1. Forums
  2. Mystery Shopping Discussion

What do the "downstocking" job involve?

January 18, 2026 10:09PM
I am seeing some downstocking jobs posted that do indeed pay more than a standard mystery shop. However, I am not quite sure what this involves. I am interested in trying one to understand. But, I have the feeling this may involve significantly more time and energy than most jobs. My thought is this may involve scanning customer returns and/or re-inventory of product. So, in a way a temporary worker at the store hosting this job. Certainly a reveal shop and not a mystery shop. Can anyone shed some light on what this type of downstocking job involves? What are your experiences? Any recommendations?
Reply
Log In
x

Create an Account or Log In

Membership is free. Simply choose your username, type in your email address, and choose a password. You immediately get full access to the forum.

Already a member? Log In.

January 20, 2026 09:16PM
I haven't done one, but basically downstocking is taking inventory from the back to replace what has been picked from the shelves. So you'd be moving product and needing to be very specific on what you take, how it's positioned, and your record keeping.

Best Buy is one client I frequently see these jobs for. And a web search indicated to me that downstocking is a core part of their employee training. So I'm left wondering why this is run as an ad-hoc for a shopper. Quality control? Or just outsourcing an unwanted task?
Reply
January 20, 2026 09:58PM
Yeah I have same questions. Why involve an independent contractor for something an employee should do? Also...the job may be significantly more involved which is difficulting holding a regular job. I am curious about these type of jobs but also concerned on time requirement.
Reply
January 22, 2026 01:19PM
Is this at a dollar store like Family Dollar or Dollar General?

If so, they keep their own staffing low, say 2 employees per shift, and then certain brands will have merchandisers go in to handle stocking. I used to see Purina Cat/Dog food from one of the merchandiser apps at those stores, and pay was like a whole $8 or something to haul around heavy boxes of wet food or large bags of dry food. Hard pass.
Reply
January 22, 2026 01:19PM
@Amarsir wrote:

I haven't done one, but basically downstocking is taking inventory from the back to replace what has been picked from the shelves. So you'd be moving product and needing to be very specific on what you take, how it's positioned, and your record keeping.

Best Buy is one client I frequently see these jobs for. And a web search indicated to me that downstocking is a core part of their employee training. So I'm left wondering why this is run as an ad-hoc for a shopper. Quality control? Or just outsourcing an unwanted task?

^^I'd bet on outsourcing an unwanted task.
Reply
January 22, 2026 02:10PM
It's the Best Buy audit shops... somewhere in the description it says something about downstocking... I've never been interested in these so haven't paid that much attention.


@joanna81 wrote:

Is this at a dollar store like Family Dollar or Dollar General?

If so, they keep their own staffing low, say 2 employees per shift, and then certain brands will have merchandisers go in to handle stocking. I used to see Purina Cat/Dog food from one of the merchandiser apps at those stores, and pay was like a whole $8 or something to haul around heavy boxes of wet food or large bags of dry food. Hard pass.
Reply
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

Click here to login