FAQ

FIRSTLY - Why do large companies use mystery shoppers?

All types of companies employ mystery shoppers to report on levels of service and customer satisfaction. In doing so they are able to ensure that their staff are properly trained, product quality is consistent, and that the company image is being portrayed in the desired manner.

The feedback provided by mystery shoppers is often crucial to businesses in an ongoing effort to improve their standard of customer service! They need to maintain a high level of customer service to retain their most important assets – eg their customers!

If you feel you have something to contribute to the ongoing improvement of customer service and like the idea of being paid to shop, mystery shopping could be perfect for you.

Most frequently asked questions about mystery shopping and what we do:

1. What is a mystery shopper?

A mystery shopper is a freelance, professional shopper hired by large retail, restaurant or business to check up on their local stores in order to make sure that customer service is good, stores are clean, etc.

Mystery Shoppers are paid for their time in doing the shop and in most cases are able to keep the merchandise they are authorised to purchase.

2. Can I work when I like?

Yes. The beauty about mystery shopping is you can fit it into your spare time, so it doesn't matter if you have a full time or part time job. When you get given an assignment to do, most companies do not specify when it needs to be done, more simply, when it needs to be done by - like a kind of deadline. This usually gives you a few days in which to complete the job. Therefore, you can do it when you wish - after work, weekends etc. It's the perfect way to earn extra cash in your spare time!

3. What kinds of businesses use mystery shoppers?

All kinds of businesses use mystery shoppers from Retail shops, fast food outlets, service stations to banks, restaurants and cafes - any business that has customers will often want to check its standard of customer service.

The only way the business has of finding out how their customers are treated when is when no one is watching, which is why they ask for the help of Mystery Shoppers – normal people like you and me!

4. How much can I earn?

Mystery Shoppers’ pay may range from $20 up to $50 or more, depending on the time required to do the shop, and the nature of what’s involved – that’s per assignment. In most cases the mystery shopper will be authorised to make a purchase and get an allowance for the purchase on top of the pay. Usually you keep the purchase (especially if you have just eaten it!), and this will be advised in the job instructions.

The pay covers the time taken to prepare for the mystery shop, actually doing the mystery shop and filling out and submitting the report.

Mystery shopping should not really be seen as a full time or steady source of income, although some people have turned it into that. It’s better off looking at it as an extremely pleasant way of making some extra money - and enjoying yourself at the same time. You can get paid to eat at a restaurant, shop at a department store, have coffee, see a movie - all the things you like to do, with the bonus that you get paid for doing it! – CLICK HERE to join now.

5. How long does an assignment take?

The shop itself normally takes between 5 to 15 minutes Around 30 minutes should be allowed for preparation time, which will include reading the instructions, rehearsing the situation and reviewing the report you will fill in after the shop.

Another 15 minutes or so should be allowed for filling out the report online – these are normally quite simple and straightforward. Mystery Shopper reports are usually very straightforward and surprisingly easy to fill in. They do, however, have to be written in clear and concise English. One tip we give you is to take the time to check your spelling and grammar, and to make sure that your answer is a full sentence and it makes sense – you are more likely to get future work if you carry out early assignments well.

6. Are there any requirements for becoming a mystery shopper?

It is not necessary to have any experience in mystery shopping or academic qualifications. Of main importance is that you are reliable, honest, objective and can follow instructions. You must be able to use and have access to the Internet.

Mystery shoppers can come from pretty much any walk of life – this is another reason why it’s so appealing. They can be male, female, employed, unemployed, students, full time parents, retired, old or young (min 18). Many businesses target a particular customer profile. For example, a ladies hairdresser would require a female to do the shop. A hardware outlet might want a male shopper. A dog grooming boutique would definitely need someone with a dog! That is why they need as many people as possible, along with their shopping preferences - like how often they eat out or if they have a car.

7. Does it matter where I live?

No. Bear in mind that many of the major companies in Australia have branches in most towns and cities, so its fair to say that if you have a shopping centre nearby you, regardless of where you live, you should be ok for some assignments.

AREAS OF NEED:
There are currently extensive opportunities available in the following areas

QLD - Gold Coast, Brisbane, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns, Rockhampton, Mt Isa, Toowoomba, Maryborough
NSW - Sydney, Newcastle, Central Coast, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Broken Hill, Maitland, Wollongong, Tweed Heads
TAS - Hobart, Launceston, Devonport
WA - Albany, Perth, Geraldton, Broome, Wyndham, Kalgoorlie, Bunbury, Fremantle, Pilbara, Kimberley, Port Headland
NT - Alice Springs, Darwin
SA - Adelaide, Mt Gambia
VIC - Melbourne, Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong
ACT - Canberra and surrounding Areas

8. Do I need any qualifications to be a mystery shopper?

Again, the best thing about this is that it’s open to everyone. You don’t need any specific qualifications (min age 18), although it is good to have good written and verbal skills. The reports you give back to the companies need to be legible and logical.

9. How will I know when I have an assignment?

You are normally sent an email from the company providing the work when there is a suitable assignment for you. Sometimes, they may get in touch by phone, however, you can normally specify how you would like to be contacted.

10. Do you make any guarantees of work?

TheMysteryShopper.com.au is a resource website – ie: we provide you with direct links to companies who are looking for normal people right now. We also supply the bonus help and tips document to help you get off on the right foot. As we don’t physically give you the work (we provide the details on how and where to get started), we can’t ever guarantee the volume of work you may get. Many people do extremely well at this, but as you can appreciate, as we don’t give you the assignments ourselves, we can’t guarantee the work you’ll get. Having said that, check our Testimonials page for our happy customers!

11. Does it cost to register with the companies you recommend?

No. Absolutely not. It’s free to register with the companies provide in our guide.

12. What are the opportunities for new shoppers?

Superb! Mystery shopping is a booming business and it is still in it’s infancy in Australia – it’s extremely beneficial to get involved early!

Click here to get started now!

13. How long will it take to get my first job?

Ah, the million-dollar question and one we are most often asked! The honest answer is it’s impossible to say as every one is different and a lot depends on the amount of work that the actual mystery shopping companies have got on at that time. Having said that, it’s a booming industry here so many people get something within a week or so. Again, we can’t guarantee it (we have had people get assignments within a day), but most people do very well at this and do not have too wait long.

14. How often will I get jobs?

It’s difficult to say, but the number of jobs will depend on the area you are prepared to shop and the type of shops you wish to do. Many clients target particular age groups, income levels or other characteristic such as having children or pets.

It’s important to do a quality job early. This gets you in their “good books” and will help for future assignments. Mystery shopping is not a 'regular' job, although some people have turned it into a full-time income. For most people, it should not be seen as a steady source of income and a rather an enjoyable way of making some extra money and getting paid to do things you like to do.

15. Do I have to do every assignment?

No. You can pick and chose which ones you would like to do – what fits in with your timeframe. Remember, though, a willingness to adapt and do good jobs are looked upon well by the mystery shopper companies.

16. Can I take my friend, spouse or child with me on a job?

Some jobs are suitable for taking along others and are sometimes encouraged, but other jobs are not so suitable. As an example, taking a partner or a friend to a coffee shop would be a good idea (unless the instructions said otherwise). On some assignments - for example, a toy store – it is obviously beneficial to bring a child along!

17. How do I get paid for an assignment?

It varies between different companies. We provide you with the details on the best companies to use who are reliable and pay on time. The average pay per job is between $20 and $50. Some pay by cheque, some will wire the funds into your bank account, others will ask you to pop in and collect your earnings. It’s different for every company, but you will know how they pay before you chose to sign up. CLICK HERE to register for work now!

18. How long will it take to get paid?

Again, it’s different depending on which companies you are working for. Some pay the same day, others weekly. Some pay once a minimum figure is achieved (eg $100) and others pay monthly, regardless of the level of payment.

19. What about purchases?

Puchases are normally always included when doing the job. You will be sent full details on each individual assignment and you will know what’s what before you commit to doing the job, but usually your purchases are yours to keep.

20. Does TheMysteryShopper.com.au give me assignments direct?

No. The information you purchase from us is how and where to get started with the most trusted and safe companies. We don’t actually give you assignments- they are given to you by the companies whom we recommend.

21. What about tax?

We are in no position to comment about the tax implications of this type of work. We strongly urge you to contact your local taxation office before undertaking this method of earning cash so that you are fully aware of possible tax implications.

22. What do I actually get when I join?

We’ll provide you with the definitive guide on how and where to get started with this exciting way of earning some spare cash. We’ve done all the hard work for you, the companies we recommend have all been researched and you will save yourself a lot of time and effort using our guide. In addition to the companies we recommend (currently 38 so you should have no trouble finding assignments), we will also provide you with a bonus document that have been personally written by us containing valuable tips and advice on maximising your income. These two documents also come with our unlimited support. All this for a one-off joining fee! You can earn that back in one assignment! Click here to join now!

23. What's your refund policy?

We used to offer a 100% refund policy for anyone that was unsatisfied. We started to receive a large number of refund requests for people who used to just order the information, then request a refund straight away - even though they were happy with their purchase! Therefore, we were losing money despite providing all the details to get started straight away. To this end, we have taken the decision to not offer refunds as the majority of people were simply obtaining our documents and then we were issuing refunds! We do, however, have many people who do extremely well at this and we are convinced that you will be totally happy with your purchase - the exciting world of mystery shopping awaits!

24. What if I have a question about a potential job?

Easy – just contact the company who has provided you with the assignment. They are normally extremely helpful and fast to respond to any problems or questions. Remember, you’re extremely valuable to them – they want to help you! If you need further help, we are always on hand.

25. What computer equipment do I need?

You will need to have a PC at home or be able to access to a PC (internet café is fine if you don’t have a PC at home). You basically need to be able to check you emails!

26. What personal details do you need about me?

We don’t actually require any details from you apart from your email address so that we can email you the two documents you purchase from us.

27. How can I be sure that my details are kept private?

The companies we recommend are all tried, tested and privacy is of major importance to them. Many include privacy statements on their websites as standard, so you will always be able to check the company out first before chosing to register with them. Don’t be concerned about your details being kept private, we would never, ever recommend a company who would pass your details on.

28. This sounds good - How much does all this cost?

We’re currently offering everything for HALF PRICE. We normally sell it for $77.90, but it’s only $38.95 right now. This is a limited offer so make sure you join up now. Please note, this is a one-off payment – there are no on-going fees whatsoever.

29. How do I apply to be a mystery shopper?

Easy. It’s simple and straight forward to get started – just visit our “Join Now” Page and you can get registered immediately.

30. Will you pass my details on to other companies?

We don't actually collect any personal details from you. The only information that is retained when you purchase is your email address. That is used by Bean Media Group (and ONLY us) to keep you informed about our other websites. By joining, you agree that we can email you. Should you not wish to receive these emails, there is a simple unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email.

CLICK HERE to get started!

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