Some estate agents are hiring ''mystery shoppers'' in a bid to evaluate how staff members perform when dealing with customers, it has been reported.

Rachel Hudson, business manager of Mystery Shoppers, a firm which employs people to pose as customers in order to examine the way in which they treat members of the public, told the Daily Telegraph that tests on estate agents and property developers "form a major part of our work".

"For one London agent we are assessing front-of-house, from meeting the public through to seeing houses, and we''re also assessing two competitors on their behalf.

"Our staff walk in, telephone or use websites and judge responses, then ask for viewings or home visits," Ms Hudson added, saying that agents can then provide extra training or speak to staff members in order to address the issues raised by the mystery shopper.

While this can be a useful tool by helping firms see how they are perceived by outsiders, consumers are also being advised to undertake their own mystery shopping in order to see if an agent is doing a good job marketing their property.

Moneysavingsexpert.com, a personal finance website, advises sellers to contact an agency and request details on properties similar to their own to check if the agent promotes the house.