What is mystery shopping?
Our Mystery shoppers go into businesses as regular customers. They interact with employees, make a purchase and possibly a return, then fill out an evaluation form describing what happened during their visit. Our Mystery shoppers get paid for providing this service as an independent contractor.

What kinds of businesses use mystery shoppers?
Any business which deals with the public may use mystery shoppers:
stores, restaurants, banks, hotels, salons, home builders, apartment complexes, gas stations, casinos, auto dealers, auto service centers, movie theaters, health clubs, pet stores, amusement parks, optical providers and more.

You can get paid to get your hair cut or your eyes examined, have dinner, go to the bank, have your car worked on or fill up the gas tank, watch a movie, get your dog groomed, and lots of other things you like
or already have to do.

What is the typical pay like for a mystery shopping assignment?
The pay for a mystery shop (including purchase reimbursement) may range from about $10 or $20 on up to $50, $100 or more. Fees will depend on the time required, difficulty, etc. The time required to complete a shop and fill out the form may be a few minutes to an hour or longer. Below we've provided some general information to use as a rough guide. Keep in mind that this is just a very small list of the different types of assignments that exist.

What are the requirements to be a mystery shopper?
You can be any (adult) age, male or female. You may be employed, self-employed, unemployed, retired or a full time homemaker. You need to be observant and able to follow directions. You must be reliable. You don't have to have a degree and special training will be provided.

How do I apply to be a mystery shopper?
http://usmysteryshoppers.com/Shoppers.html

Are there jobs available in my area?
If you live in, or regularly travel to, an area where there are national or regional chain stores, banks, and restaurants there are certainly mystery shops being done there. Almost any business that does business with the public may be mystery shopped, although most "Mom and Pop"-type businesses don't use mystery shoppers. New shoppers are being hired all the time as businesses begin new mystery shopping programs, programs are expanded, new locations open, shoppers move or quit, etc.

Jobs don't exist only in heavily populated areas. There may be more jobs in a major city, but there are also more shoppers competing for those jobs. In fact, you may find yourself in demand if you live in a sparsely populated area because it is often difficult to find shoppers in those areas.

What will I do when I'm mystery shopping?
You'll be given specific instructions for completing your mystery shop, and the company will provide training (usually in writing or over the phone). They will gladly answer your questions, so don't be afraid to ask. They want you to be comfortable doing the shop, and they want you to get it right. While you are mystery shopping the business, you will be observing cleanliness, service, quality and other standards important to the business and its customers. Questions on the evaluation might include things like: Were you greeted within 60 seconds? Were the floors clean? Did the person who took your order suggest additional items? Was the salesperson able to demonstrate product knowledge by answering your questions? Was your food fresh and served as you ordered it? Did the cashier count back your change and say thank you? Was the rest room clean and fully stocked with soap and tissue? When you leave the business, you will enter the answers on a report form or write a narrative report describing what you saw. If performing video shops, you will be trained on how to use special video shopping equipment. It is fun and easy.

May I take my spouse, friend or child with me?
Sometimes, if it is a place they would normally go with you. For example, you might take your children to the grocery store or a family restaurant, but perhaps not a more formal restaurant. Don't take anyone else along if they will distract you from properly completing your assignment, or if you have not been told that you may. Remember you are a mystery shopper. If you have young children, don't tell them you're mystery shopping. You don't want them asking, loudly, in the middle of a shop, "Mommy, are we doing the mystery shop now?" Adults who accompany you must know that they are not to talk about mystery shopping or give away that you are the shopper.

Will the employees know that I'm the mystery shopper?
No. At first, you might feel like you have a neon sign that says MYSTERY SHOPPER blinking on your forehead, but they really won't know. If for some reason someone asks you if you are the mystery shopper, just say no or play dumb. "Mystery shopper? What's that?".

How do I get paid for my assignment?
The job scheduler will explain the payment procedure they use when you are hired for an assignment. Once you've submitted your paperwork you'll be paid during the company's regular payroll cycle. Normally, you'll be paid between 2 and 4 weeks after you've completed your assignments. Sometimes it'll be quicker and sometimes it'll be slower.

Do I get paid for mileage?
Not typically unless you have to go to an out-of-the-way location. However, since mystery shoppers act as independent contractors you can get a great deduction by claiming all your mystery shopping mileage when you file your taxes. You can also deduct your home office, your computer, auto insurance & maintenance, postage, office supplies and hundreds of other expenses. Check with a tax professional to find out more.