Do Mystery Shoppers Keep What They Buy?

Mystery Shopping is a fun, flexible and enjoyable way to earn some extra income, but what other benefits do Mystery Shoppers get? Do they keep the products that they buy? 

As a Mystery Shopper, you’ll often be tasked with buying products. This could be anything from clothes at a retail Shop, food at a supermarket, a meal at a restaurant or tickets for an activity. 

Let’s take a closer look at which products Mystery Shoppers get to keep and which they’ll be reimbursed for. 

How exactly does mystery shopping work? 

Mystery Shoppers are tasked with evaluating and reporting back on the services provided by a business. Each task will have a unique brief to follow, but, in most cases, a Mystery Shopper will be required to visit a company and review the cleanliness, customer service, quality of products and compliance with regulations. 

Retail mystery shopping is often the most well-known type, but here at IShopFor Ipsos, we offer assignments within several different industries. Pubs, banks and restaurants all require the help of Mystery Shoppers too, plus a number of tasks can be carried out from your own home too. Telephone mystery shopping, test purchasing and home deliveries can all be completed from home, making it super easy to get involved. 

Do mystery shoppers get to keep the products they buy? 

Although each brief is different, Mystery Shoppers are often required to buy a product as part of their task. Buying products enables our Shoppers to gain further insights into the quality of customer service and the products. 

In most cases, you’ll be reimbursed for the money spent and will be able to keep the products. However, it’s vital that you read the task brief carefully and stick to the requirements. You won’t be reimbursed for any products you buy that aren’t part of the brief. 

Before signing up for a Mystery Shopping task, you’ll be able to see payments and rewards in the task description. The Shopper Project Guidelines will also detail if purchases will need to be made. 

Do mystery diners get reimbursed for meals? 

If you enjoy visiting eateries and sampling delicious meals, why not try mystery dining? Mystery diners are tasked with reviewing and sharing their thoughts on the experience they receive at a restaurant. Whilst tucking into a tasty dish, you’ll need to assess the ambience, cleanliness, customer service and quality of food. 

For each task, you’ll be reimbursed for any dishes or drinks you’ve had to buy as part of the task. And in some cases, you’ll even receive an additional fee for your time and service. 

Again, it’s super important that you follow the instructions provided within the brief, as you’ll only be reimbursed for the items you were asked to order. Make sure to maintain proof of purchase too! 

What other benefits do mystery shoppers receive? 

Mystery Shopping rewards don’t just come in the form of reimbursements. If you’re looking to earn some extra cash, many of our opportunities offer fee-based compensations to thank you for your time. The more complex the task, the higher the fee you are likely to receive. 

So, if you’re looking for an enjoyable way to increase your income, Mystery Shopping could be the ideal solution. With so many sectors to choose from, no two tasks are the same, meaning you’ll get to enjoy plenty of variety. Plus, many of our opportunities don’t require you to travel; you can complete them from the comfort of your sofa. 

Mystery Shopping offers a range of non-monetary benefits too. Complimentary services, discount vouchers and free entertainment tickets are just some of the non-cash benefits you could receive. 

Why choose IPSOS for mystery shopping tasks? 

We’re the world’s largest provider of Mystery Shopping opportunities, with new tasks uploaded every single day. With such a variety of tasks, you’ll be able to find opportunities that fit around your schedule and aren’t too far away. We give you the freedom to complete as many or as little tasks as you’d like. 

Plus, our helpful response team is always ready to provide you with advice and help answer any questions you may have. So even if you don’t have previous experience, we’ll equip you with all the skills you’ll need to become an effective Mystery Shopper. From retail mystery shopping and bank mystery shopping to retail dining and pub mystery shopping, there are many opportunities to try out. 

For more information, explore our informative FAQs or contact our team for assistance.