What will I have to do as a Counter Intelligence Agent?

Here's a summary of what would happen:

•  you fill in a few questions about yourself via an online questionnaire

•  we advise you when store visits are available in your area

•  you visit our website and choose the store and date most convenient for you

•  we email you briefing notes once you've booked your slot

•  you visit the store of your choice, make a purchase and keep your receipt

•  you fill in an online questionnaire on the service you experienced (including time/date information shown on your till receipt)

•  we send you £ 10  in cash.

How do I register?

Click here or type in www.counterintelligenceaba.co.uk/matalan/ and fill in the required details.

Will my identity be known?

No, and this is vital as staff might react to you differently if they knew you were taking part in research on them – and it is fundamental that we discover what real customers experience on a daily basis.

What makes a good Counter Intelligence Agent?

•  Ensuring the visit takes place at the right store on the agreed date

•  An eye for detail – remembering everything you see and experience in the store

•  Providing us with as much detail as you can on your online questionnaire

•  Submitting your report within 24 hours of your visit

•  Keeping the real purpose of your visit secret at all times

How do I get paid?

Once your questionnaire has been received and checked, we will post you your incentive to the address you filled in when registering.

How much will I get paid?

You will receive £ 10  in cash.

Will I get travel expenses?

Sorry, no. Because you will be able to go to a local store at a time convenient to you, the intention is that you include this visit in a typical trip to that area.

How do I arrange when and where to visit?

Firstly, you need to go to www.counterintelligenceaba.co.uk/matalan/ and register your interest in becoming a Counter Intelligence Agent. Once you've done that you'll be emailed a username and password. There will also be a link on this email that will take you directly to the Counter Intelligence Booking Site, where you will be able to choose the store and date most convenient for you.

What is entailed in a visit?

If you agree to take part you will be emailed full briefing notes on what you need to do but, in summary, it will involve the following:

•  visit the store you have chosen

•  go through a ‘typical' shopping trip where you browse around the store, ask questions of the staff, try something on and then buy it

•  ensure the real purpose behind your visit remains secret

•  complete an online questionnaire within 24 hours of your visit so that what you have experienced is fresh in your mind

Why do I have to make a purchase during the visit?

We have found that we get a much more realistic and detailed picture of what a store's service is like if our Agents make an actual purchase. Obviously this brings you in to contact with staff and produces feedback on a part of service that all retailers are keen to get right.

What if I don't want my purchase?

It will be entirely up to you whether you keep the item you buy as part of your shopping trip. If you don't want it you will be free to return it, unused, within 28 days of the purchase date. You must, however, keep it until after you complete your questionnaire as there is information on the receipt you will need to tell us about.

Will my details be passed on to anyone else?

No. It is against the Data Protection Act for us to pass on personal information to anyone else. Your details will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Can I take part more than once?

We will keep your details on file and update you should any further availability arise.

How will I report back after my visit?

You will need to log-on to the www.counterintelligenceaba.co.uk/matalan/agent/login.asp using your username and password, and fill in the online questionnaire.

How soon do I need to report back?

So that the information is still fresh in your mind you must fill in the online questionnaire within 24 hours of your visit. We regret to say that failure to meet this deadline will mean you do not receive your  £ 10  in cash.

How long does it all take?

We estimate that the shopping visit will last 20 minutes and that the online questionnaire will also take no longer than twenty minutes to complete. Therefore, a total of 40 minutes is all that's needed!

What if I run into problems filling in my online questionnaire?

If you have any technical problems or cannot get to fill in your feedback within the designated times then please give us a call on 01727 798387 and we will help you from there.

What if I have to postpone my visit?

You must let us know as soon as possible so that we can rearrange another time convenient for you. We regret to say that if you miss your slot without telling us in advance you will not receive your £ 10  in cash.

Will the store be expecting my visit?

No, head office management will be aware of the dates but no-one in the store itself will know when you are visiting. The reason for specifying a date is purely so we can monitor that the shops actually take place.

What happens if I'm challenged by staff?

This is highly unlikely. Even if staff were to guess you were assessing the levels of service in-store, you would probably find they would ‘go the extra mile' to ensure you receive good service. If, however, you are directly challenged by a member of staff just remember that you are an actual customer and continue about your visit as normal. If you pass this back to us on your questionnaire, you will still be eligible for your £ 10  in cash.

Contact us

If you have any other questions, or if anything is unclear, then please call us warren (warren@abaresearch.co.uk) or phone on 01727 798376.