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(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions:
"The Ultimate Mystery Shopper Jobs Source Guide"
1. Why should I become
a mystery shopper / secret shopper?
Work as a Mystery/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 $20 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:
-
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.
-
Fill
out the application thoroughly and neatly, as it
is the primary method of decision making for
shopper selection.
-
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 mystery shoppers work for?
Mystery Shoppers work with a variety of businesses
including:
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 mystery 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
choose.
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 choose 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 per 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 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 that is necessary is usually provided
by most companies for each and every 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.
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What could be better?
What could be better?
What
could be better?