What do I need to know about being a mystery shopper?

Mystery shopping (also known as secret shopping) involves visiting a nominated retail store or service outlet as an 'undercover customer' reporting back on the shopping experience. Mystery shoppers assess their shopping experience by evaluating areas such as customer service, store presentation, product quality, add-on selling techniques, cleanliness and promotional material, based on a survey and guidelines provided for each assignment. 

To become a mystery shopper with The Realise Group you will need:

• very good writing skills

• the ability to follow instructions accurately

• be contactable and reliable (eg, you keep your commitments and complete assignments by the deadline)

• a good memory and attention to detail

• your own car or transport

• computer or tablet with internet and data, access to a printer

• Adobe Reader/Acrobat software (free to download)

What is the minimum age to become a mystery shopper?

To become a mystery shopper with The Realise Group you must be at least 18 years old.

How will I know about mystery shopping assignments in my area?

When mystery shopping jobs are released we post them to the Job Board. You will receive our Job Posting emails advising you when shops are live on the Job Board. Alternatively, when signed into your shopper account you'll see the 'Job Board' at the top menu and can search for jobs in your area at any time. You are then able to 'Apply' for jobs you wish to complete. Our Schedulers will review the applications from all our shoppers and will assign the shop to only one shopper. You will then receive an email to confirm that either your application is 'Accepted' or 'Closed'.

From time to time we may also need to send out text (SMS) messages to shoppers when we have important information that needs to be communicated quickly.

Can I do mystery shopping assignments anywhere?

If you are happy to travel, you can apply to do any mystery shopping assignment, even while you are on holidays as long as you have access to the internet, can read the documentation and can submit your answers online and on time. To find assignments outside of your normal location, under Find Shops select the bottom search option on the right hand side of the Job Board and enter the location you are travelling to.

How many mystery shopping assignments will I receive?

The quantity of assignments you will be offered will vary depending on where you live, the distance you are willing to travel, the quality of your work, your reliability and  commitment to deadlines. It could vary from 1 - 10 assignments per month, sometimes more or less.

How long do mystery shopping assignments take to complete?

Some assignments may take 2-3 minutes to complete inside the store, and others may take half an hour or more. However you also need to consider the time taken to read the instructions before completing the assignment and the time to submit your results online after you do the assignment. In total this may add another 10-20 minutes or more to an assignment.

What is the rate of pay?

The shop fee varies depending on the requirements of an assignment. You will be advised of the shop fee for each shop before you choose to apply. Generally, payment will be between $8 and $25 per shop, but it may sometimes even be up to $100. If required to make a purchase you will also receive a payment for the purchase, which you will be advised of before you apply for the shop. The pay rate is determined by the complexity of the assignment, length of time taken to complete the shop and the evaluation, and whether you make and keep a purchase item. 

Do I need to make a purchase?

Some assignments may require a specific purchase, and others do not. The shop comments (job instructions) will clearly advise if a purchase is required, and what you are required to purchase/do. When a reimbursement is required, you will be told up front the maximum amount you will be reimbursed for your purchase. Reimbursement is paid in addition to your assignment payment.

Do I get to keep my mystery shopping purchase?

On most occasions you will get to keep your purchase (and if it is a food item, you will always get to keep and consume it!). Occasionally we may ask you to return the purchase either to the store, or to our head office.

Am I an employee or an independent contractor?

As a mystery shopper, you will work for The Realise Group as an independent contractor. This means that you are not an employee of The Realise Group, and will not be paid holiday pay, sick leave, superannuation, workers compensation, or other employee entitlements. The shop fee per assignment is the full payment that you will receive (if required to make a purchase you will be reimbursed for the cost of the purchase on top of your payment). You are expected to cover all costs associated with you completing the mystery shopping assignments, including stationery, travel expenses etc.

What bank details/tax issues do I need to consider?

When you sign up to become a mystery shopper you will need to complete your bank details via our secure online form within your shopper profile. This is so we can pay you once you have completed a mystery shopping assignment. Payment is made via EFT into your bank account.

For Australian mystery shoppers, you will also need to provide us with either an ABN (Australian Business Number) or Statement By Supplier Form.

As you are a mystery shopping contractor and not an employee, an annual Statement of Earnings or Group Certificate is NOT provided at the end of the financial year. As a contractor, it is your responsibility to keep records of all work you carry out for The Realise Group. This includes all fees and expenses (reimbursements) that we pay you. You will have access to all shop fees and expenses in your Shop Log. We also recommend you keep your own records of the work you have undertaken with us, for example in a spreadsheet program like Excel.

Please consult the Tax Office or an accountant for information regarding allowable deductions and how long you need to keep these records.

When will I be paid?

Your payment for successfully completed evaluations will be made directly into your nominated bank account within 2-3 weeks of the month following your shop. For example, if you complete a project any time in April, you can expect payment from the second or third week in May.

Please ensure you complete your bank details in your shopper account online (on the Profile page secure form). We cannot pay you until your bank details (and for Australian shoppers your ABN or Statement by Supplier Form) are completed and updated online.

I want to be a mystery shopper! What should I do next?

 You can become a mystery shopper for The Realise Group by creating your shopper account at www.realiseonline.com.

1. Click on New Shopper Signup and enter your email address to get started.

2. Complete your profile details in our secure online form, as well as Extended Profile questions (which could make you eligible for even more shops!)

3. On the Shop Log page, click on the ‘Shopper Testing Centre’ to read the Mystery Shopper Training and complete the Shopper Test. You must pass this test to become eligible to be offered assignments.

Once you’ve followed these steps your account will be activated, and you will be able to see and apply for jobs on the Job Board, and start mystery shopping! Make sure you follow the guidelines provided and read the details emailed to you and available on line. It’s really important that you have attention to detail and follow instructions carefully.

Can I still be a mystery shopper if I am not an Australian/New Zealand Citizen?

If you have a work visa allowing you to work casually, you are welcome to join our team as a mystery shopper. In addition to our usual requirements to become a mystery shopper as explained earlier in these FAQs, you will need to have an Australian (or New Zealand) bank account to be paid into, and you must also complete a Statement by a Supplier form. We provide you a link to this form when you are signing up with us. 

How do I know if The Realise Group is a real mystery shopping company vs a scam?

We know at times it can be difficult to navigate through the scams versus real mystery shopping companies offering opportunities to earn money.

There’s a number of things you can do to ensure you are dealing with a legitimate business that has real work opportunities. Such as:

1. The business should be able to provide their ABN. You can search online for an ABN here. The Realise Group ABN number is 92 091 206 594.

2. Check to see if the business is part of a professional body. The Realise Group have been operating since 2000 and we are members of the MSPA. All members of this association follow a Code of Ethics and work within guidelines that have helped raise the level of professionalism across the Mystery Shopping Industry.

3. Check out the mystery shopping company’s website and social media pages such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. You could also Google the company looking for reviews.

4. Search for any media interviews. At The Realise Group we’ve received many media interviews and news coverage. Check out the PRESS page on our website which has links to media articles including TV programs, newspapers and magazines we have been featured.

5. Consider joining the Australian Mystery Shoppers Forum to find out more about mystery shopping assignments, and which companies are real. Here you will find information about us and other legitimate mystery shopping companies. Talk to other shoppers who have done work for and been paid by these companies. 

We have many testimonials from shoppers who have been with us for years. If you'd like to speak with our team please let me know and we'd be happy to chat with you.

What if I have further questions?

If you have any queries now or whilst filling in your shopper sign up, please contact us by email at realise@therealisegroup.com.au or call us on (03) 9687 2360.

We also have a Noticeboard available once you have signed up. Take a look once logged in to your shopper account. There’s lots of useful information for our mystery shoppers.

Retail Auditors with The Realise Group gather important information for our clients by objectively measuring adherence to standards. Retail Audit projects include checking for compliance to OHS standards, operational standards, promotional and Point of Sale compliance.

Why do companies conduct retail audits?

Businesses conduct retail audits and compliance checks to get a third-party objective view of how their stores are performing against a set criteria of operational, OHS and promotional standards.

How long does each audit take?

Each client project has different requirements. Sometimes it may be a short 20 minute check other times it may be a detailed audit taking 2 hours.

How far will I need to travel?

How far you are willing to travel is up to you. You are allocated work based on the information you provide us about your location and preferred travel distance. We then allocate work in a radius around this location, to the distance you have specified.

What skills do I need to be an auditor?

To become an auditor you will need:

• a tablet with internet and a smart phone

• excellent reading and writing skills

• the ability to follow instructions accurately

• to be reliable

• a mature approach and calm manner

• well groomed

• your own car or transport.

What technology will I need?

Auditors use mobile technology to enter the data and take photos. You will need your own tablet and smart phone with internet to enter the data onsite. Some projects may require you to print documents.

Are retail audits the same as compliance checks?

Yes, Retail Audits are sometimes called Compliance Checks, Retail Inspections and Store Standards Check.

What is a QSR Audit?

QSR stands for Quick Service Restaurant. A QSR Audit is a checklist designed specifically for Quick Service Restaurants.

If you have a smartphone and you’d like to get paid to perform simple tasks like taking a photo or filling out a survey, download the free Field Agent® App. Search for jobs in your area, complete them, and earn real cash.

How does it work?

Field Agent® is the first App that pays you! We have clients across Australia that need information from places you go every day, like your local supermarket. Our App pays you to report specific pieces of information and return it to them via our iPhone App.

Do I need to pay for the App?

No, this App is free and pays you on completion of each job.

Is the App compatible with my phone?

The Field Agent® App is compatible with iPhone (iOS 3.2 or later) and Android users.

How do I know if I have downloaded the right App?

The Field Agent® App is easily recognisable by the orange square icon with a white tie.

Can I use the Field Agent® App straight away?

We have created a test job which is designed to help you become more familiar with the App. Once you download the app and sign up, you will immediately see the test job which will allow you the chance to see how the system works, and experience a variety of question types (such as yes/no, multiple choice, take a photo, price check, etc).

How do I get paid when I complete jobs?

Payment is via PayPal but you don't already need a PayPal account to begin. When you have completed a job and it has been approved, you visit our website www.fieldagent.net.au and login, then choose to 'cash out' earned funds. You will be prompted for an email address (the one associated with your PayPal account). If you don't have a PayPal account, simply type in your email address, and within 48 hours you will be prompted by email to set up a PayPal account to retrieve your funds which have been paid to you!

What if I have other questions?

If you have any questions about the App or about a job you are completing, please email us at agent@fieldagent.net.au and we will respond to your query as soon as possible.