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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mystery Shopping?
The concept of mystery shopping is simple. The evaluator (you) is hired to play the role of their customer and report back on the experience. Most shops would require you to log into a website to fill out the report and pay via PayPal/Venmo, but some do send paper checks or offer direct deposit.
Why Would a Company Pay Me to Shop?
Businesses hire Mystery Shopping Providers (MSPs) to evaluate their employees and business practices. The MSPs hire people like you to play the role of a normal customer and report back by answering questions on their evaluation form.
Can I be a mystery shopper?
YES! If you are 18+, you have a computer, internet, a phone with a camera, and the ability to write paragraphs using full sentences, then you can be a shopper! We will teach you how to complete shops, what to look for, and how to write reports.
Is mystery shopping a scam?
NO, but also, yes, it can be. Scammers are at work in all areas of business and more. There are scams over the phone, email, in-person, and via text. We will teach you how to spot a scam and how to validate a shop opportunity if you aren't sure if it is real or not. There are ways of making sure you only sign up for legitmate mystery shopping work; we will lead the way! Mystery shopping began in the 1940s as a way for banks to ensure their employees were crediting the correct accounts. See our About Page for more about that. With modern technology, it has become easier to find legitimate companies, but it's also been easier for scammers to take advantage of people. You can do several things to protect yourself when signing up with MSPs. Our program will teach you how to spot a scam and what precautions you should take to avoid a scam. Some free advice: if it sounds too good to be true, it likely is. MSPs are in business to make money, just like every other business. No company will send you a check to cash and let you keep the difference without doing any work. That is likely the oldest scam in the book. Again, we discuss this in detail within the program.
How would I benefit?
Money, Services, and free products! Mystery shops ALWAYS have their compensation listed on the shop documents BEFORE you agree to complete the shop. Some are pay-only, reimbursement-only, or a combination. Most MSPs pay via PayPal or Zelle, but some provide payment via direct deposit.
Would I be an employee? Is this a job?
There are some MSPs who use employees as shoppers, but most are Independent Contractors (ICs). We talk about this within our program as well as some suggestions about handling your taxes.
What kind of experience do I need?
NONE! If you can do things you already do, remember the person's name you interacted with, ask a few questions, then fill out a questionnaire, then you can mystery shop! Common shops include going to a bank and asking about their checking or savings accounts, some include opening an account (they pay higher). Some other shops might be going to the grocery store and visiting the deli and meat department, then asking those employees how to cook something or timing how long it took for them to acknowledge you. Most shops are things that you would do in your everyday life, so why not get paid to do it? We will teach you how!
How much can I make?
You determine which shops/gigs you take, so your income is determined by you. If you live in a remote location you can complete internet and phone shops.
Can I bring my child with me?
Each shop will have its own perimeters listed the guidelines. Some allow children and some do not. It really depends on the shop type and client. It's always best to assume children are not permitted, unless otherwise stated. You can always email you scheduler to inquire.
Can I only shop for one company? How do I find shops near me?
NO! As an IC, you can shop for any and all companies which have shops available to you. Our program will teach you where to find legitimate companies, how to find shops near you (without having to sign up with thousands of companies that may or may not have shops near you), how to navigate the apps/websites, and how to write reports to avoid your shops from being rejected.
I'm disabled, can I still mystery shop?
Yes! Many shoppers have disabilities and still complete shops. As long as you can complete it to reach the objective, you can shop it.
Where Can I Secret Shop?
If you know where to look, you find almost anything. There are shops for eye doctors, dentists, vet clinics, retail stores, restaurants (fast food up to fine dining), movie theaters, storage facilities, drug testing facilities, test taking facilities, banks, credit unions, airlines, bus stations, amusement parks, indoor sky diving, cruises, apartments, senior living facilities and more! Technology has come a long way in helping evaluator’s locate such shopportunities.
What Types of Shops are there to Complete?
You will find many shop types out there now. Covid has brought more mystery shopportunities via the phone and web than ever before. Some of these formats include or a hybrid of some of the following shop types: In-person/on-sites – You physically visit a business. Web/Internet – You visit the website of the business and provide feedback. This may be a simple chat inquiry, an email, or gathering information. Some will require a purchase, but some may not. Most, if not all, will require a screenshot using a computer. Phone – You may find phone shops where you just conduct your business via telephone and report back. Video – Video shops require the use of a HIDDEN video camera on your person. You can NOT stroll up to a shop with an old fashion camcorder on your shoulder or your cell phone in your hand (although there is an app for that, but also a specific way to use it- you need training). Some MSP’s do not allow for video shops to take place using a cell phone.
This sounds great, but how do I keep it all together?
Our program will teach you how to put it all together and stay organized. Forgetting about shops, and failing to complete them will lower your shopper score. A low score would mean you would not be eligible for all shops the MSP has and could lead to a shopper ban. You do not want to be blacklisted. We cover this in detail within our program.
