Welcome to Newhouse Mobile Services!
We provide Mystery Shopping information and Mystery Shopping Certification Seminars.
While you are here, please check out information on our new book that was released in April, 2004:
Mystery Shopping Made Simple, 2nd edition, by Dr. Ilisha Newhouse.
Members of the press interested in interviewing Dr. Newhouse, please see the
Interview Request for the Press, or send an email
to info@newhouseservices.com or ilisha@newhouseservices.com
Customer Relations Managers of book stores interested in a book signing presentation
with Dr. Newhouse, please send an email to info@newhouseservices.com or ilisha@newhouseservices.com
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Mystery Shopping?
A mystery shopper poses as a regular customer and then writes a report about the experience.
They will receive all the paperwork in advance as well as clear instructions. They will never enter a store not knowing what they are suppose d to do. They pose anonymously as an average customer and attempt to describe in the paperwork what a typically experience is like for an average customer to the main corporation. They receive reimbursements for purchases and meals as well as paid a fee for completing a form.
Who would make a good shopper?
There are three characteristics of a good shopper.
- You must love to shop! If you don’t like shopping, asking questions, or interacting with other people, this is not for you.
- You must be able to recall details such as the associates name, events that occurred and condition of the facility.
- You must love paperwork. That is mystery shopping in a nut shell, you must like to shop, assess, and report. The paperwork can varies from a quick and simple Yes or No questionnaire to a 500 page narrative. In order to succeed as a shopper, you must be able to read and follow directions well as well as have exceptional writing and communication skills.
What kind of opportunities are there?
Mystery Shopping is in every industry. In fact, every national chain is mystery shopped at least once a month. Some examples are: gas stations, grocery stores, or oil Changes. Stores in the mall are mystery shopped once a week and fast food restaurants are mystery shopped up to three times a day! Other opportunities include fine dining, cruise ships, day spas, and five star hotels.
How much money can you earn?
Professional shopper can make up to $40,000 a year just for shopping! Part-time or half-time can make from 15 -20 or you can shop as a hobby for who would not want to go out for a fining dining experience and get reimbursed as well as paid for it! Additionally, if you have a relative out of state, you can pick up one shop in their area and it now becomes a business trip. Because it is a business trip, you can take advantage of all the small business tax laws are write off items such as air fare, hotel, or mileage. There is also a section in the book for international opportunities for those who love to travel.
What can I expect to see in the book, Mystery Shopping Made Simple?
In her step-by-step guide, Dr. Ilisha Newhouse—successful mystery shopper and a leading industry authority—tells readers how to:
- Connect with the mystery shopping companies in their areas.
- Prepare letters of intent and establish their own mystery shopping business.
- Create shopping presentations and fill out evaluation forms.
- Inform the reader of all industry related business law.
- Start and operate a small business and complete tax forms.
- Prepare potential shoppers to engage in the KASST, a Mystery Shopper Certification test offered by the National Center for Professional Mystery Shoppers.
The complete tutorial also includes information on:
- History
- Assignment Types
- Getting Started
- Do's and Don'ts
- Organization
- International Opportunities
- Avoiding Scams
- Full Tax Review with detailed instructions on how to fill out the forms
Quick Facts
- The typical Mystery Shopper can net $20,000 part-time or $40,000 full-time per year.
- The Mystery Shopping industry was established in the 1940’s.
- As the economy becomes unstable, this industry thrives for customer service and retention is the main goal of every business organization.
- 750 Mystery Shopping companies are in the U.S and are looking for shoppers in your area.
- Mystery Shoppers are utilized in every industry from auto repairs to new home construction to restaurants and hotels.
How can I get started?
The best way to get started is to spend some time researching the mystery shopping industry. Most of this information can be found on-line at various web sites and forums, or in the book, Mystery Shopping Made Simple.
Additionally, you can check our Mystery Shopping Info page.
***Please note that Newhouse Mobile Services does not employ mystery shoppers***