Once you’ve submitted your mystery shop report, it doesn’t just disappear into the void—oh no. It heads straight to our expert Quality Control team, who give it a thorough once‑over to make sure everything is accurate, complete, and client‑ready.

With years of experience under their belts, they’ve put together a handy checklist to help you nail your report before you submit it. Follow these steps and you’ll save time, avoid rewrites, and boost your all‑important Shopper STARS rating.

Before You Start the Mystery Shop

Make sure you’ve:

• Read the instructions carefully—they must be followed exactly, or the shop may need to be reassigned.
• Read the questionnaire so you know what to look for (and what not to reveal!).
• Created your shopper identity and backstory—don’t reuse details from any previous visit to the same brand. Many brands use linked systems.
• Checked which days/times each part of the shop can be done.

The Phone Call Check – Can You Say “Yes” to All of These?

• You’ve listened to your full call recording at least once.
• Your yes/no answers are exactly correct based on the recording.
• Your call comments are clear, complete, and perfectly matched to your yes/no responses.

 The Survey – Can You Confirm All of These?

• The date and time at the top match your actual visit (if required).
• Staff descriptions use physical attributes only—hair, height, glasses, tattoos, etc.
  • No comments about personality, clothing, race, skin colour, weight, or anything that could be upsetting or subjective.
• All required attachments are included and correct.
• You’ve waited the required time for responses or follow‑up calls.
• Staff are referred to by the correct names (unless instructed otherwise).

 Comments Sections – Are All These True?

✔ Content & Clarity

• You’ve written plenty of useful detail, above the minimum character/line requirement.
• Spelling is correct (spellcheck is your friend!).
• Grammar is correct—proper sentences, capital letters, full stops.
• All “no” answers that need explaining are explained.
• Comments stay strictly relevant to the section you’re writing about.

❌ You Have NOT:

• Used abbreviations like “info”.
• Missed little words such as I, the, or a.
• Written “i” instead of “I” when referring to yourself.
• Mentioned other centres, brands, or past shops.
• Repeated yourself unnecessarily.
• Rewritten the yes/no questions in the comments.
• Commented on things staff can’t change (gym size, décor, layout).
• Told the client things they already know (centre layout, standard features, etc.).

✔ Each comments box includes:

• What happened, where it happened, and who you interacted with.
• What was good and what could be improved.
• Any ideas you have for improvements.
• Justification for any “no” answers.
• How you were treated and how it made you feel as a customer.

 Why All This Matters

Yes, it’s a lot—but following the checklist ensures your report is clear, fair, and client‑ready the first time.

Doing so helps you:

• Get paid promptly
• Maintain or improve your Shopper STARS rating
• Increase your chances of getting the assignments you want in the future

A little extra care = a smoother experience for everyone.