If you’ve ever applied for a mystery shop and wondered, “Why didn’t I get it?” — you’re not alone.
Our Fieldwork Managers receive thousands of applications every month, and many shoppers are interested in the same assignments.

Below is a clear guide on how the allocation process works and how you can increase your chances of being selected.


Why You Might Not Get Every Shop

We know it can be disappointing when an assignment you want goes to another shopper. Here are the key reasons why this happens:

1. High Competition

Every assignment gets multiple applications. If we don’t yet know your reporting quality or reliability, your application sits among many others. Not being chosen doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong; it simply reflects the number of applicants.

2. Quality Counts

Strong, detailed, accurate reports help us understand who can be relied upon. Shoppers who consistently deliver quality tend to be allocated more frequently and move up through the shopper tiers faster.

If you’re new, don’t worry — you can build a strong track record quickly with a few well-completed assignments.

3. Helping With Less-Popular Assignments Makes a Difference

Some shops are extremely popular. Others are a little harder to fill.
If you’re willing to take on less-desirable or more challenging assignments, you become far more visible to our team. This often leads to increased opportunities going forward.

Flexibility is a real advantage.


The first step is to find an assignment that you would like to do. So head to the 'Assignment Board' in the menu on the left-hand side of the screen. Click on 'View Assginment', like below.



From here you will be able to see the instructions that you will need to follow in order to complete the assignment. Please give these a good read through. When you are happy, on the right-hand side you will see two fields that need to be filled out. 


Please select the date that you plan to make the visit.



Followed by adding some information about why you would be a good fit for the opportunity.






Avoid writing something brief like “I can do this” — it doesn’t help us understand whether you’re the best person for the job.

A strong application might include:

  • A short summary of what the brief requires (showing you’ve read it)

  • Confirmation that the date you’ve selected is suitable

  • Any relevant previous experience

  • Anything specific you can offer (e.g., local knowledge, availability, prior similar visits)


A well-written note helps us feel confident that you’ve understood the assignment.


Use this box for special requests too. For example, if you are able to do the shop only if you are being allocated another shop that is nearby, please let us know as that would help us in our allocation. Likewise, if you would like a phone call from the Fieldwork Manager before you start the shop, type it in here. We are more than happy to give you a call to ensure you understand every aspect of the mystery shop.


In Summary

Not being allocated a mystery shop is usually due to the number of shoppers applying, not a reflection on you personally. With thoughtful applications, consistent quality, and flexibility, you’ll increase your visibility and improve your chances of being selected more often. Just remember this simple tips and hopefully you will see your chances increase dramatically!


  • Submit clear, complete, quality reports.

  • Stay active — frequent assignments build trust quickly.

  • Help with less-popular or urgent shops whenever you can.

  • Show your understanding of the brief in your application note.

  • Be reliable with deadlines and communication.



Have you read the ARTICLE - How to Become a Platinum Shopper.
Click here to check it out: ARTICLE - How to be a Platinum Shopper



You can also view other more top tips, FAQs and how-to guides in our Shopper Academy.

Log in to your Open Opportunities page here to view available mystery shop assignments near you.


If, after viewing the Shopper Academy you still need support please contact your Regional Fieldowrk Manager at shopper@proinsight.org or call 0203 0954954. We'd also love to know if this article was helpful or could do with some work so please do use the thumbs up/down buttons below!


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