to you based on the preferences you indicated at
registration. These products are sent directly to your home
and the post-usage surveys are conducted online.
TestMarkets: You will be able to browse and
purchase new and development-stage products. After using the
products, you will also be able to give feedback about the
product as well as repurchase the product throughout the
duration of the test market.
Satisfaction testing and complaint monitors: You
will be invited to participate in studies which are designed
to provide product designers with quantitative and
qualitative feedback about products which you have purchased
at another store or online retailer.
For full details and registration form, please go to
https://www.consumerinsite.com/cgi-bin/gtm_reg_form.cgi?NEW&E&0&lynne_uk
Douglas
Stafford International is a leading provider of
Mystery Shopping and Training, working with many national
and international service sector companies.
Founded over 11 years ago and now established on both
sides of the Atlantic, the company is at the forefront of
Video and Telephone Mystery Shopping, as well as having
developed through our training division, many innovative
training workshops linking in with the information provided
through our performance evaluation process 'Mystery
Shopping'.
Physical Mystery Shoppers required to work on interesting
projects throughout the United Kingdom. Good rates of pay
and the potential to travel.
They currently require mystery shoppers in the UK and
US.
Click
here to complete the UK application form
NOP Mystery
Shopping is a division of the NOP Research Group,
one of Europe’s largest research organisations. We were
launched in 1993 in order to co-ordinate all NOP Group
mystery shopping activities, to develop further this area of
research and to highlight the distinctive features of
mystery shopping versus consumer research.
As a Mystery Shopper you will visit, make phone calls or
internet enquiries to various establishments, posing as a
prospective shopper or purchaser of some product or service.
You will be asked to report on various details of your
‘shop’. This will be done via a questionnaire, which will
ask you to report on many things, such as the quality of the
service you received, the interior appearance of a shop,
etc. All details and equipment that you will need for your
role as a Mystery Shopper will be available on their
website.
They undertake the full range of mystery shopping and
performance measurement research - in the UK, throughout
Europe, and Worldwide.
CyberShop is an online service for Mystery Shoppers who
have access to the Internet and E-mail. Having logged into
the service, shoppers are able to view and accept available
visits in their area, download Questionnaires and Briefing
Instructions, report visits, claim fees and expenses, and
are also able to receive training online.
Complete the online
application form to apply
Scher (Asessors) - 125 High Holborn, London WC1V
6QA
Mystery customers needed. Eaters, drinkers, sleepers and
shoppers needed to act as typical customers and record their
experiences in a questionnaire. If interested in a part-time
role, and you live outside the London area, please write on
a postcard giving your name, address, age professional
experiences and day-time phone number.
ABa Quality Monitoring Ltd Primarily we are
looking for people with service experience, whether in a
licensed trade environment, on the shop floor or over the
telephone. We know you can be a customer because we all are
every day, what we want are people that can report the
customer experience with empathy to the front line staff and
managers.
If you believe you are a fair and observant person with
an understanding of service then we would like to hear from
you.
email Quality@aba.co.uk Telephone: 0161 445 4381 Fax:
0161 445 7702 or write to:
ABa Quality Monitoring Ltd, 3 Old Broadway,Withington,
Manchester, M20 3DH
http://www.aba.co.uk/Shopper.html
All information is added to our ‘Potential Assessor'
database. When a suitable requirement emerges you will be
invited to spend a training day completing visits with one
of the ABa management team. After the successful completion
of a campaign your details will be added to our ‘Core
Assessor' database - this is a restricted database of
assessors who are given priority when allocating work.
If you'd like to get paid for providing content on
websites, be it reviews, reports or other information click
here
Market Research
Sign up with the following companies and get paid, in
cash or points, for completing surveys:
Ipsos
Access Panels. Paid in Beenz, exchangeable for a wide
variety of goods, services and vouchers. E-mail me at
beenz@homeworkingideas.co.uk
for an invitation to join Beenz if you're not already a
member.
Media
Transfer pay you in points, called MT's which you can
exchange for goods from their partner sites. In the UK this
means Amazon.co.uk (books, cds, videos, DVD, software) and
Bigsave.com (books, PCs, sports goods, household and garden
appliances, fashion, music etc.) at present. Whilst the
amount of points can vary, I've already been offered several
surveys to complete. The long one took about 15 minutes and
was rewarded with 16 MT’s (worth about. £2.60) on my
account. The short one took about 2-3 minutes and earned me
4 MT’s (about 65 pence).
MediaTransfer also enables participants from the USA,
Sweden, Italy, France, Spain, Australia, Ireland and Canada
to take part in the surveys.
World of
Splash is also linked with the international program
Beenz. From time to time Splash will send you a email
requesting you to be apart of a survey, the amount of beenz
you will earn for each survey is based on what Splash or the
merchant wants to give each survey member. E-mail me at
beenz@homeworkingideas.co.uk
for an invitation to join Beenz if you're not already a
member.
COMPANIES TO CONTACT
MARKET RESEARCH
The companies listed require tidy, persistent, friendly
people to work for them when work is available in your area.
Some may require you to complete a small training course
before they offer you work.
Before considering this type of work, it's worth writing
to The Market Research
Society, 15 Northburgh Street, London EC1V 0AH for
help and information.
A C Nielson Co Ltd Nielsen House, Headington,
Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX3 9RX Tel: 01865 742742 FAX: 01865
742222
Albermarle Market Research - 18 Dartmouth St,
London SW1H 9BL
Akadine Research Friars House, Market Square,
Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0AN
Tel: 01844 274500 FAX: 01844 275899
Andrew Lester & Associates 9 Thames Park,
Lester Way, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 9TA
Phone: 01491 824181 FAX: 01491 824180
Audience Selection - 14/17 St Johns Sq,
Clerkenwell, London EC1M 4HE
B.E.M. Research - Ambassador House, Cavendish
Avenue, Harrow, Middx, HA1 3RW
Beecham Data 78 Park Street, Thame, Oxfordshire,
OX9 3HX, Phone: 01844 218588 FAX: 01844 218550
British Market Research Bureau - 53 The Mall,
london WC2N 4AA
Business & Market Research PLC - Buxton Road,
High Lane Village, Stockport, Cheshire, SK6 8DX
Carrick James Market Research - 6 Homer Street,
London W1H 1HN
Diagnostics Social & Market Research Ltd - 109
Gloucester Road, London SW7 4SS
Marketing Services (Scotland) Ltd - Ashley House,
4 Bon Accord Crescent, Aberdeen . Phone 01224 575456
Euro Fieldwork - 16 Hanover Square, London W1R 9AJ
Field Initiatives - 79a High Street, Barnet, Herts
EN5 5UR
Focus on Research - 6 Erskine Road, Primrose Hill,
London NW3 3AJ
Gordon Simmons Research Group Ltd - 361-373 City
Road, London EC1V 1JJ
Landell Mills Commodities Studies Ltd - 16 George
Street, Oxford, OX1 2AF
Market Behaviour (MBL) - 9 Stanhope Place, London
W2 2HH
Mass Observation (UK) Ltd. - Hadley House, 79/81
Uxbridge Road, Ealing, London W5 5SU
M.I.L. Research Ltd. - 1 Berners Street, London
W1P 3AG
NOP Research Group- Ludgate House, 245
Blackfriars Road, London SE1 9UL Tel: 0207 890 9000 Fax:
0207 890 9001
Research International UK 6/7 Grosvenor Place,
London SW1X 7SH Telephone 020 7656 5000 Fax 020 7235 2010
The Company has 470 full-time employees of whom the
majority are professional researchers. An additional 600
workers are employed on any given day on shorter-term
contracts. The fieldforce numbers 1,300.
Research Analysis Marketing - Ram House, Lamberts
Arcade, Leeds, LS1 6NB 0113 242 3444
Scantel Ltd - 27 Dale St, Manchester M1 1EY 0161
236 1952
Markotest Ltd Market Research - Sinclair House,
The Avenue, London W13
Profile Research - 3 Strensham Hill, Moseley,
Birmingham B13 8AG 0121 442 4023
Kingswood Consulting - 24 Waverley Drive, South
Wonston, hants SO1 3EF 01962 884542
Social & Community Planning Research - Blyth
House, 100 Kings Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 4LX
Research & Auditing Services Ltd (Market
Research)- Randas House, 5 Westway, London W12 0PT
RSL Research - Services House, Elmgrove Road,
Harrow, HA1 2QG
System Three Ltd - 1 Poplar Mews, London W12 7JS
The New Fieldwork Co Ltd - Market House, Station
Approach, West Byfleet, Surrey, KT14 6NF
Viewpoint - 3 New Court, 82 Station Road, Hampton,
Middx, TW12 2AX
Market Research Solutions Ltd - Regional Manager,
3 Matthew Grove, Meltham, Huddersfield, Yorkshire, HD7 3LY
Company carry out a variety of surveys in all areas and
are looking for new and experienced interviewers. Full
training provided, good rates of pay, plus expenses. Write
for further details.
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If you have a business you'd like me to
feature on the site, send details of the
opportunity to the address below.
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If you'd like individual advice on where
to start, contact me preferably by e-mail with a
few details about yourself, including name,
address, particular skills and the type of work you
would and/or would not be interested in.
Internet
Homeworking Directory
or write, enclosing SAE, to:
Mrs L O'Connor, 1 Willow House,
Hackfield, S.Ashford, Kent, TN23 4XA
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