Well, this is a first. Today I was looking through some of the new mystery shopping opportunities listed on the Mystery Shop Forum and I found a very intriguing assignment. It appears that the original payment for this shop began at $25 but is now offering a $10 bonus, so it’s been boosted up to $35. The article continues to state, “If you need a little more, please make me an offer.” Wait, what? This is a first for me, I have never seen a mystery shopping company offer to “name your price” before.
The mystery shopping assignment is for a UTV Sales Shop. If you are like me, you may be wondering, “What exactly is a UTV?” According to MotoSport.com, a UTV stands for “Utility Task Vehicle or Utility Terrain Vehicle.” Apparently, a more common name for this vehicle is a “side by side” meaning that the driver and passenger literally sit beside one other. They are similar to that of an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) but are usually a bit larger with seatbelts for the passengers.
To be eligible for this assignment, shoppers will be required to visit a UTV dealership and pretend to be a customer who is interested in a buying a specific brand and model. The client wants an evaluation regarding the appearance of the dealership and the interaction with the salesperson. Shoppers must be between the ages of 21 and 59 to complete this assignment and there is no test drive or negotiating involved. Click here to find out if there is a shop available in your city.
I have been working for several European mystery shopping companies, doing mystery shops in Europe, and I must say that it is actually a common practice in Eastern Europe.
Regards,
A lot of mystery shopping companies will ask shoppers they already know and trust to make offers. It is a bit unusual to see it just advertised like that to everyone, but not unheard of. The offer is also going to have to be reasonable or they probably won’t even respond.
I completely a UTV shop, they wanted me to ask about specific brand for helmet and jacket along with credit. Don’t forget that the mystery can also be in another company doing research… ie…, McDonald’s could have Shoppers shop a Burger King….. just because we are shopping a certain brand does not necessarily imply it is that Brand doing the mystery shop l. The UTV shop I did left me thinking I did something wrong…. the store did not offer that brand in helmets or jackets….and the only credit was for on the purchase of UTVs. The shop has taught me to always have an open mind and just because things don’t look right doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t.
Maybe the reason they dont get shoppers for that shop is the age restriction I am 70 and look and act 50 work 12 hour day and have ooder friends that ride as well over 65. Lol. One is 85. Lol. I have had seven of thise dhops in my area I could gave done and would have if able but the age limit is rediculus.
I am 64, female, and quite capable of performing this shop. You are correct. The age limit is ridiculous!
Age limits on things like this are discriminatory. I’m 61,I could be looking for something for one of my adult children or grandchildren. It’s time the companies wise up!
Isn’t there any shopper out there who knows how we can get together and file an age discrimination claim against them? I also am in better shape and healthier than most 59 year olds. What are they thinking ?