Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Mystery Shopping, registration, our policies and more. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us.

Tasks

What types of mystery shopping jobs are there?

There are a variety of Shops to choose from, ranging from in-person visits on location to online or phone tasks. Each Mystery Shop is different, and we have a lot to choose from! A typical Mystery Shopping task involves evaluating the quality of service, customer experience, and compliance to specific brand standards at an assigned location. We provide you with a scenario and detailed description of what we are looking for to ensure you are always prepared to successfully submit your report.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of mystery shopping jobs I can conduct per month?

There is no minimum / maximum amount of Mystery Shopping tasks that you can complete in a set period. However, some specific programs may limit the number of Mystery Shops that can be completed by the same Mystery Shopper within a given period.

How long does a mystery shop take?

Mystery Shopping tasks vary in time depending on the type of job being conducted. A Mystery Shopping task is generally divided into three parts: preparation (reading the project guidelines and the survey), experience (visit, call, email, audit, etc.), and the completion of the survey. Don’t hesitate to ask the iShopFor Ipsos Support Team to provide you with an approximate time that might be needed to successfully complete a job.

I cannot conduct the mystery shop assigned to me - what do I do?

If you cannot complete the Mystery Shopping job on the date you selected but would still like to conduct it on a different date, you can reschedule it by changing the date via your Shop inbox. If you are not able to reschedule your task on your own, then please contact the iShopFor Ipsos Shopper Support Team before declining the task. There might be an option to change the date.

Why did I receive a message that my profile doesn’t meet the application criteria?

If you receive this message, you likely already conducted the maximum number of Mystery Shops at that location or program for the month. If you think you received this message in error, contact the iShopFor Ipsos Support Team.

Do I have to make a purchase while mystery shopping?

Sometimes - each Mystery Shopping task is different. Some require a purchase and return, some just a purchase, and others don't have any purchase requirements. You will see all these details, including a reimbursement amount (if applicable) before you apply for the Mystery Shop.

Payments

How much can I earn as a mystery shopper?

Each Mystery Shop has a different pay rate depending on the requirements. You can see all Mystery Shopper pay details, including reimbursement (if applicable), before accepting the Mystery Shop. You choose the ones that are right for you.

Can I make a full time living out of mystery shopping?

While our Mystery Shoppers are talented and dedicated professionals, it is difficult to make a fulltime income from Mystery Shopping. For most of our Shoppers, this is a side gig and not their primary source of income. As such, you should treat it as additional income.

Do I really get paid to shop?

Yes! You get paid for each successfully submitted Mystery Shop. Mystery Shopping is a great way to do what you like and get paid for it.

How and when will I be paid?

We only pay through PayPal. Payments for successfully completed Mystery Shops are paid through your PayPal account within two weeks of your survey being approved.

Do I have to provide my bank details?

No. All you need is a valid PayPal account.

Is an Ipsos Mystery Shopper a full-time employee?

No. iShopFor Ipsos Mystery Shoppers work as Independent Contractors. Consult our Terms & Conditions to learn more.

My Account

What do I need to do to become an iShopFor Ipsos Mystery Shopper?

You must be 18 years or older with internet access to view and apply for Mystery Shops, review assignments, and submit surveys. You'll also need a smartphone to capture data while in the field and a PayPal account to receive payments.

How do you contact me?

Our Mystery Shopper Support Team may contact you by email, phone, or text. It's important to respond to requests for additional information ASAP to ensure your payments are issued on time. If you run into any issues before, during, or after you complete a Mystery Shop, contact us!

I forgot my login details/password, what should I do?

You can reset your password by clicking the "Forgot Password" link on the login screen. If you are still having trouble, contact us.

Data Protection

Is the information provided in my Profile protected?

Yes, your Mystery Shopper profile information in both the iShopFor Ipsos Sassie and Shopmetrics platforms is secure, will never be provided to a third party, and will remain confidential. The Mystery Shopping tasks we offer you depend on your answers to the questions in your profile. Complete it in full and ensure it's up-to-date. For more information, consult our Privacy Policy.

How can I unsubscribe?

To leave our panel of Mystery Shoppers, login to the iShopFor Ipsos Shopmetrics Platform and submit a request in MY PRIVACY (MY SETTINGS, EDIT PROFILE, MY PRIVACY, REQUEST ERASURE). Note that your request of leaving the panel can proceed only once all the task assigned to you are validated and the payment is issued. Once your unsubscribe demand is processed, most of your data will be deleted and your account will be deactivated. Certain personal data necessary to your identification will be kept by Ipsos as legal proof of our past collaboration. For more information, please consult our Privacy Policy. Also note that the unsubscription is irreversible, and therefore, we won’t be able to recover your account.

Where can I submit a request concerning my Privacy Rights?

To submit a privacy related request, login to the iShopFor Ipsos Shopmetrics Platform and submit a request in MY PRIVACY (MY SETTINGS, EDIT PROFILE, MY PRIVACY, SUBMIT A PRIVACY-RELATED REQUEST). Note that our team might need time to process your privacy request. Your request will be processed a maximum 30 days after it’s submission.

For more information about our privacy please consult your country Privacy Policy.

Discover Mystery Shopping

What is Mystery Shopping?

Mystery Shopping is a market research technique where individuals, known as Mystery Shoppers, anonymously evaluate the quality of service, products, or compliance with regulations in various businesses, providing valuable feedback to companies.

What is the purpose of mystery shopping?

Mystery Shoppers anonymously assess the quality of service, products, or compliance with regulations in various businesses. They act as typical customers, following predefined scenarios or guidelines, and provide detailed feedback to companies about their experiences.

What is the business impact of mystery shopping?

Mystery Shopping helps businesses identify strengths and weaknesses in customer service, product quality, and adherence to company standards. By gaining insights from customer perspectives, companies can enhance customer satisfaction, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately increase revenue and loyalty.

Mystery Shopping Best Practices

Are there any tips for maximizing my earnings as a mystery shopper?

To maximize earnings as a Mystery Shopper, prioritize assignments with higher pay, plan efficient routes to minimize travel costs, complete evaluations promptly to access more opportunities, maintain a professional demeanor, and continuously enhance your observation and reporting skills.

Survey Success: Checklist for Completing Mystery Shop Survey Forms
  1. Read instructions thoroughly. 
  2. Pay attention to detail. 
  3. Stay objective. 
  4. Complete all sections. 
  5. Use clear language. 
  6. Submit on time. 
  7. Review your reports before submitting them. 
  8. Follow guidelines. 
  9. Maintain confidentiality. 
  10. Report issues promptly.

iShopFor Ipsos Sassie Platform Management

How do I see if I got paid for a shop in the iShopFor Ipsos Sassie Platform?

Change your Task Log filter to show “Finished” Mystery Shops. Each Mystery Shop will list an amount and paid date once it is paid.​

iShopFor Ipsos Shopmetrics Platform Management

How do I see more shops in my area?

The iShopFor Ipsos Shopmetrics platform has a filter that allows you to select open Mystery Shops by project - try increasing the radius you’re willing to travel. You can also filter by online and phone Mystery Shops.

Can I schedule mystery shops in bulk?

No, but you can filter and sort in the list view to narrow your search. You still must apply for each Mystery Shop individually. ​