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If you've done your homework and presented the marketing research company with a neat, detailed and professional looking application, the chances are excellent that they will call you with an assignment.

When they call, they will ask you if you are available for a certain time and date and for a specific shopping assignment. For example, let's say a department store needs a Mystery Shopper during a certain week, between Monday and Friday. Your assignment is to evaluate the Ladies Department of a specified store.

Your fee might be $25.00 - $45.00 for the trip and you will be allowed to purchase merchandise valued up to $35.00. You will also receive a questionnaire in the mail several days before your shopping assignment, with detailed instructions.

Your questionnaire could have 20, 30 or more questions to review. For example, you might be asked:

• To check out the displays to see if they are neat and well put together.
  
• Ask the sales personnel about certain items and see how they go about assisting you in obtaining a size that is not readily available.
  
• To request trying on several items and check the dressing rooms for neatness.
  
• To check the shelves and counters to see if they are well stocked and neat in appearance.
  
• To observe if the sales clerk was attentive and helpful.

They will want you to actually purchase something they suggest, or of your own choice, and make notes on how easy or difficult it was to perform the transaction.  (They may even ask you to take the item back at a later date to see how the exchange/refund transaction is handled). 

You will most likely be instructed to ask the sales clerk questions about several different items and note his/her response.  You may even be requested to visit the restrooms and evaluate how clean and well stocked they are.

Study your questionnaire carefully before starting on your assignment. Take along a note pad ... but make sure you leave it in your car! As soon as you return to your car, enter notes that you can use for reference when completing your questionnaire. One more important note ..

Hint: Before you even get out of your car, note your arrival time, and make some reference to surroundings such as weather conditions, crowded parking, etc. This information may not be required on your questionnaire, but could be a big help to you later, in case you need to remember certain details. Plus, the more detail you can include, the more impressive your reports will be.

In summary: 

    1) Study your questionnaire
    2) Be punctual for your assignment
    3) Take detailed notes (out of view of store personnel) 
    4) Complete your questionnaire with as much detail as possible

Have fun and enjoy your shopping experience!