Mystery shopping is mostly rewarding. Sometimes a small detail of an assignment can be challenging or tricky. Most assignments have specific guidelines for each location. It may be useful to keep these ideas in mind when you just can't think of any thing to ask or say.

Customer Service Shops: Questions to ask when you need to provide feedback on the courtesy of the customer service employee.

1. Do you sell stamps?
2. Where is your restroom?
3. What time do you close?
4. Do you carry a store circular?
5. Do you sell gift certificates?
6. Where is your ________ department?
7. What are your pharmacy hours?
8. Where can I find ________?
9. I need to purchase something for a child, can you help me?
10. Is this item on sale?

1. Call from your cell phone outside the store and see who answers the phone.
2. Charge your item (if the assignment allows it) since the name of the employee will be on the receipt. This is great for bar shops when the bartender does not give a name.
3. "You look familiar. Do you attend _______ church?"
4. Ask a co-worker for an employee name.
5. "Can I get your name in case I need anything?"
6. "You've been really helpful. What is your name?"

If you can't discreetly write any times on a note card, try carrying a digital recorder in your cell phone case. You can look at your guest while you are actually recording descriptions and serving times.

It is also useful to call the "pretend sitter" on your answering machine. You can leave messages to yourself during the meal. A Palm Pilot or text messaging device can also be useful. Some shoppers actually carry more than one stop watch and can track the arrival times that way.

When a shopper is writing a check at the grocery store, all the data can be written on your check before you enter the store. You can jot notes in your checkbook recorder about the register employees. All you have to do is sign your check and list the amount.

Being creative is useful while mystery shopping. It is practical to think about any of the shop details ahead of time. Being prepared will help during the assignment.