MSPA – Mystery Shopping Professionals, the Association You’ve Never Heard Of

First things first – MSPA stands for Mystery Shopping Professionals Association.  That’s right. There is an entire professional association dedicated to mystery shopping! 

According to their website, the MSPA is, “Dedicated to delivering high-quality mystery shopping services throughout the world.”  It was founded in 1998 and is an international association. The MSPA supports both member companies and mystery shoppers alike. 

Member companies can be:

1. Service providers – these are the companies that provide mystery shopping services (and contract mystery shoppers)
2. Market research companies
3. Merchandising companies – merchandising is how you see the products displayed in stores
4. Auditing services companies

Overview

The MSPA wants to improve the standards, ethics, and image of the industry. They do this through education and public relations. 

The MSPA global board of directors grants a common platform for the entire organisation.  However, the MSPA operates in three regions under their own individual boards. The three regions are MSPA Americas, MSPA Europe/Africa, and MSPA Asia/Pacific. 

Member companies and mystery shoppers should each register with the MSPA for their local region. That means the region where you live or do your business.

How does the MSPA
support mystery shoppers?

You can register with the MSPA for free. When you register, you get the following:

1. Job boards – available shopping missions are posted online. You’ll see the service provider in the listing.
2. Shopper forums – this is a great way for you to connect with other shoppers. They’ll help you get inside tips.
3. Certification – both a silver and a gold certification are available. You don’t need any certification to be a mystery shopper. But you’ll learn some useful information. Also, many service providers have a place in your profile where you can add your certification number.
4. Search for service providers – this is quite useful for you to find legitimate providers in your area.

Fee caution

Member companies of the MSPA are not allowed to charge mystery shoppers any fees – that is against their code of ethics.  You should never pay to join a service provider. Furthermore, you should not pay to get access to any lists of available shopping missions. 

Service providers have their own job boards. When you register then you can view that board. And that registration should always be free to you.

How does the MSPA
support member companies?

There are different types of companies with membership in the MSPA. You’ll find service providers, market research companies, merchandising companies, and auditing service companies to name a few. 

There are a number of benefits:

1. All member companies are required to accept a code of ethics.  This ensures consistency across all the member companies. It also establishes a minimum industry standard.
2. Every member company is eligible to participate in committees that can help shape the direction of the industry.
3. International networking opportunities are gained through the various committees. And the member companies also get access to an email list service.
4. The MSPA supports their member companies with information regarding regulations and legal and tax issues in addition to providing guidance on best practices.
5. Arguably, one of the most important benefits is the member company listing on the MSPA website. Plus the shop availability postings.

Mutual benefits for
both mystery shoppers and member companies!

The MSPA wants to improve the image of the industry. One of the ways they do this is by providing a platform for connection.

They provide a lot of workshops and webinars. You also have access to networking events and conferences. These are open to both mystery shoppers and member companies. And they can be very useful to help you stay current and adapt as the marketplace unfolds.

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Conclusion

The Mystery Shoppers Professional Association, MSPA, is a step in the right direction. It’s beneficial to anyone considering trying mystery shopping.

Registration can provide you with useful information and access to an active support community.  Not to mention – registration is FREE for mystery shoppers.

Perhaps there’s an MSPA conference in your future!