Mystery Shopper Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any costs to be a mystery shopper?
No, there are no costs associated with being a mystery shopper for Goodwin & Associates. We will never ask you for a credit card number, charge a registration fee, or charge a monthly fee. Be cautious of mystery shopping companies that may not have the same policy and charge for registration.

Am I qualified to be a mystery shopper?
Prior experience, certifications, or training in the mystery shopping industry are not required to join our team. The majority of our clients just want average people representing a variety of demographics to provide their opinions on their businesses. Some of our assignments do require hospitality experience or MSPA certifications though. Please be sure to note your experience on your shopper profile when registering with us. Mystery shoppers must be at least 21 years old to complete assignments that require entering bars or ordering alcoholic beverages. Mystery shoppers also must have access to a reliable computer with internet access and an email account. Each shopper may only have 1 shopper account with Goodwin & Associates.

How much time must I commit to be a mystery shopper?
Our program is flexible and you can decide how many assignments you wish to accept. We do not require a minimum amount of completed shops to stay active in our database. You can do 1 shop a week or 1 a year depending on your interests and schedule.

Do I need to sign a contract?
You don’t need to sign a contract, but you should read our shopper agreement. As a mystery shopper with our team, you are bound by the terms described in that agreement. All shoppers are independent contractors and their relationship with Goodwin & Associates may be terminated at any time for any reason. Shoppers’ accounts will be deactivated if they miss assignments or if their integrity is questioned.

When do mystery shops occur?
Mystery shops are scheduled on weekends and weekdays at various times. Each assignment has different time and date requirements, which are detailed in the shop instructions online. Some assignments may require a shop in the morning for breakfast, at 6pm for dinner, a late night bar visit at 1am, or a matinee at a movie theater.

Are assignments available in my local area?
We execute thousands of shops across the United States each month. Chances are, there are probably a few assignments in your local area too. The assignments and locations change on a regular basis though so be sure to check our website often for new opportunities in your local area.


PAYMENT:

Will I receive a paycheck from Goodwin & Associates for being a mystery shopper?
You will not receive a “paycheck”, as shoppers are not employees of Goodwin & Associates. You will receive a flat-rate reimbursement for a predetermined amount after submitting a satisfactory report with a valid receipt. You will NOT receive a reimbursement for expenses in addition to this payment amount, as this is a flat rate payment that is designed to cover part or all of your expenses during the assignment. You will know the amount available for the reimbursement when accepting the assignment. No taxes are withheld from the reimbursement. Each shopper is an independent contractor and responsible for proper tax reporting for their income.

How is the reimbursement structured?
Shoppers are reimbursed a set flat rate amount for completing each assignment. The amount is displayed online when you decide to accept the shop. There is no additional reimbursement for expenses, food, parking, mileage, gas, etc. or compensation such as an hourly rate or salary. The reimbursement is a flat rate amount, regardless of what you actually spend during the assignment. Three examples of our flat rate reimbursement are described below:

How and when will I be paid?
Our shoppers are usually paid within 60-90 days of submitting an acceptable report AND valid receipt. If 90 days have passed and you have not received payment yet, please submit a shopper payment inquiry form. Please do not inquire about a payment unless 90 days have passed to allow time for processing. We encourage all shoppers to select payment via PayPal to expedite payment. You will not incur any fees by accepting money through PayPal and it will ensure that you get paid quicker. If you are being paid by check, please ensure that we have your current mailing address. If you need to change your PayPal email address or your mailing address, please email that information to Payment@MysteryShopperProgram.com.

Is being a shopper considered a full time job?
Since most of our assignments only reimburse shoppers for partial or all of the cost of food or entertainment, it is not possible to earn enough income to be considered a fulltime job. It is a great way to try new restaurants and defer part of the entertainment expenses though!


SHOPPING:

How do I complete a mystery shop and submit my survey?
Review the shop instructions and survey online before completing the assignment. Then go the business that you are assigned to and follow the shop instructions. Be careful to pay close attention to how you were greeted, how much time passed between meals, the environment, the cleanliness, the staff, etc. Do not take any notes or do anything that would give away your identity as a mystery shopper. Pay for your experience and keep your receipt. Within 24 hours of your shop, sit down in front of a computer and login to our website to complete your survey. Once in your shopper account, find the specific shop listed under "20 Most Recent Shops" and click on the date of the shop that you just completed. Complete the survey that appears by thoroughly answering all questions in the survey and providing comments. Click the “submit” button when you are done and feel that it is a complete and valuable report.

Can I bring a copy of the report to the shop to fill out?
Never bring a printed copy of the report with you on an assignment, as that will jeopardize your identify as a mystery shopper. If the client identifies you as a shopper, then the integrity of the report is compromised and it is no longer considered a valid report. If this happens, you will not be paid for the assignment or reimbursed for any expenses incurred.

How will I remember all of the details?
Some shoppers bring a friend and each person remembers particular details. Some shoppers go to the restroom and make some notes away from the view of employees. Other shoppers send a text message using their cell phone or make voice notes into their voicemail. Just be very careful that a staff member doesn’t hear you leaving a voicemail or see you taking notes, as that may compromise your identity. If the client identifies you as a shopper, then the integrity of the report is compromised and it is no longer considered a valid report. If this happens, you will not be paid for the assignment or reimbursed for any expenses incurred.

Do I need to drink alcohol?
Some of the assignments require that you order alcoholic beverages in order to evaluate the bar service. These assignments clearly disclose in the instructions if an alcohol purchase is required before you accept the assignment. Obviously, no one under 21 years of age is permitted to accept or complete a assignment that requires alcohol consumption.

What should I do if an appetizer, dessert, or alcoholic beverage is included in the shop instructions, but I do not want to consume that menu item?
Even if you do not particularly want an item included in the instructions, you still must order one in order to judge the service timing and execution. The instructions for each assignment should be thoroughly reviewed before accepting the assignment, as they must be fully followed to receive payment. If any part of the instructions are not followed or order requirements are not met, then the report will not be considered valid. If this happens, you will not be paid for the assignment or reimbursed for any expenses incurred.

Do I need to keep my receipt?
Yes, you must get a receipt for all assignments, which must be attached to your report online or faxed/emailed to us. We cannot process payment for your shop without a valid receipt.

How do I send my receipt to you?
When you are completing your report online, there is a spot for you to upload an image of your receipt. Many shoppers take a digital picture or scan their receipt and then use this upload function, which is the preferred way to send us your receipts. You may also fax your receipt to us using the fax number provided in the shop instructions and the fax cover sheet provided online. Payment will NOT be processed without a valid receipt.

Can I cancel an assignment that I accepted?
When you accept an assignment, we are counting on you to complete it. If you need to cancel the assignment for any reason, we must be informed at least 48 hours in advance so that we can reassign the assignment to another shopper. Failure to notify us of a cancellation may result in termination of your mystery shopper account. Notify us of cancellation or schedule changes by calling 603-223-03030 x2 or emailing info@MysteryShopperProgram.com.

What happens if I have a bad experience while completing shop?
It is important to remember that you are accepting the assignments as an independent contractor and are assuming all risks and responsibility for any resulting experience that may occur. If you are uncomfortable accepting a shop for any reason, such as it being in a bad neighborhood or hazardous driving conditions, we encourage you not to accept that particular assignment or to provide us with notice within 48 hours of the scheduled assignment. In the incredibly rare event of a bad occurrence during a shop, such as falling, contracting food poisoning, or incorrect charges to your credit card, we encourage you to handle the event by dealing with the management of the establishment just as you would any other consumer experience. It is extremely important that you realize that Goodwin & Associates assumes no liability for anything that might occur while you are at or on your way to an assignment.

Who do I contact with additional questions?
You may call us at 603-223-0303 x1 or email us at info@MysteryShopperProgram.com with additional questions, comments, or concerns.