Frequently Asked Questions
What is mystery shopping?
A type of market research, mystery shopping is a standard and common business practice where service evaluations are made without the store's personnel being aware that they are being "shopped." Mystery shopping provides our clients with information about customer service standards they have established for all of their locations. This information allows companies to adjust training and award bonuses that help turn their service vision into reality. Good customer service benefits us all.
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What does a mystery shopper do?
Anonymous "shoppers" pose as ordinary customers and evaluate a business's service, cleanliness, food quality, and other factors that the client may require. As an Independent Contractor (not an employee), you would receive complete guidelines for each shop that you choose to accept. Average shop time is between 1 and 2 hours.
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What kind of "shops" might I do?
We shop a variety of businesses, including traditional retailers, restaurants, drug and grocery stores, banks, convenience stores, and gas stations.
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What do I get paid?
For many shops you will be paid a fee to compensate you for completing our service questionnaire. Other shops require you to purchase a meal or item, the cost of which is later reimbursed. Shoppers are paid once a month for all approved shops completed in the prior calendar month. Fees are paid only for reports acceptable to our clients.
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What are the requirements for being a mystery shopper?
You must be at least 20 years old and have a minimum of a high school education. You need excellent observational skills and must be very detail oriented. Most shops require a digital watch that displays seconds or a stopwatch for timing the store's service. Access to a computer is required and high-speed Internet access is highly recommended. A digital camera is necessary for higher paying audit-type assignments.
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Does Market Force Information need/use more than one shopper in my area?
Yes, we do. To maintain the confidentiality of our mystery shoppers, we must rotate shoppers on a regular basis.
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What is the process for receiving shops?
Once your shopper application is approved, you will receive a user ID, password, and the address of our Shopper Website, where you choose the shops you are interested in completing. When a shop is accepted, you then choose from a range of dates when you can perform your shop. Accepting a shop means you are committed to completing the shop during the time frame that you choose. You are responsible for printing, from our website, the Contractor Payment Invoice (CPI), guidelines, and a specific questionnaire for each shop. A thorough review of the guidelines is required prior to performing and completing the shop. After each shop, you simply report the results online (in most cases) and forward us your shop documentation (receipt or business card) and your CPI for payment.
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How secure is my Social Security Number?
Your information is collected via a secure web environment and there is a link to our privacy statement next to the Social Security Number (SSN) box on the form. If you note the URL in your web browser after you entered this website, you will see that we immediately redirect you to a secure server. You will see “https” in the URL—a sign that you are on a secure server. If you are still uncomfortable giving us your SSN online, we also accept packets via fax. You may email ShopRecruit@marketforce.com, an auto-responder, to receive an immediate electronic copy of the paperwork that may then be filled out and faxed back.
Do not enter a SSN other than your true and valid SSN; remember, identity theft is a crime. This number is used for IRS purposes and will be reported to the IRS when payments exceed a certain amount.
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Once you have received my submission, what is next?
Our staff personally reviews all submissions to ensure you meet our criteria. We process as quickly as possible, but it may take up to 48 hours. Approved Shoppers will receive an email with your Shopper ID number and further information. Please make sure that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or computer does not filter out our email address. If you have not heard from us within three business days, please email HelpDesk@marketforce.com for an update.
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