The MSPA (Mystery Shopping Providers Association) commissioned a study in 2005 to quantify the mystery shopping market. The study conservatively estimated the U.S mystery shopping industry at $600 million and growing (The MSPA now estimates the number to be closer to 800 million), with mystery shopping companies growing at an estimated 11.1% between 2004 and 2005

The estimated total number of mystery shops conducted in 2004 was 8.1 million, with an estimated median growth in the number of shops per company of 12.2%. Further the five largest segments, based on percentage of total market size, were:

-Restaurant – 21.5 % (Fast Food – 14%; Casual/Fine Dining – 7.5%)
-Retail – 16.8%
-Banking/Financial – 14.2%
-Gas Station/Convenience Store – 11.8%
-Grocery – 9.1%

Tags: customer experience, icc/decision services, mspa, mystery shopping, secret shopper

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