Become a Mystery Shopper

If you like giving your opinion and would like to start getting paid for it, sign up to be one of our mystery shoppers! We work with clients nationwide to provide them with feedback from people just like you. We have opportunities at business and churches. (Yes, we work with churches too. More on that here.)


If you’re new to mystery shopping or have questions, read our FAQs below or feel free to contact us.


To sign up or to login, click here.


For more information on our mystery shopping services, visit that page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mystery shopper?

Businesses and organizations want to understand what the customer experience is like. Our mystery shoppers provide valuable feedback by anonymously calling, going online, or visiting unannounced to have a typical guest/customer experience. They then fill out a survey detailing what happened and provide valuable feedback. Our mystery shoppers are everyday people from all walks of life that we pay to report back to us on what happens and how they felt about it.


Why do businesses/organizations use a mystery shopping program?

Simply put, they want to know what a guest/customer experiences so they can improve the experience going forward. They work with us to gain that valuable information. We put together reports for our clients that show them what mystery shoppers say and how they can improve. This data helps them to make important decisions. (Don’t worry, we keep your identity anonymous).


How do I know this isn’t a scam?

Hendrickson Business Advisors is a management and marketing consulting firm located in Cape Girardeau, MO that has been providing mystery shopping and market research for over a decade now to our client. We don't charge anyone to become a shopper with us - which is typical with many scams. We are a trusted member of MSPA and we have an A+ rated member of the Better Business Bureau. We pride ourselves on our reputation and excellent service. Feel free to contact us if you have any concerns and we will do what we can to set your mind at ease.


How do I sign up?

Click here to begin your profile. Once you’ve filled that out, you'll get an email with login information and directions for next steps. (If you didn't receive an email check your junk/spam folder to see if it ended up in there, and if you still can't find it then contact us - we are here to help!)


What types of Mystery Shops will I be doing?

Some assignments involve calling, going online, or visiting a location. A typical assignment entails visiting the location of your assignment, pick up/record any required documentation while you’re there, and then complete our online survey detailing your experience providing objective feedback. Pretty straightforward.


What if I have never done mystery shopping before?

No worries. Prior to your assignment, we will provide you with all the information you’ll need to be successful and we are available to help you if you have any questions or concerns.


Do I get to choose my own assignments?

Yes. Once registered, you'll be able to see all of the assignment opportunities that we have nationwide. You decide which assignments you want and then sign up for the dates and times that work for your schedule.


Are there opportunities in my area?

If we're advertising in your area: Yes. If you saw a mention about us on a blog or other website, then maybe not. We encourage you to sign up regardless, so you’ll be one of the first to learn when we do have opportunities available in your area. (Don’t worry, we won’t send you emails if we don’t have opportunities near you.)


Do I need any special equipment to do assignments?

Yes. All the work we do is online. We correspond with you via email and you will apply for opportunities and complete assignments either using a computer, smartphone, or other device.


Is there travel involved?

That is completely up to you. Since you decide which assignments you want, you get to decide how far you wish to drive to get there. We sometimes offer extra bonus or incentives for traveling farther to an assignment. This extra bonus/incentive is decided on a case-by-case basis because we try to keep the extra cost for our clients to a minimum. Please send us an email BEFORE you schedule an assignment to see if we can offer any bonus or incentives.


How much will I be paid for each visit?

Payment and reimbursement amounts vary by assignment depending on scope, difficulty, and time commitment. The base fee is communicated to the shopper via the job board. At times, projects allow for a purchase reimbursement. If that is the case, the maximum allowance will be part of the job posting. These amounts will be clearly stated on each assignment description so that you know what to expect before accepting any assignments. Bonuses or incentives on top of that are communicated via email or job posting. These bonuses/incentives will be added on payday before the check is processed.


How/When will I get paid?

We process payments for our mystery shoppers every Friday. Your check will be mailed to the address you have listed in your profile on the day the payments are processed, so make sure you notify us if your information has changed.


Can I bring other people on an assignment with me?

While mystery shopping is generally something you would do on your own, some assignments are perfectly appropriate and even helpful in keeping your cover when accompanied by another person/s. That said, some assignments may have specific requirements regarding going alone vs. bringing someone, so be sure to pay attention to that when accepting assignments. If the assignment doesn’t require you to attend alone, feel free to bring someone with you, as long as they will not be distracting to the task at hand—the evaluation.


Why do you need my tax ID number?

Because our mystery shoppers are independent contractors, the IRS requires us to keep their tax ID on file. Our website is fully encrypted, so your number is safe. You will only receive a 1099 tax form after the end of the year if you have received more than $600 in compensation.


What about taxes? What does it mean to be an independent contractor?

As a mystery shopper, you are an independent contractor, not employed or retained by Hendrickson Business Advisors. You do not have any obligation to accept any assignments from us and you can be removed from our database at any time, either at your request or by ours.


As an independent contractor, you are not eligible for benefits and you will only be paid after each assignment is completed as required. You are not eligible for unemployment should you cease working for us. Additionally, you are responsible for keeping your own earnings record and reporting your earnings to the appropriate governing tax agencies. Hendrickson Business Advisors does not withhold taxes for you. Keeping with IRS requirements, we will send you a 1099 Statement of Earnings ONLY IF you earn more than $600 in the calendar year. If you earn $600 or less, you will not receive a 1099 from us; however, you should still abide by state and federal income tax reporting laws.


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