Shopper FAQs

Have a question?  Find your answers here

*Answers to the certification quiz may be found here.

What is Mystery Shopping?
Mystery shopping is the practice of assessing the performance of a company via anonymous shoppers who evaluate customer service, employee product knowledge sales ability, speed of service, employee integrity, and facility appearance.

What is a Mystery Shopper?
A Mystery Shopper is an Independent Contractor who anonymously visits or contacts a company under the guise of a typical customer.  Mystery shoppers complete a survey after the conclusion of their assignment accurately capturing and recording their observations and experience.

How do I become a Mystery Shopper?
You may apply online via our website. Please click on the 'Shoppers" page, and then click "Apply Now.' Once you have completed and submitted your information, we will review your application. You should expect a reply and/or confirmation within 24 hours.

What is an Independent Contractor?
As a Mystery Shopper, your services are contracted on an as-needed basis. You are not an employee of Shoppers Confidential. Essentially you 'have your own business.' As a result, no taxes are deducted from any pay you receive for completing assignments. You are required to submit any taxes owed to the government on your own behalf. You will not receive a T-4 or any other related form from Shoppers Confidential.  Click here to get Business Cards for your business!

Does it cost to be a Mystery Shopper?
No. We pay and/or reimburse you for completing assignments as per our instructions.

Is everyone who applies accepted as a Mystery Shopper?
No, we only contract with the best! We review all applications, and accept new shoppers based on the information provided. This is why it's imperative you carefully read the questions on the application before replying. An applicant must pass our Certification Training Program to be accepted.

What is Paypal©?
Paypal© is an online presence that allows the transferring of payments through a secure website. You must have an account registered with Paypal© to be accepted as a Shopper for Shoppers Confidential. This is the only method we use to pay our Shoppers. Opening an account is free, secure and easy to do. Simply visit their website at www.paypal.com.  Please make sure you sign up using the same email address as you registered with us.

How much does a Mystery Shopper make per assignment?
This depends on the assignment, and how much effort is involved to complete the shop. Typically, Shoppers receive payments of $15-$20 per assignment, plus any expenses incurred are reimbursed.  Other shops may 'pay' in reimbursements, such as 'free' bowling, or a cruise vacation.

When can I expect payment for an assignment?
We pay our shoppers by the 30th of the following month in which shops were successfully completed. (ie. You performed a shop on May 10th, payment will be made June 30th.)

Do I have to pay to receive assignments?
There are no costs or fees to accept an assignment. We only ask that you complete the shops within the time frame specified and that you follow all instructions provided.

Am I guaranteed to receive assignments?
No, shops are scheduled as they become available from our clients. All shops are assigned to Mystery Shoppers on a first-come basis.

How do I apply for an assignment?
You will receive emails notifying you of shops available in your area. We also highly recommend you regularly check the Shoppers area of our website to manually search for assignments. To apply, click the assignment link. You will be notified via email whether you have been awarded the shop. Please do not proceed and complete an assignment until you have received a confirmation email.

What jeopardizes being paid for a shop?
Not following the explicit instructions of the assignment is the greatest reason for not being paid/reimbursed for a shop. You must complete shops within the date(s) and time frame specified. Even if the company is very busy with activity and customers, you must follow through on all scenarios provided to you in your instructions. You must get the name of the employee who assisted you, or your shop will not be valid. You must take any measure necessary to ensure your identity as a shopper is not revealed.  All shop results must be submitted online within 12 hours of completing the shop, or you will not be paid.

What is the Client-Ready Credit? (CFC)  
Effective August 1, 2007, Shoppers Confidential Inc. is introducing the Client-Ready Credit.  This credit will be included in the amount in your assignment fee and/or reimbursement, and is equivalent to 15% of the total amount you will be paid/reimbursed.  In order to receive this credit, you must complete your assignment as instructed, and ensure you answer all questions appropriately and accurately on the survey you submit.  You must also ensure you spell check your work, and also check for grammatical errors, and incomplete sentences.  Client-Ready means the survey you submit is completed accurately and absent from obvious errors (spelling, grammatical, etc.) and is ready to be given to the client.  For more detailed information, please click here.

Do I reveal my identity as a Mystery Shopper?
No. You must remain anonymous during the entire assignment. You are expected to blend in as a typical customer.  Do not bring your survey questions with you while completing a shop, this will give away your identity.  The only exception would be if your assignment instructions states otherwise, such as a 'Reveal' shop. (This is rarely the case. Anonymity is our specialty.)

What if an employee asks if I am a Mystery Shopper?
If an employee suspects you are a Mystery Shopper, simply reply, "What is a Mystery Shopper?" (Ignorance is bliss!) Continue your evaluation. Do not exit the shop without completing the assignment as per your instructions. Never admit you are a Mystery Shopper! If you truly believe you were 'caught', please mention this in the comments area provided on your report.

If I know an employee at a company, can I perform the shop?
No! It is imperative that you remain anonymous, and know none of the employees on an assignment. It is unethical for you to accept a shop if you know someone who works for the company. If you discover you know an employee, you should terminate the shop, and contact Shoppers Confidential immediately.

When must I report my shop?
All assignments are due, and must be reported online within 12 hours of completing the assignment unless your shop instructions state otherwise. Failure to complete your shop as instructed may result in forfeiture of payment/reimbursement.