What kind of assignments do you offer?
Our clients encompass a wide range of merchants, including retail stores, financial service providers, restaurants, golf courses, hotels, home builders, storage companies, merchandising for telecommunications companies, and a variety of healthcare service providers.
What are you looking for in a mystery shopper?
We need shoppers who are able to follow instructions and provide very detailed surveys. Shoppers are required to complete their assignments during a specific time frame, perform the assignment as outlined by the instructions and provide all the requested documentation. Shoppers need to be reliable and honest.
Do I need to have previous experience?
Previous experience is not necessary. You only need a good attitude and a commitment to doing the best you can at completing your assignments accurately and on time.
How much does it cost to sign up?
It does not cost to sign up as a mystery shopper.
How do I sign up?
Go to our website here. Click on the link “Become a Shopper.” Fill out the application and submit. It’s as simple as that!
How do I know if I’m signed up as a shopper for your company?
Try logging in here with your e-mail address and suspected password. If that does not work, follow the instructions to create a new account or reset your password.
Forgotten password?
Once on the sign-in page of the website, click the link for “Forgot Password” and the system will walk you through the steps to reset it. Due to security reasons, MSI is unable to access your old password or change it on your behalf.
Why am I being asked for my Social Security Number and date of birth during registration?
We are required by law to report income over $600 per year to the IRS. The application process through our website is very secure.
How long will it take until I get my first assignment?
Once you have successfully created a profile in our system, you can log on and check the Job Board for assignments in your area.
Are there forms I will have to fill out?
Yes, you will need to complete a survey online. We encourage all shoppers to review both the guidelines and survey prior to completing the assignment. You should have no problems filling out the survey once you have read your assignment instructions.
How long should I retain records such as surveys, receipts, and other documentation I submitted for assignments?
You are required to keep all documents for thirty days in case the MSI editing team has a question or requires additional collateral.
When do you pay?
We pay within 45 days after the assignment is completed. For example, if you complete your assignment on June 15th, you will be paid by July 30th.
How much will I get paid?
The pay rate varies from assignment to assignment, and you will know at the time you accept an assignment how much your pay will be.
Who do I contact for payment discrepancies?
You may contact our accounts payable division at accounting@mercsystems.com.
How long will I have to complete the work?
Surveys are due within 24 hours of the assignment unless noted otherwise in the guidelines.
How can I increase my chances of getting more assignments?
Being diligent about completing your assignments on time and accurately will raise your rating and make you more eligible for more assignments.
What is a shopper rating and how might mine be affected?
Shoppers are graded in the following areas with the highest score of 10 for each section:
- Quality of Survey/Writing
- Quality of Survey/Consistency
- Attention to Due Date
- Ability to Follow Guidelines/Instructions
- Ability to Upload Collateral
As you complete assignments accurately and on time, your rating will go up and your chances of getting assigned improve.
What is expected on an assignment?
Once you accept the assignment, we expect you to complete it in the required time frame. It is important that you carefully review the guidelines and adhere to them. Do not take the guidelines with you on your assignment. Surveys need to be accurate, detailed, and include the proper documentation. Please do not draw attention to yourself during your assignment by making complaints, asking for names, or writing notes.
Who will be my contact person?
You will work with a scheduler before your assignment. They will be available to answer any questions you may have prior to completing the assignment as well as making sure that the assignment is completed in the required time frame. The editor will work with you after completion of an assignment to clarify or ask for additional information. Please check your email for 1-7 days after submitting a survey to answer any question our editors might have immediately.
What happens if I have to cancel a shop? Will it affect my rating?
Once you accept an assignment we expect you to complete it in an accurate and timely fashion. However, we know that emergencies happen, and if you contact us immediately, we can try to work with you on either adjusting the date or reassigning the shop. Repeatedly canceling an assignment, or cancelling the day before, or day of does affect your shopper rating. The sooner you contact us, the more likely it is that we can resolve the situation without it affecting your rating.
Do you reimburse for gas mileage?
We do not reimburse for gas or mileage unless it is specifically called for in the assignment description.
Do you pay referral bonus?
There are times when we have specific needs in certain areas, age group, occupation, and so forth. We reach out to our shoppers via email, and if you provide us with a shopper who meets the criteria and that person completes a successful assignment we would then pay a referral bonus.
Why don’t I see available shops?
If you have narrowed the search to your state or zip code and you do not see available assignments, then there are none available at this time. Please check back on a regular basis as we are constantly posting new assignments.
What are some helpful tools to complete my assignments?
A smart pone will be the most helpful tool to bring along to your assignment. You can take the required pictures, text yourself, and audio record interactions if needed. Your phone will also have time stamps to help you with timing questions.
How do I deactivate my account if I am no longer interested in being a mystery shopper?
Log into your account and go to “My Settings” at the top of the page. Select “Edit Profile” and go to “Notifications”. Click “Edit” at the bottom to make the desired changes. Make sure to click the “Update” button to save your changes before moving to a different tab.
What are business hours?
Our office is open Monday – Thursday 8am-4:30pm (PST) and Friday between 6am-2:30pm (PST). We are closed weekends and holidays.
How can I contact you if I need to?
Mercantile Systems Inc.
(888) 222-8301