Written By Ceridwyn

Pet Store Assignments

Overview: Mystery shopping can be a lonely endeavor at times. There are many times that assignment requirements do not allow you to take a companion. But if you look hard enough, you can find some that will even let you bring along your furry friend.

So gather up all your usual mystery shopping gear and get ready to go. When your dog looks at you sadly anticipating your leaving him behind, surprise him with an unexpected adventure. Snap on that leash and hit the road together. His joy from being able to spend time with you will be sure to make the visit well worth your time and effort.

Project Variations: There are a few different scenarios, none of them difficult.

One is a competitor shop. With this assignment, the client wants to find out what store employees and any in-store vendors from competing pet food lines have to say about their food.

Another is a reward shop. In this scenario, the client usually has a specific question for you to ask the employee about pet food nutrition. If the employee answers correctly, they are given a prize.

Still yet is your typical retail scenario. This assignment requires you to check out specified departments, have some brief interactions, and make a small purchase.

There is also an audit scenario in which you are given a list of products to price-check.

Visit & Reporting Requirements: Your dog will help to determine how long these visits last. He is sure to want to check out everything in great detail. It’s too bad he doesn’t have keyboarding skills, because his report would surely be very interesting!

Pretty much all of the scenarios take about 15 to 20 minutes on-site, with the exception of the price-check audit. That can take between 30 to 45 minutes. The reports are also quick and easy, and take about the same amount of time.

Strategies: First and foremost, make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. This is for his safety. Unfortunately, there are other pet owners out there that take their pets out in public that may be carriers of contagious illnesses. No assignment is worth risking the health and well-being of your furry kid.

Be prepared to ask questions of employees, especially those that involve pet nutrition. Sometimes the client will provide you with specific inquiries. Other times, you are expected to come up with your own.

Remember to note names and descriptions of employees, as well as details regarding your interactions. Don’t forget your proof of visit purchase.

What Others Have to Say: Almost everyone who has performed the pricing audit has reported on www.mysteryshopforum.com that they will never do it again. There is no possible way to remain unnoticed by store personnel while checking on lists of prices, and it is tedious work.

All other retail-based scenarios have been found to be doable and unchallenging. However, forum members agree that on occasion there has been some misleading advertising regarding shop fees. Sometimes these are posted as being $18.50, when in truth the fee might be $8.50 and the reiumbursement $10.00.

Estimated Pay: The pay for these assignments is in line with most typical retail shops. It usually averages around $15 to $20 for the fee, and a few dollars for reiumbusement of a small purchase to provide proof of visit. However, shoppers are reporting that the fee is going down on these.

MSCs: Among the mystery shopping companies that perform evaluations at pet stores are Goodwin & Associates, Service Performance Group, ATH Power Consulting, and Customer Perspectives.

Your Comments:

  1. Trisha getty says:

    I am really interested thank you