Shopper Services

Shopper Services

FAQ's

What if I have never mystery shopped before?

When you are accepted for an evaluation, we provide you with shopper guidelines which include all of the information you need to complete quality shops. Each of our Shopper Services Coordinators are available via phone and email to answer any of your questions, and to help coach you through the process. See our Sample Narrative (PDF) here.

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Do I need to have Internet access?

Yes, all shopper forms and guidelines are posted on our web site, so Internet access is mandatory. Our automation via the Internet provides fast turnaround for our clients and hassle-free shopper accessibility.

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How much does an "average" shop pay?

Payment varies depending on the parameters of each project. Shopper payment is determined based on time required to conduct the shop, travel considerations, the length of the shop form, and time required to submit the form. Every project varies in terms of time commitment, frequency and scope of work. Generally, CSE pays either on a per-shop or per project basis.

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How long will it take for me to get paid?

Once we have received your completed shop and receipts on time, we will process your payment. CSE uses PayPal to pay our evaluators. Payments are made on the 1st and the 15th of each month into your personal PayPal account. Don't have PayPal? Not to worry! CSE will cut a check on the 1st or 15th and mail it right to you. Shoppers generally receive payment within two weeks.

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How do I get to be one of your regular shoppers?

We have established strong working relationships with our CSEvaluators and will assign shops based on seniority in most cases. We send out assignments first to shoppers who are reliable and responsive and who consistently submit reports on time and completed. We know that shoppers can't always take every job we offer them and appreciate shoppers who don't "overbook" their shopping schedules.

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How long will the "average" shop take?

The length of time it takes to complete a shop varies depending on the parameters of the shop as well as the skill of the shopper. It is impossible to give an "average" shop time, as each client request is unique.

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How long do I have to enter my results online?

Our Customer Service Evaluations are extremely time sensitive to our clients. Typically projects require that you submit your report online within 24 hours of shop completion, but it does vary for each project so please verify the time with your coordinator. Many times consultants are waiting for results to take onsite to train and give feedback to those employees who were shopped. CSE appreciates shoppers who enter their results even before the deadline, making the turn-around time even quicker!

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Do I have to conduct shops on specific dates and times?

Yes. Evaluations are scheduled to be completed on either on a specific date and time, or during a specific date range. Certain clients require that their evaluations take place during specific times to address their needs. Completing an assigned evaluation on a different date and time than what was required may not meet our client's needs, and in turn, we may not be able to use your evaluation. It is very important that CSEvaluators are cognizant of the date and time parameters of an evaluation before they accept it.

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What happens to my shop after I enter it online for you?

Once a CSEvaluator enters their shop results into our SASSIE system, it goes through quite a process! CSE Certified Editors review every evaluation and may contact you for additional information, corrections or questions on your evaluation. After our editors review and finalize a shop, it is sent directly to the managers, front-line staff and corporate headquarters of our clients. CSE Consultants work with our clients to pinpoint problem areas and/or areas for recognition based on your evaluations. Consultants use results from your evaluations to write custom training programs for our clients that can take place in a classroom setting, online, or one-on-one. Your evaluation really kicks off what we do here at Customer Service Experts, Inc.!

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Is there a fee to work for you?

There is never a fee for working with Customer Service Experts, Inc. We pay you to work for us. We recommend that you avoid working with any companies who may require you to pay them!

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Can anyone shop with me?

As long as you feel they won't interfere with your ability to observe and evaluate your experience, it is fine to bring along children or spouses. In some cases, it may help to make your role as a shopper more realistic. Occasionally we may receive client requests that would require you to shop alone.

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Can I work for CSE at the same time as other Mystery Shopping companies?

CSEvaluators may work for more than one shopping company at a time. We do require that while you are on an assignment for CSE, you be focused only on that assignment, so that your results are accurate and not confused with any other shopping project.

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Will taxes be taken out of my check and/or will I receive a 1099 form?

CSE does not withhold taxes from your compensation. If you earn more than $599.99 in one year (January 1 through December 31), CSE will provide you with a 1099 form. Upon submission of application it is required that shoppers provide their social security number in order to receive compensation for completed shops.

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Have a question about shopping for us? Contact us.