In any industry, it is important for employees to interact. It helps to set standards, ethics, and pay, among other things. It also sets up camaraderie and a sense of community. Especially in industries where much of the work is done online, people can easily start to feel isolated.
The mystery shopper trade is no different. Though mystery shoppers do interact regularly with the public, they rarely, if ever, meet their employers or fellow shoppers. By very definition, “mystery” shoppers or “secret” shoppers must be very discreet about what they do. There are very few opportunities in person for a mystery shopper network. Luckily, there are places online that help create that mystery shopper network.
The Mystery Shopping Providers Association is a trade organization for mystery shoppers. They offer certification and training. They help to set standards and ethics in the industry. They also offer a bulletin board where new and experienced mystery shoppers can interact. This mystery shopper network allows shoppers to exchange information about particular companies. This interaction helps prevent abuse or exploitation. Shoppers can warn each other against nonpaying companies and scams. They can also share good experiences and job leads.
Imyst, Inc. also offers a discussion board for mystery shoppers.
Volition is another company offering a forum for mystery shoppers. They also offer a list of companies who are hiring. Open positions are posted directly on the message boards.
These forums/discussion boards offer important information to mystery shoppers. Perhaps just as importantly, they offer shoppers an opportunity to “talk shop” with people who truly understand what they do on a daily basis.
With a solid mystery shopper network, shoppers can improve work conditions drastically. Through sharing information about nonpaying companies, they can improve the ethics of all companies. In any trade, increased information is always a plus.
