So you want to be a Mystery Shopper?

Hello, and thanks for your interest in Onswitch and our Mystery Shopping programme.

If you haven’t done this before, you may have some questions, so this page is designed to give you all the information you might need.

Who are Onswitch?

Onswitch is a small (but perfectly formed) market research and business consultancy - the leading provider of data concerning the animal health market in the UK. We strongly believe that excellent customer care should be at the heart of every successful business and we’ve spent many years and countless conversations showing everyone else that too.

We take our responsibilities as a research organisation seriously; treating our clients and their staff, as well as our mystery shoppers, with respect and without prejudice. We are members of the Market Research Society and the Mystery Shopping Providers Association and we adhere to their principles and their codes of conduct.

What is Mystery Shopping?

Quite simply, it’s just the process of collecting information that allows us to draw an accurate picture of customer care at a business (usually a vet practice or a pet store). If the staff know we are looking at their behaviour and attitude, they aim to impress. This is great, but it’s not what a real customer sees. That’s where the mystery shoppers come in.

What will I have to do?

Basically you will be visiting a business armed with a scenario to tell the receptionist (my dog has fleas, what do you recommend? I’m taking on my friend’s cat, what do I need? etc). You will carry out the conversation as a ‘real’ client and then record your observations and thoughts afterwards on a special feedback form.

How long will it take?

Each visit generally takes around 10 minutes, depending on the helpfulness of the employee you speak to! You will be allocated a business(es) in your area to keep any travel time to a minimum, and then filling out the form should take another 5-10 minutes.

How much do I get paid?

We usually pay £10 per visit, plus any mileage expenses. If we ask you to undertake any additional activity, this would be paid dependent on the time or effort involved.

What happens to the information?

All the data you collect is anonymous – none of our clients ever knows who provided the feedback. The information is then used to give our clients a snapshot of the level of customer care in their business, providing a valuable insight for them that is impossible to replicate any other way.

Please be assured that your details are never divulged to any third parties, your contact details stay on our database and don’t go anywhere else.

OK, I’m in. How do I sign up as a Mystery Shopper?

Please click here to enter your details online or click here to open an enrolment form for you to fill in and become one of our mystery shoppers, simply fill it in and return to the Freepost address below. When we have any work in your area, we’ll be in touch.

If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to contact me on 01992 531789 or click here to email Onswitch

Thanks again for your interest, and I look forward to working with you in the future.

Freepost,RSAS-EBKS-GRAS,Onswitch Ltd,Closes Croft,Kirkcowan,Newton Stewart,DG8 0EL