Shoppers – How it Works

What Is Mystery Shopping?

Mystery shopping is the process of observing and communicating unbiased observations to local businesses while acting as a normal customer. These observations are supplied to the business on an evaluation form supplied by I-Spy Mystery Shoppers. Businesses use this information to improve their customer service, reward employees, and to spot changes that may increase their customers' satisfaction.

Mystery shoppers are young and old, men and women, professionals, stay-at-home parents, retirees, or anyone with the desire and ability to provide customer experience feedback. The BEST mystery shoppers are very observant, well organized, objective, self-starters with strong written communication skills.

It is important to note, 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. Mystery shoppers are paid for their work with a flat fee, reimbursement for purchased goods or services, or a combination of both.

Mystery shoppers ARE NOT employees of I-Spy Mystery Shoppers. They are independent contractors and are responsible for their own tax declarations and withholding, their own expenses, scheduling, and completion of evaluations. Please consult your attorney or tax professional with questions relating to your specific situation.

Who Uses Mystery Or Secret Shoppers?

Any business that has customers could potentially utilize shoppers. This includes

• Restaurants
• Retail Stores
• Service Providers (telecommunications, dry cleaning, etc.)
• Churches
• Information Providers (visitor centers, customer service reps, etc.)
• Anyone looking for a tool to motivate and reward their employees

Equipment Needed

At minimum, you will need access to a computer with an internet connection, an email address, and a phone number.

In addition, an appointment book, personal digital assistant (PDA), or appointment software could help keep you organized and decrease your chance of forgetting an assignment. Many shoppers find a small note pad, a cell phone or PDA, or voice recorder handy to take notes immediately after a visit is complete. A scanner will help simplify and speed up the process of submitting any required documentation when filling out an evaluation form.

The Benefits Of being a mystery shopper

There are many benefits to being a mystery shopper including:

• Knowing your feedback is helping improve customer satisfaction.
• Knowing the information you provide is getting to the right person.
• The ability to set your own schedule.
• The ability to choose which assignments you request.
• Earning a little extra money or getting some free stuff while doing something fun!

Becoming a mystery shopper for I-Spy

To become a shopper just fill out our Application. You will receive your username and password almost immediately. If you are added as a shopper, you will receive a second email with additional information.

For more information, please visit our "Shopper FAQ." If, after reviewing our website or at any point in the application process, you have any specific questions, please contact us through the "Contact" page on our website.