Shopper FAQ

What are the requirements to be a Secret Shopper?

• Previous experience is not required.
• We are looking for reliable, detail-oriented shoppers with exceptional written communication skills.
• Access to a computer is required as all shop reports are submitted online.
• Access to either a digital camera or a scanner is also necessary for submitting the required proof of shop, which is typically a receipt or business card.
• All assignments are due by noon Central Time the day after you assigned the shop date, unless the instructions state otherwise.
• The minimum age to register is eighteen years old.

Am I applying to work for your company?

• You are not applying to be an employee of the company. There is no employee-employer relationship.
• You are an independent contractor with the option to accept or reject individual shopping assignments on a case-by-case basis.

Do I have to pay any fees to become a shopper?

• Secret Shopper does not and has never charged anyone to become a shopper. For information on shopping for us, please see our Registration Introduction.
• Some shops do require shoppers to make a purchase during the shop. Payment for each shop is clearly listed with the shop assignment, and purchases are either reimbursed or already calculated into the shop payment.
• If you were charged any amount for registering as a shopper, please check your financial statement for the correct name of the company.

Do you need shoppers in the area where I live?

• Demand for shoppers changes on a regular basis. After being accepted as a shopper, you will have access to view all shops available in your area.
• If your area does not show any available shops, it may be because you do not meet certain demographic requirements, they were taken by other shoppers, or no shops many exist in your area at this time.
• Clients are added on a regular basis, so you will want to check the site frequently for new shops.

Can I also shop or work for other companies?

• Most of the shoppers with whom we contract do secret shopping part-time while working on other projects (including performing shops for other mystery shopping companies).
• We do require that you do not accept a mystery shopping assignment for a company where you or a family member are currently working or have previously worked.
• For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.

How secure is my personal information?

• We do not share your personal information with anyone, except as described in our Privacy Statement. The sections of our website that transmit sensitive personal information are encrypted using state-of-the-art encryption techniques.
• This can be verified by the "https" at the beginning of our web page address as well as the closed lock icon in the URL line of your browser.
• Your Shopper ID and password also prevent other people from accessing your information. It is important that you protect your information by not sharing your ID or password with anyone else.
• Please do not send us your full SSN in order to request a lost password, etc. We require only the last 4 digits of your SSN for verification purposes.

How much do you pay?

• Each shopping assignment has different arrangements.
• The normal range of payments is $15 - $25.
• For some shops, such as a restaurant, the payment may be to pay you for the cost of a meal for two.
• The payment information for each unique situation is explained before you agree to do the shop.

When do you pay domestic shoppers (US, CA, PRI)?

• Checks are mailed on the 20th of each month for shops done the previous month. If the 20th lands on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the checks will be mailed on the first business day after the 20th. For example, a shop done in June would be paid on July 20th.
• The checks are valid for 90 days and should be cashed within this time frame.

When do you pay international shoppers (Outside US, CA, PRI)?

• Payment is sent securely via PayPal. Payments for approved shops are sent on the 20th of the month following the month the shop was completed. For example, a shop done in June would be paid on July 20th.
• NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure that your PayPal email address is correct in our system.

Do you have a mobile app?

• Yes, you can download the free Secret Shopper app in both the iTunes and Google Play stores.
• Registered shoppers can use the app to self-assign shops, get directions, and fill out their reports.
• Android iOS

Login Problems.

• If you have a Shopper ID and password and it doesn't work, please check to be certain you are using the Shopper login page.
• Please Contact Us if your problem persists.

I can't remember my Shopper ID or Password.

• Reset your Password - Go to your login page and press the reset password button to have your Shopper ID and a password reset emailed to you.