Amusement parks are one of the lowest paying shops when you consider them on an hourly basis. Often, you’ll be paying to shop them. That said, they’re also probably the most fun! Yes, you’re working. Yes, you’re making observations. But you’re not doing that every minute of the time you’re there. We have visited over a dozen different amusement parks, zoos, aquariums, sporting events, and other amusement venues as mystery shops. It’s a chance to do things we would normally have difficulty fitting into our budget.
Every company and every client is different, but here are some basics that are common to most shops.
- Parking lot evaluation. You’ll take note of how clean the lot is, how easy it is to find, and whether the signs are clear. Other things might be whether or not the handicapped spaces are clearly marked with good paint, whether there are potholes, and how the parking attendant handles your money.
- Ticket booth. Are the windows free of fingerprints? Are the lines long? Is the booth attendant pleasant, and does he handle your transaction quickly and correctly?
- Gate guard. One of the shops has required us to try to go through with one less ticket than the number of our party, keeping the other ticket in my pocket unless it’s asked for. I was uncomfortable the first time; now I see it as an extra bonus. LOL. I wouldn’t ever do it normally, but they’re trying to see how on the ball the ticket taker is. I’m sorry to say that fully half the time, they don’t ask and don’t notice.
- Security. Does there seem to be adequate security in the venue? Are they easy to identify? How do they handle the traffic when the park is closing? What about emergencies? Once I was required to get medical attention, and wondered how in the world I would do this. I suppose I could’ve just asked for an aspirin. It so happened that my youngest cut her foot open (minor), and I was able to give them a great play-by-play.
- Rides. Do the ride operators check each seatbelt? Do they give clear instructions? All your observations of the day are important, but this may be the one that is most financially valuable to the company. Why? If an accident happens, and a plaintiff charges that her seatbelt was not properly fastened, yet the past twenty mystery shops say that the ride operator checked every belt and harness, who is likely to prevail?
- Food venues. You’ll be checking to see that they make the correct change, and might be required to be a dollar short. Also, is your food the appropriate temperature?
- Games. Though you’re not usually required to play, you need to observe the gaming areas. This is actually fun. Some of the hawkers have real talent in stand up comedy!
It sounds like a lot. It’s really not because you’re spreading it out for hours and hours. I bring a notepad (sealed in a plastic baggie if it’s a waterpark) and a digital voice recorder. The written notes are a backup. It can take between one and three hours to fill out the report, depending upon the company.
Three of the companies that shop amusement venues are:
Amusement Advantage
Shoppers Critique
Spies in Disguise