it is best suited for contexts where there are contact, interaction and exchange between the business and consumers/customers. Experts in the field often refer to their expertise as experience measurement.

Compensation and remuneration, pay-rates

· Like most things in life, it varies and depends!

· Who needs the service

· Where it is done

· Who is retained, needed for the task at hand

· experience level of the mystery shopper

· availability of mystery shoppers in the area

· where and why the tests, activities, observations are done, needed

· travel required

· analysis and follow-up

· data reporting requested and required

· extent and depth of the service needed

Anything from less than minimum wage, to exchange or product/service, discounts, credits and goods/samples for their input, to professional consulting and advisory fees can be quoted, expected.

It is of utmost importance to iron out these PRIOR to the guest shopping experience, assignment and activity itself and preferably in writing. Ensure that you are familiar with the agreement, contract and requirements, (verbal/written), actually studying and understanding what is requested , expected, rates and all terms thereof.

Travel and getting to and from the locations are normally NOT included ensure you read the fine print. Confirm and verify all such details beforehand.

Ask about getting reimbursed and allowed expenses for claims and invoicing, billing purpose and procedures, how you report back and how you will eventually get paid. These might seem like trivia, but they can make or break you in the end.

Meals or overnight stays are typically seen as compensation in exchange for review of a restaurant and/or hotel, resort, casino etc.

Assignments can be quick and easy to do, or involve hours of reporting, analysis and forms to fill out. Be sure to check what is expected PRIOR to agreeing to something and committing your time to such and extensive undertaking.

Some interesting facts about the Mystery Shopper and industry in recent years shed some light on the potential and promise, growth and expansion in this field: (from online sources)

· More than 8.1 million mystery shopping activities were documented in 2004

· Businesss are realizing the competitive advantage and ROI these types of processes and activities can provide for/to them and are effectively embedding it into their normal operations, cycles and company procedures.

· The Mystery shopping industry had an estimated value of nearly $600 million in the United States in 2004

· There is a professional association known as the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA)

· There are sets of professional guidelines and ethics standards for the industry known as ISO 20252

· These types of activities fall under market, opinion and social research and is increasing in popularity in modern-day business

There are also lots of fraud and scams out there luring consumers and businesses into its trappings.