Please have a look through our Frequently Asked Questions below.

If you still require assistance please contact us.

  • What does a Mystery Shopper do?

    Mystery Shoppers visit specific stores and businesses anonymously for the purpose of observing and reporting on the quality of customer service delivered. The answers submitted by our mystery shoppers enable clients to make employment decisions, reward staff for excellent performance, redirect staff who perform poorly and evaluate adherence to company service standards.

    The Mystery Shopper process begins with on-line training. After completing initial education our shoppers are able to select assignments, complete jobs by visiting a site or performing a telephone evaluation and finally entering job data into the online database.

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  • Why should I become a Mystery Shopper?

    Being a Mystery Shopper is well suited to anyone who would benefit from:
    • Receiving free products and/or services (on certain assignments).
    • Highly flexible hours.
    • Contributing to a higher level of customer service.
    • Having a diverse number of shopping experiences.
    • You'll be able to participate in educational sessions via online training.

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  • How much does a Mystery Shopper get paid?

    Mystery Shoppers are independent contractors who receive rewards in the form of gift vouchers, or bank deposits. In addition, on many assignments, free goods and/or services are also available. The amount you will get paid varies by the type of assignment you complete. Payments generally range between $15 to $80 per assignment.

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  • Do Mystery Shoppers work part-time or full-time?

    Mystery Shopping should be considered part-time or casual work.

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  • Do I need previous experience as a Mystery Shopper?

    No, previous experience is not necessary. Shoppers are recruited based on the information provided in their online application form, their aptitude and ability to meet assignment requirements. Mystery Shopping Online offers extensive online training which will broaden your understanding of the Mystery Shopper industry, and assist you in becoming a highly effective Mystery Shopper.

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  • What is the application process?

    The process of applying to start work with Mystery Shopping Online as a Mystery Shopper is as follows:
    1. Go to the online application.
    2. Fill out the application thoroughly and professionally. (The application is the main method of decision making regarding shopper selection; therefore it is in your best interest that the information provided be presented proficiently.)
    3. Your application will be reviewed and kept in our database for a period of 12 months.
    4. When there is work in your area you will be sent an email message. If you accept the assignment you are then able to enter the rest of our web-site and get your assignment.

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  • I submitted an application some time ago and have not heard from anyone. When can I expect to be contacted?

    Shoppers are used based on the availability of work in their area of residence. After you have submitted your application, we may not contact you immediately so do not worry if you do not hear from us. We will get in touch with you as soon as there is Mystery Shopping available in your area.

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  • Who will supervise my work?

    Mystery Shopper Coordinators supervise all aspects of shopper work. There is always someone available by email or telephone if a Mystery Shopper has a problem or question.

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  • How will I receive and submit my assignments?

    All assignments are posted online. You are always told ahead of time what the assignment details are, including:
    • Approved expense amount (if applicable).
    • The exact location of the assignment.
    • Approved hours for the assignment.
    • Assignment deadline(s).
    • Details and nature of the procedure.

    As a Mystery Shopper you will be able to submit your completed assignments using the online forms provided.

    Invitations to accept or decline a mystery shopping assignment to be conducted in your suburb will be emailed to all shoppers who chose that suburb. For us to send you assignment notices, you must have registered the suburbs where you are available for shopping assignments in the "Tell us where you want to shop" area in the members section of the Mystery Shopper site.

    You will know when you have successfully accepted an assignment online, as an email will be sent congratulating you (or one advising you have been unsuccessful). As well, the booked status in the "Collect your Assignment" area will change from "no" to "yes".

    When you have successfully accepted an assignment you will then be able to access the required questionnaire for that assignment in the "Fill in Your Assignment Questionnaire" area, familiarising yourself with the questionnaire (and printing it out if required) before you carry out the assignment. This area is also where you complete your questionnaire.

    When completing a questionnaire the site may time you out (depending on the total time you have spent online) and not accept your submitted answers. Please keep this in mind. You will know you have successfully submitted your questionnaire when you receive a message screen saying, "Thank you for submitting the questionnaire, we will be in touch shortly".

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  • Will I incur any expenses working as a Mystery Shopper?

    Depending on the assignment you may be required to purchase an item which will be included in the reward. As a trained Mystery Shopper you will be able to complete most assignments in less than 90 minutes (this includes getting the information about the job from the web-site, doing the job and typing in the results on our web-site afterwards).

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  • Will I need to travel to complete assignments for MysteryShopper.com.au?

    Extra travel costs are not covered. Since MysteryShopper.com.au does not cover travel costs, most Mystery Shoppers do not travel to complete assignments. You should only accept assignments that you will be able to complete in your area. IF you decide to work outside your immediate area, you are responsible for any associated costs.

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  • Can I refuse certain assignments?

    Yes. You select only the assignments you are interested in and willing to complete given the job parameters.

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  • After accepting an assignment, how long will I have to complete the shop and submit my report?

    New jobs are posted on an ongoing basis and all assignments include details such as:
    • Approved expense amount (if applicable).
    • The exact location of the assignment.
    • Approved hours for the assignment.
    • Assignment deadlines.
    It is important that you select only the assignments that you will be able to complete by the indicated deadline. Keep in mind that all assignments need to be submitted within 24 hours of completing the job.

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  • Can I tell my friends to apply?

    Yes! Tell all your friends to visit us at www.mysteryshopper.com.au. We would love to show them around.

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  • Why all the training?

    We want you to be as qualified and as knowledgeable as possible to be able to competently complete assignments. It reassures us that you know as much as possible about what you may be required to do and how to handle situations that may arise as well as some background information on Market Research and mystery shopping in general.

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  • What software do I require to work with MysteryShopper.com.au?

    MysteryShopper.com.au recommends that our shoppers maintain an up-to-date browser and email program on their system.

    The web browsers we recommend are Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or later or Netscape Navigator 4.0 or later.

    To download the latest version of either browser, please use the following links:

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  • What type of computer will I require to work with MysteryShopper.com.au?

    N.B. If you are able to complete the online application without anomalies, you have the necessary basic hardware. If not, you can upgrade your software.

    Any computer capable of running recent versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator should be sufficient.

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  • How much knowledge of the Internet do I need?

    You should be familiar with all the basic functions of your browser. MysteryShopper.com.au does not provide specific Internet training or technical support. You are expected to provide this.

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  • Do I have to pay for my own Internet connection?

    Yes. All shoppers with MysteryShopper.com.au are considered independent contractors and are therefore responsible for their own operating expenses (i.e. computer, Internet access, maintenance etc.)

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  • Do I require my own computer?

    Although having your own computer is an advantage, it is not necessary. You require an email address where you can be reached, as well as regular access to the Internet in order to select and submit assignments.

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  • What is a Super Voucher?

    A Super Voucher is an electronic voucher, similar to a gift voucher that is sent to your email address and you will need to print it out and present it at your chosen retailer. For more information on Super Vouchers please visit www.giftvouchers.com. If you have not entered your bank details online prior to accepting an assignment you will be paid via this method.

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  • How long until I will be paid?

    You will receive payment for your assignment after submitting your assignment and having it verified by one of our staff and the client for accuracy and validity. This generally takes around 10 working days.

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  • I would like a bank deposit for payment, how do I receive this?

    Please enter your bank details (account name, account number and BSB number) under the 'Payment Information' link. Once we have these you will have the option to be paid via a bank deposit or Super Voucher when accepting an assignment.

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  • Will tax be taken out of my payment?

    As independent contractors you will have to declare the income you earnt as a Mystery Shopper to the Australian Tax Office or related bodies even if you were paid via Super Voucher. We do not take tax out of your payments and payments include GST and/or other taxes therefore it is an illegal offence to withhold this information from the tax office.

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  • What type of assignments can I expect?

    Depending on where you live you may be asked to participate in assignments such as the following:
    • Enquiring about car insurance and gaining a car insurance quote
    • Visiting a restaurant for a meal
    • Purchasing a gift for a friend or yourself
    • Enquiring about various retail products including mobile phones, personal computers, or household items.
    • Visiting a retail outlet to try on the latest fashions.
    • Staying a night at a hotel, all expenses paid
    • Enquiring about interest rates at your local bank or financial institution
    • Visiting a beauty salon to enquire about laser hair removal, a manicure, or hair treatment

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  • How often will I receive assignments?

    The number and type of assignments will vary depending on where you live as well as the number of postcodes you have entered when completing your training. Some shoppers complete several assignments per week whilst others may only complete one every month or two. You are not obligated to complete a minimum number of assignments and participation is fully voluntary.

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  • I am not receiving any assignments, why?

    Please check you have completed all the required training beginning with the 'general shopper questionnaire' which you will find as soon as you log in. Please also check you have forwarded us the required personal and work ID. To be eligible to complete assignments you must have fully met all the training requirements.

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  • I have done all this and still not receiving assignments, why?

    Unfortunately we do not have a complete coverage of Australia, New Zealand and the USA with clients and therefore may not have any work in your area at present. However we are working with numerous potential new clients and we hope to bring work to an area near you in the future.

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  • I have just accepted my first assignment, what do I do?

    Please ensure you read all information pertaining to the assignment prior to its completion. This includes the description, guidelines and questionnaire. Please also print out the ID card and be in possession of this when completing the assignment. If you have any questions or problems please contact us as soon as possible be email or phone.

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  • Can I do more than one assignment per job?

    Definitely! If you are able to successfully complete more than one assignment within the required time frame please feel free to accept more.

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  • I am unable to complete an assignment I have accepted, what do I do?

    Please call the support number immediately and let us know the client, store and day you were supposed to complete the assignment and we shall reschedule it to another shopper. Please let us know as much in advance so we can successfully have this assignment completed.

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  • I missed an assignment, what now?

    If you missed an assignment due to unforeseen circumstances please contact us as soon as possible and we shall either arrange for it to be completed at another time or we can reschedule for another shopper. You must let us know as soon as possible otherwise your payment may be reduced or cancelled.

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  • I have been sent an email that an assignment is available, how do I accept?

    You will need to log in to our website and select the store link you will find displayed. Read through the guidelines and then select the ?I accept? link at the bottom only if you feel you will adequately be able to complete the assignment and if you do not have any other commitments for the time the assignment is due for completion.

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  • How do I submit my report?

    You will need to log in and select the store link. Near the bottom of the page you will find a 'questionnaire' icon. Select this and enter your responses in the spaces required. It is important that you read through the questionnaire prior to completing the assignment to ensure you have assessed the correct features.

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  • When do I have to submit my report?

    You have 24 hours to submit your report from when it was due for completion. Failure to submit your report or contact us may result in your payment being reduced or cancelled. If there are any problems with meeting this 24 hour deadline please contact us as soon as possible to make alternative arrangements.

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  • Why do you need ID details?

    We require personal ID to verify the details you used when you registered are correct. We require work ID to confirm that you do not currently work for one of our clients. This will not exclude you from total participation, just from completing assignments for your employer. The copy you send us will be destroyed once we have verified your details.

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  • I am currently unemployed or a homemaker and have no work ID, what do I do?

    Please send us an email or letter stating this and we shall update your details accordingly. This will not exclude you from participating as our shoppers do not have to be in paid or otherwise employment.

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  • Receipts are required for my assignment, what do I do with this?

    Please scan and email your receipt to receipts@mysteryshopper.com.au or post to:
    • Mystery Shopper Receipts
    • PO Box 629
    • Kingsgrove NSW 1480
    You should send the receipt as soon as possible to ensure prompt payment for your work.

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  • I've decided not to be a Mystery Shopper anymore, how do I unsubscribe?

    Please contact us we shall remove your details from our system.

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  • I have changed my details, how do I update them?

    If you are an active shopper with us you will be able to update your details under the link 'Update my Details' once you have logged in then selecting the 'next' button. If you do not have this link then you are yet to complete all of your training. One stage of training is entering in demographic details and here you can enter your details. Don't forget if you have moved to update the postcodes of areas where you can shop!

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