Becoming a Mystery Shopper with ABa – we do things a little differently
When people search for mystery shopping opportunities, they’re often looking for more than just extra income. They want flexibility, fair pay, support, and to feel valued for the work they do.
At ABa, we recognise that many organisations claim their difference is their people. For us, that belief is genuine. Our Mystery Shoppers – who we proudly refer to as Assessors – are central to our business. Their quality, professionalism and insight underpin everything we deliver for our clients.
That’s why we do things a little differently from the industry ‘norm’.
Mystery Shopping with ABa: Not Just a Name in a Database
Unlike many mystery shopping companies, we don’t see our Mystery Shoppers as names in a system or profiles to be selected at random. We consider our field-team as an extension of the ABa family, and we invest time in building professional relationships. This investment pays dividends.
Our Mystery Shoppers’ dedication, accuracy in reporting and attention to detail directly influence the quality of insight our clients receive. That’s why we focus on building long-term relationships based on trust, support and mutual respect.
How We Do Mystery Shopping Differently
We hand-pick our Mystery Shoppers.
We don’t use a ‘fastest finger first’ approach when allocating mystery shopping assignments. Instead, we carefully select the best fit for each client, drawing on our first-hand knowledge of our team, ensuring the mystery customer is a natural fit within each environment.
We typically choose to use small teams of Mystery Shoppers to complete assessments to multiple sites. Our experience has shown us that this approach drives greater consistency, both in behaviour and evaluation, enables a deeper understanding of client requirements, and delivers higher-quality reporting.
We Invest in Our Mystery Shoppers’ Knowledge and Success
At ABa, we invest time in educating our Mystery Shoppers about:
- Client standards and expectations
- Policies and procedures
- Brand values and culture
This ensures that every mystery shopping report is precise, relevant and actionable, helping clients improve their customer experience in meaningful ways.
Ongoing Support
Mystery shopping can be challenging, especially when working independently in the field. That’s why support is always available.
Every active mystery shopping programme operates with:
- Two dedicated lines of support
- A named point of contact
- An emergency phone line (even at weekends)
Whether a Mystery Shopper needs guidance during a visit or simply wants reassurance, there’s always a friendly voice at the end of the phone. We actively encourage our field team to get in touch.
“One of the benefits of working with ABa is you really feel part of a team… in the 20 years I’ve been associated with ABa I’ve never felt isolated. There is always someone to help with an enquiry and offer reassurance. To ABa, I know I’m not just a name on a list.”
Prompt and Fair Payment You Can Rely On
Paid Quickly:
We’re proud to lead the way in prompt payment. Our standard payment terms are quicker than the industry norm, and we arrange swift reimbursement for any high value purchases.
Paid Fairly:
We believe mystery shopping fees should reflect both time and expenses, not just act as a token gesture. Fair pay is a core part of our social responsibility policy, and despite increasing costs and budget pressures, we continue to strive for fair, competitive fees.
“My go-to mystery shopping company. Fees are better than average, staff are brilliant, briefs are clear, reporting is easy and payment is quick and reliable. Highly recommended.”
Performance Feedback
When an assessment is accepted, it marks the start of a working partnership. Clear expectations are set, and Mystery Shoppers receive:
- Regular feedback
- Tailored support
- Guidance aligned to our Code of Ethics
Many of our Mystery Shoppers consistently go above and beyond, delivering insight that adds value. This approach ensures our clients receive the most detailed and actionable mystery shopping reports in the industry.
Making a Difference Beyond Mystery Shopping
For every assessment completed, a portion of the visit fee is added to our annual charity donation pot. Together, our team helps improve customer experiences while also supporting wider communities.
Social responsibility, ethical operations and fairness are embedded in everything we do. Our ethos isn’t about doing what’s expected - it’s about doing what’s right, caring about people, the environment and making a positive impact.
Interested in Becoming an ABa Mystery Shopper?
If you’re looking to join a mystery shopping company that truly values its Mystery Shoppers, offers genuine support, fair pay and long-term opportunities, ABa is the right fit for you.
To find out more about becoming a Mystery Shopper, please get in touch with ABa using the link below.
