Thursday, September 13, 2012

How to Mystery Shop a Blogger


I imagine you are wondering why anyone would need to "Mystery shop" a blogger. Well it happens. I am a finalist for the 'New Business of the Year' and one of the final stages is being Mystery shopped.
Yes, I drew this awesome picture. Feel free to use the image.
So, I have been waiting for the 'shopper'. I have had a few mistaken identities. That's cool. I thought it was done and dusted and I was impressed with how the company 'Mystery shopped' me. Until I received a call that went a little like this:

(Star Wars ring tone, ringing, ringing.....) 

Me:  Hello
AMS: (alleged mystery shopper): What are your open hours?
Me: Hi, well this is Rachel from Redcliffe Style, I am a blogger so my hours are varied. I seem to be open all the time
AMS: You are a blogger..um.....what do you write about?
Me: blah, blah, awesome stuff, blah, blah, me, me, beauty, fashion, reviews of products, restaurants etc life, me, me and me,
AMS: Are you objective in your reviews?
Me: Yes but kind.
AMS: Ok, thank you
Me: Err, can I help you with anything?
AMS: Not today. Good bye
Me: Ok, bye

I wonderer if this was my Mystery Shopper? It kinda lacked some mystery. Maybe it really was a genuine person but they were looking for a subjective blogger?

Anyhoo, If you are a mystery shopper and would like some tips on how to shop a blogger, here are a few suggestions:
1. First, try to give the blog a quick read
2. Maybe ask them how they would feel about reviewing a certain product
3. You could talk about advertising on the blog
4. You could comment on the blog and/or email them about something they have written asking for more info?

I have a heap of other suggestions too. If you are a mystery shopper trying to shop me, you can email me and ask :)


PS: Please note, as usual this is all written lightheartedly. 
PSS: I have actually been a mystery shopper and members of my family have been mystery shoppers. I get it :).
PSSS: Nasty anonymous comments will be deleted. Please comment under your own name.

50 comments:

  1. Oh I can imagine the report she had to fill in, and her gazing at it blankly, wondering where to start!

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    1. Yes!! I imagine they were very confused. Especially since they didn't know what I do. Rx

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  2. That is hilarious! Reading the title I was wondering how on earth a blogger could be mystery shopped ;)

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  3. it sounds even funnier when you write it! I hope they're reading, so have tips for next year

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  4. you must be awesome.
    take it as a compliment ;o)
    Tania xx

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  5. I just pinned that image its so awesome....I didn't really don't go and look for it.
    I think your Mystery Shopper took the Mystery part all wrong.
    I think you should pop your open hours on your blog....Imagine

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    1. LOL.

      I bet you really did pin it. I am going to call your bluff and go and check it out. I am quite a talented artist. Rachel x

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  6. Too funny!

    But it goes to show that the business awards really need to get with the times ...

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    1. I know! That's what I was thinking. Surely I can't be the first blogger in this position. There will be a lot more soon. Rachel x

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  7. Now that is funny. Agree with Footprints Australia, they really do need to get with the times.
    Have never really considered opening hours for my blog? Must remember to sit down and have a chat with myself about annual leave, sick leave and terms of my long service leave!

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    1. Yes you really should. Maybe shoot a copy of the minutes of that meeting to me, so I'll know what to discuss at my next partners meeting.

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  8. Haha Carly's comment! Sick leave and annual leave! Mystery shoppers on a blog that's so weird!

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    1. Haha. It is weird. I hope they were less confused when they hopped off the phone.

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  9. R,

    You are more artistic then you think, the image is going to go viral.

    Let us know if you get any further emails from the 'Mystery Shopper'

    Lou xx

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    1. I think it will go viral because that's how I roll.

      I'll let you know if I hear from them. They'll probably sign off 'Thanks Mystery Shopper'

      Rxx

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  10. Good luck in the awards, you deserve to win! Also, I love the new blog look!! LOVE!
    XX

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    1. Thanks, I am happy that it matches the facebook page now. Rx

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  11. this is crazy funny. But it happens. :D

    Someone even assumed that I own an online store. If s/he'd read my blog she'd know that I don't sell products, I only talk about them.

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    1. Someone once asked me if I would like my collection to be reviewed. Umm, huh?

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  12. Opening hours? How on earth do you answer that? My brain goes non stop seeing potential blog posts in EVERYTHING!

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    1. Yes, my hours are 24/7 but the receptionist only answers the phone between 9 - 2.30pm Mon to Fri unless there is a sick kid at home :)

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  13. Haha! How funny!

    All the best with the award!

    AND - I have not been on line much this past two weeks - so can I say that your blog is looking FABULOUS! I LOVE it!

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    1. Thanks B. Thank you. I have been wanting to match it up to my facebook page for a long time but hadn't been able to make it work. I am happy with the clean look. Thank you, Rxx

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  14. Mystery shoppers really are not that obvious.. If you were Mystery shopped, you would have no idea....

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    1. Thank Anonymous, I hope you are right :) Have a great day. Rx

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  15. Crazy Rach! I was nominated recently for a business award - I then saw that they'd be visiting my office as part of it - which as you know is my lounge room! I politely declined!

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  20. Wow Annon you have nothing better to do on a Saturday morning but harrass Rachel . She was doing what she was nominated for .... Blogging . We love reading her blogs they are fun , lighthearted and real . Keep up the great work Rach :) love T x

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    1. Thanks T, I love your support. I was a little surprised by the anon comments but this happens. My regular readers know that I am always lighthearted but kind. I'll continue to remain true to the blog and treat everyone with with kindness.

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  21. Hey Rachel,

    Don't stress about the negative anons, we know you Blog about everything, so a funny experience from the mystery shopper is something you would definitely be writing about.

    All your votes were very well deserved, you've given people from all over the place great entertainment, lots of laughs, wonderful advice and recommendations as well as promoting our lovely Redcliffe and it's businesses. I'm absolutely sure the judges would be looking at much more than one light hearted entertaining Blog post.

    ~ Jodi x

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    1. Thanks Jodi, I really appreciate your comments. My regular readers know that I make light of everything but I always try to do it in a kind way. I would prefer not to offend anyone but if people want to be offended it's easy to find something offensive in anything. Rachel x

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  22. "Objective but kind" - love it!
    Congrats on being a finalist! Fingers crossed for the big one! :) x

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  23. Haha, so funny!! I think they may have failed with the important 'mystery' part!

    I semi-regularly do mystery shopping jobs and sometimes they want us to get so much information from limited time and restricted situations. I've never had to mystery shop a Blogger yet, so at least I will know what to do if that situation ever arises. Thanks for the tips!

    Jo

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    1. Thanks Jo, I am glad I could help out. Have a great day! R xx

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  24. Mystery shopper should have mysterious behavior, they don’t explicit everything transparent. Your conversation was really funny also you have pointed out some tips for mystery shopper. Those are really good.

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