(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions:

"Ultimate Mystery Shopper Employment Source Guide"

1. Why should I become a mystery (secret shopper) shopper?

Work as a secret shopper is well suited to anyone who would benefit from highly flexible hours, relatively high contract wages, diversity of assignments and easy, fun work! The added bonus is the advantage of free products and services on certain assignments.

2. How much does a mystery shopper get paid?

Mystery shoppers are paid as independent contractors at a specific hourly wage. Each assignment has a total time allowance. Efficient shoppers, therefore, benefit from a very high hourly wage, in excess of $10 to $15 per hour. Less efficient shoppers will make less. When you take into account the free products and services that are available on many assignments, the total payable each hour can rise substantially. Examples of free products and services that some companies offer include:

  • Gasoline
  • Fast food meals
  • Sit down dining restaurant meals
  • Clothing
  • Entertainment and attractions
  • And many, many, more

3. Is this a part-time or full-time position?

Mystery shopper positions should be considered part-time or casual work. Some shoppers work as little as a few hours every other month, while others work 10 to 15 hours  or more each and every week. The volume of work available to each secret shopper is based on the following:

  • The amount of work available in your immediate area
  • The number of shoppers doing regular work in your area
  • Your level of experience
  • Your level of quality and professionalism on past assignments

You may work for as many companies as you wish.

4. What is the application process?

The process of applying to work as a mystery shopper is as follows:

  1. The application process varies with every company. Some offer on-line applications. Others prefer you apply or send personal information through the U.S. Postal Service, e-mail, or fax.  With some you can do either.
  2. Fill out the application thoroughly and neatly, as it is the primary method of decision making for shopper selection.
  3. Hiring is done on an "as needed" basis.  However, you will have over 150 companies to select from.

5. What kind of work do mystery shoppers do?

Mystery shoppers select the kind of work they would like to complete based on availability. The process begins by selecting a job, receiving a briefing on the assignment, completing the assignment audit with an on-sight or telephone visit, and finally, entering the results of that job into the on-line database, e-mail, mail or fax.

6. If hired, how long will I have to complete work?

Mystery Shoppers are given the freedom to select the jobs that most interest them. Some assignments give large open deadlines, while others are much more specific. The more experienced the shopper becomes, the more selection there is. Most jobs do need to be submitted the same day on which they are physically completed.

7. How do I receive work?

Work appears in your "Available Area" each month. From the jobs available, you may select the jobs that interest you. You are always told ahead of time what the assignment details are, including:

  • Approved expense amount
  • The exact location of the assignment
  • Approved hours for the assignment
  • Assignment deadline(s)
  • Details of the nature and procedure

8. What kinds of clients do secret shoppers work for?

Mystery/Secret shoppers work with a variety of businesses including:

  • Gasoline retail
  • Retail shops
  • Fast food
  • Clothing
  • Restaurants
  • Entertainment and attractions

And many, many, more …

9. Will I need to travel?

You should try and select jobs that are available in your area. If you decide to work outside of your immediate area, you are responsible for any associated costs.

10. What is the process of becoming a shopper?

Field Coordinators constantly monitor your geographic area. When there is a need for additional shoppers, job applications are carefully reviewed. When selected, you will be notified.  You may work for as many of these fine companies as you like.

11. How long does it take to start work?

New shoppers can start work immediately if work is available. It may take much longer if there is not a volume of work. All work volumes are based solely on the needs of the client companies. Many companies have constant needs.   Applying to many or all of the over 150 companies will keep you busy if you chose.

12. How do mystery shopping companies make money?

Mystery shopping companies contract with large consumer oriented businesses to provide research information on the quality of service delivery. This process is billed on a "per assignment basis."

13. Who will supervise my work?

The company will supervise all aspects of fieldwork. There is always someone available by e-mail or telephone if a shopper has a problem or question.

14. Is there work for me in my area today?

Your work volume is solely dependent on our clients' current needs.  Once again, you have over 150 companies to chose from.  That is a lot to work with!

15. If hired, how will I receive payment for the work that I do?

All mystery shoppers are paid each month by a payroll company. Payment options include automatic bank deposit (ABD) or mailed check. Western Union is used in some remote areas. Payment is distributed once a month for payment of all fees earned, as well as reimbursement for any approved expenses incurred with most companies.

16. Are there any other benefits to working as a mystery shopper?

There are many benefits to working as a mystery shopper.
Benefits include:

  • Excellent extra income potential
  • Enjoyable assignments
  • Fringe benefits of products and services
  • Comprehensive learning opportunities
  • Opportunities to advance

17. How do I learn about working as a mystery shopper?

Any training necessary is provided by most companies for each mystery shopper as needed. 

18. Can I refuse certain assignments?

Yes. You choose only to accept the assignments you are interested in.

19. Do I need previous experience?

You do not need experience to work in this program.

It's fun, it's easy, you make money and you get to - eat out, shop, see a movie and/or have fun at amusement establishments.  What could be better?  Order Today!
  

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 The Very Best!"

This program is designed to provide quality information on companies across America that offer employment and income opportunities for people looking to work from home.  Although NIC can not guarantee you any particular income - we are quite sure that there are  hundreds of opportunities to make it from the offers in our program.
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