Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents
What is a Mystery Shopper?
How long will it take for me to receive my Mystery Shopping Guide?
What do I receive from you?

How much does the Mystery Shopping Guide Cost?

Where do Mystery Shoppers Shop?
Who can be a Mystery Shopper?

Why do I have to pay for the Mystery Shoppers Online Guide - Do I have to pay anything else?
What would be an example of a Mystery Shopper Assignment?
How much does a Mystery Shopper get paid?
Is Mystery Shopping really a legitimate job?
What do Mystery Shopping companies look for in a potential Mystery shopper? 
How do I begin working as a Mystery Shopper For A Company?
How can I increase my chances of getting more jobs? 
How long will it be until I get my first job after I apply?
 
Why do companies need Mystery Shoppers to perform evaluations? 

Are there evaluation forms that we have to fill out ? 
When do I document my findings? 
Are you associated with any of the Mystery Shopping companies I find in the Mystery Shopping Guide?

How do I contact you if I need to?


What Is A Mystery Shopper?
A Mystery Shopper is someone who acts as a regular customer in a designated establishment (Department Store, Restaurant, Amusement Park, etc.) and reports back to the company on the type of treatment/service they received.

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How Long Will It Take For Me To Receive My Mystery Shopping Guide?
You receive all the resources (Your Mystery Shopping Guide) you need to get started immediately after placing your order. If you place your order using a credit card you will be assigned a user name and password that will enable you to immediately download your Mystery Shopping Guide. If you place your order using our online check service you will receive your user name and password within 24 hours. Check/Money orders that are sent to us via the postal service will be processed within 3 working days after we receive your payment.

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What Do I Receive From You?

  • You receive contact information for over 120 companies that use Mystery Shoppers.

  • Sample application letter for you to customize and send to prospective employers.

  • Mystery Shopper Log - This form can be used to assist you in keeping track of your mystery shopping activities. This log will help you keep track of your time, the company you worked for, location visited, mileage used, date & amount you were paid for your assignment, and any other type of compensation you received as a result of your Mystery Shopping activities.

  • Mystery Shopper Application Tips - Tips that will help you present/market yourself effectively to a prospective employer.

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How Much Does The Mystery Shopping Guide Cost?
The total one time cost for your Mystery Shopping Guide is $29.95 for the download version or $39.95 for the CD version of the guide.

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Where Do Mystery Shoppers Shop?
Common businesses a Mystery Shopper visit are major department stores, grocery stores, restaurants, theaters, and amusement parks. The possibilities of where a Mystery Shopper may be sent are virtually endless – any company that deals with the general public could potentially use a Mystery Shopper’s services to evaluate their products and service. Here is a list of just some of the merchant types that would use a Mystery Shopper.

  • Department Stores
  • Grocery Stores
  • Paint Stores
  • Ice Cream Parlors
  • Banks
  • Health Clubs
  • Movie Theaters
  • Hospitals
  • Real Estate
  • Restaurants
  • Hotels
  • Automobile Dealers
  • Book Stores
  • Hardware Stores
  • Toy Stores
  • Jewelry Stores
  • Electronic Stores
  • Theme Parks
  • Water Parks
  • Family Entertainment Centers
  • Arcades
  • Attractions / Museums

  • Children's Play Centers / Parks
  • Zoos / Wildlife Parks / Aquariums
  • Carnivals / Fairs

  • and Many more...

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Who Can Be A Mystery Shopper?
Anyone can! You don't have to learn any new skills to become a Mystery Shopper. If you can visit various locations, if you can speak and write, and you are of average intelligence, honest and dependable, then there is no reason why you can't earn a good living as a Mystery Shopper!

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Why Do I Have To Pay For The Mystery Shoppers Guide? Do I Have To Pay Anything Else? 
Our guide is a product that costs us money to create and maintain. We have supplied, updated, organized and researched Mystery Shopping companies for you to apply to. Once you place your order, and download the product to your computer it is yours forever - you can access it on your computer whenever you like! 

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What Would Be An Example Of A Mystery Shopper Assignment
Okay, let’s say your assignment came from a movie theater. Your job might be to evaluate cleanliness, quality of service, friendless of their staff, and wait time for tickets. You would be paid for your time and reimbursed for your expenses, including the cost of the movie ticket and even mileage!

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How Much Does A Mystery Shopper Get Paid?
Mystery shoppers are paid as independent contractors at a specific hourly wage. The actual amount of money you are paid is determined by your assignment and the company that you are working for. Typically Mystery Shoppers can be paid upwards of $10 to $40 per hour plus reimbursement for expenses/purchases.

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Is Mystery Shopping Really A Legitimate Job? 
Mystery Shopping is profession that dates back almost 30 years. Mystery Shopping is a $500 Million Dollar industry, and note that mystery shoppers visit half of all businesses in America. Companies have been using Mystery Shoppers for years! Companies want to know what customers, just like you, think about them! Feedback from Mystery Shoppers helps companies to improve their business by letting them how their customers are treated and how customers feel about their products and services.

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What Do Mystery Shopping Companies Look For In A potential Mystery Shopper? 
Basically someone who is outgoing and able to communicate well. Being on time for assignments, and returning evaluations within a specified time period are important factors in an agency wanting to use your services again and again. Companies look for individuals that are professional, committed, detailed, impartial, and who can provide them with the evaluation reports they need to improve and evaluate their current business practices.

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How Do I Begin Working As A Mystery Shopper For A Company
Many companies provide online registration that can be completed and submitted over the Internet. However, you may be asked to mail or fax your application directly to the company. We provide you with places that you can apply to.

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How Can I Increase My Chances Of Getting More Jobs? 
You can increase your chances of getting more jobs just by completing more registration forms with more companies looking for Mystery Shoppers - It's that easy! 

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How Long Will It Be Until I Get My First Job After I Apply? 
The most important way to getting assignments as a Mystery Shopper is to actively seek employment. Using our Mystery Shopping guide you can start to apply immediately to hundreds of companies. The amount of time it will take until your first assignment can vary based on factors like application processing time, so be patient but dedicated!

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Why Do Companies Need Mystery Shoppers To Perform Evaluations
Companies use Mystery shoppers to be the eyes and ears of their business. They want to get feedback on staff performance, environment for their customers, and things like knowledge about customer satisfaction. Companies usually have standards that they have set for themselves, and they want feedback to see what is and what is not working to their benefit. Companies stay in business by evaluating themselves and making improvements when they are needed.

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Are There Evaluation Forms That We Have To Fill Out? 
Evaluation forms vary depending on the company that you are working for. Some forms may have simple yes or no questions or have a rating system from one to whatever. Other forms may ask you to be more specific or want a summary of your overall experience. An important thing to remember is to only answer the questions asked, do not offer your own opinion or recommendations.

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When Do I Document My Findings
One of the most important rules is that you Never want to give yourself away as a Mystery Shopper. There are numerous ways of going about documenting your findings. One way would be to first understand what the company you are working for is wanting to find out, and then try and make as many mental notes as you can. You can then write them down after you have left the location. Another way would be to visit the rest room, dressing room, or some other safe area and make some notes. Another way would be to use a small note pad and write yourself some notes as you are shopping, or use a tape recorder with a hidden microphone while being as inconspicuous as you can.

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Are you associated with any of the Mystery Shopping companies I find in the Mystery Shopping Guide?
We are NOT associated with any of the companies you find using our resources, nor are we responsible for any dealings you have with any of the companies you choose to do business with as a result of our service. We provide a valuable resource for you to find Mystery Shopping companies that you can apply to for employment opportunities.

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How Do I Contact You If I Need To? 
Our contact information is as follows: 

Information Net Source Corp.
2116 Montana Ave. NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33703

Customer Support: www.workathomejobshelp.com

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