A Peek Into The World Of Video Mystery Shopping

Slowly but surely, a new specialty is gaining momentum in the mystery shopping industry--video mystery shopping. Audio taping of mystery shops has been around for awhile, but video mystery shopping is just now starting to come into its own. What is it?

It's the same as any other mystery shopping assignment except you are carrying hidden miniature video equipment--the old Candid Camera show meets mystery shopping.

Now before you envision yourself as a cool undercover P.I., remember there are many pros and cons to this type of specialty work, like anything else in mystery shopping. By the way, check the regulations at the state and local level to make sure that video and audio mystery shopping is not considered surveillance work that requires a private investigator license in your area.

Many mystery shoppers are uncomfortable with the idea of doing video mystery shopping, but there are two major advantages. First, the pay is good (typical is $25-$50 per shop, and it can go as high as $100 for a very complex shop). Next, the fact there is minimal post-shop paperwork is an advantage. Generally, the video you have shot is the shop report

Shoppers who have concerns about taking their "secret shopping" to a new level can be reassured by the fact that most employers who undertake these programs understand that they can be audio or video recorded by a mystery shopper under their employment agreement. The employers then use this tape to provide further training to their employees. It can also be included in their performance evaluation. Of course this makes both the shopper and the client highly accountable.

This last part is something to think about. Not only is everything the employee does captured on video, it is also very obvious as to whether or not you conducted the shop according to guidelines (although your proof that you did it right is also on the tape in the event of a dispute). But suppose something happens to your "proof". I always say technology is great...when it works. The downside of audio or video mystery shopping is that technical difficulties can occur. If you forget to turn on your recorder, the battery dies, the focus is off, etc., you may not be paid for your shop.

Overall, for experienced shoppers who are comfortable with the idea of using video equipment in their work, it looks like it could be a good way to earn higher shop fees than the norm with less paperwork. I advise newbies and beginners to wait until they have many shops under their belt before they attempt video mystery shopping. They first need to be very comfortable with "traditional" mystery shopping, and can pull off a scenario with ease, before they add the distraction and complexity of concealed equipment to the mix.

Right now, there are a few assignments, mostly in major cities, being posted on various lead boards, and the competition is pretty fierce for them. But if the opportunity comes up to try a video shop, why not try it? You could open the door to a nice part-time career, and if you are already a mystery shopper, you just might take your income to a whole new level.

Melanie Jordan is a veteran mystery shopper, author of two books: "The Perfect Work-At-Home Job: Mystery Shopping" and "How-To Finally Make Money As A Mystery Shopper", an e-zine publisher and personal mystery shopper coach. Subscribe to her award-winning free monthly e-zine "The Perfect Work-At-Home Job Update" by e-mail to: mscoach@aweber.com. Her web site is Mystery Shopper Coach's Corner at www.mysteryshoppercoach.com

Do you have a time or money saving idea that wasn't included in this article? Please send it to tips @stretcher.com. We get the best ideas from our readers!

If you liked this article why not sign up for our free money-saving email alerts? Your bonus? 209 ways to save on groceries.

Follow The Dollar Stretcher on Twitter.

I Would like to:

• Read other articles on this topic
  
• See what else is in this issue
  
• Subscribe to "The Dollar Stretcher" free weekly email newsletter
  
• visit the Problem Solving Center
  
• visit the Reference Library
  
• browse the 'author' index
  
• search 'by date' index
  
• check out Past Issues of Newsletter
  
• go see 'What's New'
  
• "Can You Help This Reader?"
  
• drop by 'Tips, Quips & Quotes'
  
• send email to the Editor of "The Dollar Stretcher"