The Business of Mystery Shopping
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing author and veteran mystery shopping business owner, Shari Joseph who graciously shared her experiences in running her own mystery shopping business, and how you can start one too! You can order Shari's book 24/7 using this URL:
Melanie: So how long were you a mystery shopper before you decided to start your own business?
Shari: My situation is probably unique. Back in 1980 I got a job with a mystery shopping company doing both report writing and mystery shopping for them. A couple of years later, I was promoted to company manager. Then in 1985, I decided to form my own company. From the time I was introduced to mystery shopping to the time I became a company owner was 5 years.
Melanie: What made you to decide to get into your own mystery shopping business?
Shari: The main reason for this decision was that I felt I had gone as far as I could with the company I was working for, and frankly, I saw lots of potential business and had strong ideas on how to succeed.
Melanie: How much did it cost you to start your business?
Shari: It cost almost nothing to start. The real expense was supporting myself until enough business came in. I have to admit that some money came from savings and my family was supportive. I just started out of my own home and used my home phone for business. I already had the equipment. If I had to do this again, I would have gotten a separate phone line for business. I have long since moved from working out of the home to an office.
Melanie: How did you get your first client?
Shari: I got my business going by getting involved with a particular trade association. I went down to the headquarters, made friends, and let them know what I was doing. They were supportive and helpful. Once they were comfortable that I was legit and professional, many opportunities opened up through that association to meet and greet their members. Some of those members became
clients.
Melanie: Why did you decide to specialize in the restaurant industry?
Shari: I decided to specialize in the restaurant industry because as a shopper and report writer, this was what I was most familiar with.
Melanie: Do you really think that anyone can start their own mystery shopping business? Why?
Shari: If someone is a seasoned mystery shopper, knows how to keep to deadlines, and knows how to get jobs done well, then they can succeed at their own company. They've got the reporting process down, it's just a matter of getting clients. What stops people is the belief they can't do it, OR the belief they can do it, but that it will only take one week to be up and running successfully, which is pure folly. To succeed it takes a specific roadmap and the perseverance to follow through on each step of that roadmap. I do believe anyone can start their own company and anyone can be a success. But, how many people actually make that choice?
Melanie: Do you feel it is harder for a new mystery shopping business to succeed today?
Shari: While there are a lot more mystery shopping companies and the internet has entered the picture, the same basics of how to succeed still apply.
One more point along this line, yes, things have greatly changed. Some of those changes have caused me to have to adapt to some new ways of doing business. However, the main principles of success have not changed. Strip the word "business relationships" away and you have "relationships". Business, at its heart and soul is about forming relationships. That's one constant that I suspect will never
change.
Melanie: What words of advice do you have for someone who is considering going out on their own in this field?
Shari: My advice is pretty simple. Realize that success involves PEOPLE skills. You have got to get out there and "show 'em what you've got!" - in person! Many people today foolishly believe that if they create an internet presence, then "people will come". Not so.
Let's say a company wants a mystery shopping service. They are considering two possible shopping companies for the job. They meet and shake hands with a representative of one company. The other company simply refers them to their beautiful web site. Who will get the job? It's familiarity that breeds clients. A handshake is a lot more familiar and comfortable than a cold web site. Of course, the representative also has to make a professional presentation and be
knowledgeable.
Also realize that meeting and greeting new people is also what makes business fun. And, it's fun that will also keep one successful in business. One should never deny the value of having a good time while earning a living.
Shari--thanks so much for your time and insights! Again, here's how to order Shari's book "The Business Of Mystery Shopping 24/7", go to:
Don't go into a mystery shopping business without it!
And as a new mystery shopping business owner, you're going to need to get leads for your business for both people who want to be mystery shoppers and customers who will use your mystery shopping services. Jump start your new mystery shopping business by advertising on the internet the way all the big players do--using pay-per-click-ads. But do it the right way--get your pay-per-click ads FREE! And since Google is the biggest...
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Please note: I am only recommending Shari's book as the best resource I have seen at a reasonable price for starting your own mystery shopping business. The ultimate decision about whether or not you go into this business rests with you. Please do your own due diligence and check with your legal and other professional advisors on the viabiity of this business for your own personal circumstances. While I believe the information she has presented to be high quality and reliable, neither I, nor my publishing company can be responsible for any losses incurred as a result of your using the information she has provided.
Please note that all links are provided for your convenience. While we believe that these companies are reputable, be sure to always properly investigate any company you decide to do work with. We assume no responsibility or liability for any losses incurred with the use of this information.
Resources mentioned on this site other than my own are offerings for which I am an affiliate (meaning yes if you buy them I will get a few bucks so that perhaps I can retire someday). However, I only represent products and services which I personally have experience with, or I have direct experience with the person and/or company behind them and believe them to be reputable and have quality offerings.
