Mystery Shopper FAQ

Welcome to the Mystery Shopper FAQ section! Before you apply to become a Mystery Shopper we’ve got all the answers for you here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mystery shopping, and how does it work?

Mystery shopping is a market research technique where individuals, known as mystery shoppers, anonymously evaluate and provide feedback on the customer experience of a particular business. Mystery shoppers are assigned specific tasks, such as making a purchase or asking about a product, to assess various aspects of the business.

How do I become a mystery shopper?

To become a mystery shopper with us, you will need to apply to become a Mystery Shopper. You will need to complete your profile to provide us with an up-to-date overview of your personal details, geographic and time availability, education and work experience.

Our recruitment team will then recruit and train Mystery Shoppers that are the right profile fit for our clients. We do not publish work on a jobs board for self-selection, but we contact each Mystery Shopper individually to offer work ensuring we match the Mystery Shopper profile to the specific requirements of the project.

What types of businesses can I expect to evaluate as a mystery shopper?

Mystery shopping opportunities cover a wide range of industries, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, banking, and more. You may be assigned tasks such as visiting a shoe shop, picking up a prescription, or evaluating customer service at a financial institution. This can range from a visit to a location, making a purchase online or a call to a contact centre; we cover all customer channels for our clients so there is a variety of work you can complete in the field or at home.

How much can I earn as a mystery shopper?

Compensation varies depending on the specific requirements and nature of the assessment. We do not believe it is enough to simply offer a token gesture of recompense, but instead we consider both time and expenses as part of the payment equation. Payment details for each assessment are provided upfront, allowing you to choose whether you wish to accept the assignment.

Are there any fees or costs associated with becoming a mystery shopper?

We do not charge mystery shoppers any fees for registration or participation. Legitimate mystery shopping companies do not require shoppers to pay upfront fees. Be cautious of scams that may ask for advanced payment.

Where necessary purchases are included within your fee sheet, please ensure a purchase is carried out. This purchase will have been agreed with our client to add realism to the assessment, protect your anonymity and/or assess the transaction experience. We can only reimburse the actual amount spent up to this threshold, and payment can only be made when receipts have been sent/uploaded to the office as proof of purchase.

How often will I receive mystery shopping assessments?

The frequency of assessments depends on various factors, including your location, profile, and the demand for mystery shoppers in specific industries. We will contact you when new assessments matching your profile become available.

Is training provided for mystery shoppers?

Yes, we provide scenario briefs, scoring guidelines and training materials to help you understand the expectations and requirements for each assessment.

Additionally, our Account Teams are available to answer any questions you may have and offer assistance throughout the mystery shopping process. Points of contact detail will always be found on your literature. We are here to help you anytime should you need us; we even operate an emergency weekend line if you need support when out in the field.

When do I get paid?

ABa commits to paying invoices promptly, subject to satisfactory completion of all reports and the submission of any required supporting paperwork or footage, such as receipts, literature, audits, or video files. Our payment terms are much quicker than the industry norm.

How do you ensure the confidentiality of mystery shoppers?

We prioritise the confidentiality of our mystery shoppers. Your personal information is kept secure, and assessments are designed to maintain your anonymity. We adhere to industry standards and best practices to protect the privacy of our mystery shoppers.