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What is believed to be the UK's first "mystery shopping" franchise has been launched to meet the demand from the growing number of businesses requesting their services. Newly-franchised Shopper Anonymous specialises in giving feedback to clients about customer service in order to help them improve profitability and sustainability. The style of feedback has been a proven success to hundreds of organisations.

Mystery shopping uncovers many positive and negative elements behind a business. It goes much deeper than reporting on customer service - it reveals the truth about a company's operations and gets to the heart of many issues that otherwise would be lost.

Many different types of organisations and businesses use the service and demand is high. Existing clients of Shopper Anonymous range from solicitors, supermarkets, coffee shops, bakeries, security companies, opticians, whole towns and cities, hardware stores, hotels, restaurants, adventure parks, tourist attractions, music stores, pharmacies and numerous website businesses.

"We help good businesses become great businesses," explains Jonathan Winchester, managing director of Shopper Anonymous. "Companies that employ mystery shopping services ultimately make more money because they understand what they need to do to satisfy their customers."

Shopper Anonymous originally started in Australia and New Zealand in 1997 and came to the UK in 2005. At a time when the media is reporting a downturn in the economic climate, consumer opinions and spending patterns are shifting. Companies that underperform in terms of customer care will not be tolerated, say experts. They argue that companies that understand their customers and pay attention to what their shopping experience offers will rise above the competition.

Shopper Anonymous franchisees will be providing a tailored service that empowers the client to make informed strategic decisions to improve their business. A detailed and customised analysis of customer service gets to the root cause of what changes need to be made in order for that business to become more successful.

The franchise fee for Shopper Anonymous is £35,000, which includes all training, the operations manual and access to all systems. In addition, a small team of support staff will support new franchisees in the areas of system training, marketing launch and operations.

The franchise suits individuals who are keen to own their business in a developing market that is estimated to be worth £25 million in the UK and rising rapidly year on year.

"Our turnover has increased by around 300% in the last three years, showing a consistent increase in demand. Customer service has become more of an issue in recent years and those that invest in customer service will see the return," says Mr Winchester.

A recent focus group report identified that 75% of Shopper Anonymous clients recorded an increase in turnover after employing mystery shopping services.

"We will initially be looking to fill the 25 key locations throughout the UK that present huge opportunities for our business," comments Mr Winchester. Franchisees will be able to benefit from the experience of the Shopper Anonymous team in identifying excellent potential geographical locations for mystery shopping.

Anyone wanting a prospectus should email franchise@shopperanonymous.co.uk or call 01424 858230.

Classification: Business services
Investment level: £35,000
Website: www.shopperanonymous.co.uk
Email: franchise@shopperanonymous.co.uk
Phone: 01424 858230