Shoppers are usually repaid any money they spend in the stores. “I’m typically given between £5 and £20 to spend at each store, to assess the service I receive at the counter,” says Laura, a 50-year-old mystery shopper from Devon, who has been paid to visit around 7,000 shops since 2001. The purchase usually has to be related to a service or a type of product that the retailer wants her to check. “I’m always given a scenario, such as buying something from a specific department or a new product range, but, within that framework, I can often buy whatever I want – and keep it.”
What items can Laura purchase at stores?
Items that comply with the assigned department or item type Any item she wants Any item she wants, as long as it costs between £5 and £20 Items that were not assigned to other mystery shoppers