Have you ever heard another mystery shopper mention an opportunity you never saw on the gig board?

Many shoppers assume the opportunities they see near the end of the month represent everything that was available during that month.

Not necessarily.

Some customer research gigs remain available for weeks. Others may be claimed quickly after they are posted.

Why Are Some of the Best Mystery Shopping Gigs Not Available at Month End?

Why? The most logical answer is because not all customer experience research programs operate the same way.

Different Schedules = Different Opportunities

Some customer experience research clients conduct evaluations:

• monthly
• quarterly
• seasonally
• during special promotions
• after new programs launch

Others may schedule follow-up evaluations several weeks after a previous shop to measure progress and improvement.

As a result, new opportunities can appear throughout the month.

Have You Noticed Some Opportunities Require Planning?

Not every mystery shop can be completed on short notice.

Some assignments require:

• appointments
• travel
• preparation
• detailed observations

These opportunities are often scheduled well in advance and often compensate more.

Experience-Based Shops Can Fill Quickly

Some opportunities naturally attract a great deal of shopper interest.

Dining, entertainment, specialty retail, and other unique experiences may fill quickly after being posted.

By the time a shopper checks the board at the end of the month, those opportunities may already be gone.

The Gig Board Is Always Changing

Mystery shopping opportunities are driven by client needs, not a standard calendar.

New projects launch.

Promotions begin.

Seasonal programs appear.

Follow-up evaluations are scheduled.

That means the opportunities available today may be different from the opportunities available next week.

A Helpful Habit

Most experienced shoppers check available opportunities regularly.

They also check before:

• vacations
• road trips
• visits with family
• business travel

You never know what opportunities may be available where you’re already planning to go – whether across town or off on a trip.

Learn more about travel and customer experience research opportunities in You Can Take Mystery Shopping With You.

Final Thought

The opportunities visible during the last week of the month are often very different from the opportunities that appeared the first week or even mid month.

Checking regularly helps you see a fuller picture of what’s available and gives you more options. Also, occasionally discover opportunities you might otherwise miss.