Mystery Shopping Versus Merchandising

Merchandising jobs are closely related to mystery shopping jobs. Merchandising is steady, well paid work whereas the shopper jobs are often lower in pay and become available less frequently. Merchandising is not as exciting as mystery shopping jobs, but the work is consistent.

Basically, merchandisers are responsible for maintaining the products a manufacturer is selling in a particular store or area. The products need to be presented in the best possible way to produce more sales. This way, the store selling the product for the manufacturer is able to sell more without having to hire its own sales people to keep the displays looking good. The merchandiser is responsible for straightening displays and setting up related products nearby, taking inventory and restocking shelves, reordering and product recalls. They will assemble promotional displays and coupon displays, as well as demonstrate the product. They will set up any marketing material such as banners and brochures. 

On the other hand, companies offering mystery shopping jobs hire someone to anonymously evaluate products, report on services and observe employee performances. The independent contracted shopper acts as a customer. They speak with employees, purchase products and sometimes make returns. They are responsible for reporting their observations related to their visit on an evaluation form.

Merchandising jobs are found in most retail stores representing industries such as home and garden items, toys, electronics, groceries, auto parts, and more. Mystery shopping jobs deal with any public business such as stores, restaurants and banks. They visit hair and nail salons, apartment complexes and gas stations as well as movie theaters, amusement parks and auto dealers. The shopper is paid to get haircuts, eat dinner, stop at the bank and watch a movie.

The pay between merchandising jobs and mystery shopping jobs vary. Merchandising pays around 9 dollars to 20 dollars an hour and is a high demand service. This means you can work as often as you like and basically on your own schedule. The work is not physically or mentally difficult making it ideal for all ages and situations. Assignments last between one to three hours from beginning to finish, although the complexity of the display requirements may take longer. You are being paid hourly for the work.

Mystery jobs are often done in your spare time and pay anywhere from 10 dollars up to 50 or 100 dollars or more, depending on the time and difficulty involved. Pay includes any reimbursement of purchases. Working in their spare time, someone can earn 100 dollars or more a month while a full time consistent shopper can earn over forty thousand dollars a year. The full time shopper will have to balance assignments that have different requirements, due dates and reporting styles. The shopper needs to be organized and very systematic. 

To be a shopper you can be any adult aged female or male, employed, unemployed, self employed or full time home maker or retiree. You should be observant and reliable with good communication skills and the ability to follow directions. No degree is required but experience in customer service is helpful. 

Merchandising jobs tend to be physical with less paperwork and very little evaluation. Mystery buyers spend a lot of time filling out the necessary reports and questionnaires.

The difference between merchandising jobs or a mystery shopping jobs are minimal. The similarities of the merchandiser and the shopper include visiting retail establishments to check on products and services while the differences are mainly in the pay and consistency. Secrecy shopping and merchandising can be combined to create an ideal balance of assignments to give you the maximum amount of work and experience.

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Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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