THE OFFICIAL
MYSTERY SHOPPER


What's a product test?



Most of all newly-launched products fail in the first few months they're on the market. Companies can reduce the failure-rate of new products or improve existing products by asking my opinion. In product tests, relevant aspects to do with perception, use and acceptance of a product are tested. To do this, the product is introduced to representatives of desired target groups for use or consumption. If I match your criteria, please contact me.


  • Product tests can be used in various areas:
  • fitness for purpose of technical products
  • tasting foods
  • using consumer goods design-
  • tests of products and their packaging and many others


How do product-tests work?



Products to be tested are usually presented to a test-group that is as similar to the target group as possible. This is why I will initially receive a brief questionnaire to find out whether I belong to the group of people in question. Usually, tests are carried out in focus groups to see what this target group might look like. If I fit a target group and have been selected for the product-test, the remaining procedure will depend considerably on how the test is designed.



Product-test as an online survey



In many cases, a test can even take place online. The product may not be physically available but functions may be demonstrated - for example in videos - which are then evaluated. Another example of use might be a website test.



Product test in a focus group



Six to ten people representing the desired target group and guided by a professional moderator discuss the product or various products (e.g. competing products). Focus groups can be held either in person at a given location or they are carried out entirely online, e.g. in a special forum.



In-depth product interviews



In an in-depth interview I will give detailed views of my ideas or experiences with the product in question. The researchers can gain understanding of my motives or use-habits. Again there are various methods by which this is carried out – either in person or via telephone.



In-home product-testing



For this kind of test, the product is either sent to my home or - visited by researchers at my home so you are able to test the product where you would actually use it. The products might range from cat-food to electrical equipment or anything else.



What sorts of product-tests are there?



Product-tests may be carried out not only in variously different ways but may also cover various different products. To give you an idea of what to expect, here are a few examples:


  • I can be sent samples of various different perfumes without knowing which brand or fragrance they are. I may use one sample every day. I then write down what I thought of each fragrance and how I felt on that day.
  • Researchers visit my home with a smart TV. They want to find out how I learn how to operate it and which functions I would and would not use.
  • Researchers working on a new type of car join me on a test-drive in order to understand in which situations I would use various kinds of equipment or my mobile telephone.

and much much more.





THE OFFICIAL MYSTERY SHOPPER



theofficialmysteryshopper@gmail.com | Phone: +65 92742794