FAQ
Is this job about shopping? I LOVE to shop!
Being a mystery or secret shopper is NOT about shopping, is NOT about looking for what is wrong, and is NOT about getting rich quick.
The focus of mystery shopping is collecting objective information about our clients business and the behavior of their employees.
The focus of mystery shopping is collecting objective information about our clients business and the behavior of their employees.
How many assignments, on average, can I complete in one week?
The average number of assignments depends on your flexibility, your schedule, the number of shops available, and the number of other interested shoppers. Most shoppers currently average 1-3 shops per week.
How much can I make in a month?
Shopper pay ranges from $15 per month to $100 per month or more. The amount you can earn is really up to you. Shoppers who are only interested in a specific type of shop will limit their earning potential. However, shoppers who are flexible and willing to try new and different assignments or hard to assign shops will bring home bigger payments.
It is also important to note that shoppers who consistently provide high-quality, unbiased evaluations with few or no errors will receive more and better assignments.
It is also important to note that shoppers who consistently provide high-quality, unbiased evaluations with few or no errors will receive more and better assignments.
How long is the form you have to fill out after you complete the assignment?
The length of the form depends on the nature of the shop. Most evaluations range from 35-50 questions. Most questions are in a yes/no or multiple choice format.
Can I work on the same I-Spy assignment every week?
You can request any assignment you're interested in. However, in most cases, an evaluator will not shop the same location more than once every two or three weeks in order to preserve their anonymity and to provide our clients with a variety of input.
What happens if none of the assignments fit into my schedule?
You are never obligated to request an assignment. If nothing fits into your schedule right now, something else may in the future. Once you apply for and are given an assignment, contact us ASAP if you run into schedule conflicts.
How often do assignments change?
New clients are always signing up with I-Spy, so assignments will change randomly and frequently. In addition, existing clients may occasionally change the criteria they are interested in evaluating or the scenario surrounding an assignment. It is recommended that you log in daily at www.ispymysteryshoppers.com to check for current postings on available shops.
Why do you need my Social Security Number?
Your Social Security Number is required so we have all the information necessary to file a 1099 form with the IRS and to meet the new-hire reporting requirements in some states.
I'm concerned about submitting my SSN online. Should I be?
Your privacy and the security of your information are very important to us. For that reason our site is secure for submitting your SSN.
I-Spy's Independent Contractor Agreement mentions issuance of a 1099 if I make $600 or more. Does this amount include the reimbursement for purchase of goods or services, or just the actual fee for doing the job?
A 1099 would include the fee and any reimbursements. You should contact your tax advisor for additional information.
Will the business know my name after I turn in the evaluation and possibly flag me if I return?
I-Spy clients are only given the name of an I-Spy Evaluator if it is necessary to help them identify the employee who was evaluated. In this case, the mystery shopper's name is only given to our corporate contact and is not shared with employees of any location.
However, when employees know an I-Spy program is in place, they will try to figure out which customers are actually evaluators. If they correctly identify an evaluator they will share that information with their peers. This makes it extremely important that shoppers are very discrete and careful not to do anything that may give them away.
However, when employees know an I-Spy program is in place, they will try to figure out which customers are actually evaluators. If they correctly identify an evaluator they will share that information with their peers. This makes it extremely important that shoppers are very discrete and careful not to do anything that may give them away.
When and how will I be paid?
Shopper payments will be made via PayPal. The email account you have on file with I-Spy Mystery Shoppers should match an email account associated with your PayPal account. If you do not have a PayPal account you will be prompted to open one with your first payment. Payments are made the 15th of the month following the month the assignment was completed. For example, payments for June assignments will be made the 15th of July.
Do you have assignments in my area?
Our primary service area is Eastern Nebraska & Western Iowa. However we do have clients in a few other areas. We encourage you to contact us before submitting your application to ensure we have opportunities in your area. Please refer to the "Contact" page for methods of contact.
Am I an employee of I-Spy Mystery Shoppers?
NO! Evaluators are NOT employees of I-Spy Mystery Shoppers. They are independent contractors and are responsible for their own tax declarations and withholding, their own insurance, their own expenses, scheduling, and completion of evaluations. Please consult your attorney, tax professional, and/or insurance agent with questions relating to your specific situation.
