Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mystery shopper?
Mystery Shopping is a tool used by many businesses to determine what the average customer thinks about their product and services. As a Mystery Shopper you will be asked to visit a location, be very observant and then, after you have left the premises, fill out a questionnaire. It is a fun way for you to earn a little extra cash and help our clients do better.
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What does it take to be a good shopper?
To be a good shopper you must be observant and objective. You must be able to look and see what is going on around you and then report the facts (no opinions here). You must also be timely. Reports must be returned to us within 24 hours of the shop being completed.
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How do I get assignments?
Many prospective shoppers ask, "How do I get hired"? The answer to that is - you don't! You will perform work for Anonymous Insights as an Independent Contractor. Before you can complete an assignment for us you will be required to fill out an Independent Contractor Agreement.

To work for AI you will need to fill out an application. This information is entered into our database. We use that database to find shoppers. When an assignment becomes available in your area we will contact you.
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Do I have to pay a fee to get started?
There is no fee to get started with Anonymous Insights. In fact, you should never have to pay a fee with any company.
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Does my information remain confidential?
Our website is secure. All information on your application is safe and cannot be accessed by anyone outside of Anonymous Insights, Inc. Further, your information remains strictly confidential. We will not share it with anyone without your permission.
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What is an Independent Contractor?
An Independent Contractor is NOT an employee. It is a person who accepts assignments on a project-by-project basis for a predetermined fee. Anonymous Insights will not withhold or pay any state or federal taxes, workers compensation or unemployment compensation on your behalf.
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When will I get paid?
We appreciate the work that you do for us and we want to reward you for a job well done. That means paying you as quickly as possible. You will receive your check no later thatn the 15th of the month for all shops conducted in the previous month.
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How much do I get paid for a shop?
Payment amount and type varies by assignment. Payment amount is determined primarily by the length and complexity of the shop and corresponding form. The typical payment amount for an evaluation ranges anywhere from $5 to $50. You will also receive reimbursement for goods and services. These "freebies" can significantly increase your rate.
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How does this affect my taxes?
As an Independent Contractor you are responsible for paying all your own taxes. If you earn $600 or more in fees (reimbursements are not included) in a calendar year we will report your earning to the Internal Revenue Service and issue a Form 1099. If you earn less than $600 you are responsible for keeping track of and reporting your own earnings.
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Am I required to make a purchase for assignments?
Yes, you are required to make a purchase. This is typically an integral part of the shop. All receipts must be received by our office within one week of shop completion. Failure to do so may delay payment. Our clients require that we keep receipts on file for one year.
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What can you tell me about the survey form?
We tailor every survey to meet the needs of our client. Some forms consist of simple yes/no questions with supporting comments. Any time that you answer "no" to a question, you will be asked to explain your answer. Some questions are answered based on a scale (1-10, poor to excellent). Others require you to write out a narrative of your experience. In many cases, it is a combination of the above.
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How many shops can I do?
That depends on where you live and how many assignments you want to accept. If you live near a major metropolitan area, chances are the number of assignments available is going to be greater than if you live 75 miles from the nearest town.
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Does the assignment have to be completed in a specific time frame?
Yes, all assignments need to be completed within the guidelines that were given to you prior to accepting the assignment. We are contractually obligated to our client to complete all shops in a given time frame.
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What should I do if I can't complete an assignment?
We understand that occasionally things come up and you will be unable to complete an assignment. If this should happen please call and/or email your Account Manager as soon as possible. To help us meet our contractual obligation to our client, please provide as much notice as possible.
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Can I work for other Mystery Shopping Companies?
Yes! We encourage you to do so. By working for many Mystery Shopping companies you will become a better, more experienced shopper. That is good for all of us.
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What do your clients do with the information?
Our clients use your reports to make improvements in their products and/or services. They use it as a tool to identify areas of excellence as well as coaching opportunities. Frequently, these results are the basis for an associate's bonus. So, you can see why it is extremely important that you always be objective and thorough!
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