Being a great secret shopper is simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Secret shopping is a business, and successful secret shoppers are professionals who take their jobs seriously. The tips in this article will make you a great secret shopper and help you land more and better secret shopper jobs.

Doing these seven things will make you a better and more successful secret shopper.

1. Make a great app. The information on the application will be everything the mystery shopping company knows about you. The more they know, the easier it will be to match you with the appropriate mystery shopper jobs. Answer all questions completely and honestly. Provide a good writing sample with proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation so they can see that you have the necessary writing skills.

2. Be reliable. Up to 25% of secret shopper jobs accepted by buyers are not completed and must be reassigned. This creates a lot of work for companies, as those jobs still have to be done, often at the last minute. If you take an assignment, do it on or before the due date.

3. Hone your writing skills. You don’t have to be a great writer to be a great secret shopper, but you do need strong writing skills. If you think your grammar and writing may not be up to scratch, take a business writing class at your local community college or keep a couple of good reference books handy to check your writing.

4. Communicate. Don’t hesitate to contact the mystery shopping company when you have questions about an assigned store, or if something goes wrong before, during, or after your purchase. This is important. Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t understand something or if you made a mistake. When you have a question or problem, let the mystery shopping company know right away. They will appreciate it.

5. Read and follow store guidelines. The guidelines describe exactly what the client wants you to assess. If you don’t follow the guidelines, your store may not be accepted and you will not be paid.

6. Complete the store and report on time. When you are offered a mystery shopper job, you will know when it needs to be completed. There can be a variety of days and times, or it can be very specific. In any case, put it on your calendar so you remember to do it before the deadline. Then make your report as soon as possible after your visit to the store – the customer needs the information while it’s still fresh.

7. Be a professional. All the tips in this article are about doing the best you can for your secret shopping customers. Mystery shopping companies have told me that only about 10% of their buyers are great buyers, people who know they will always do their jobs reliably and correctly. Make it your goal to be one of the 10%. It’s not always easy, but it’s simple.