Ann Michaels & Associates
Customer Experience Management Services


Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the questions that shoppers ask most frequently. We have tried to list them all in an effort to assist you when working with our company or when mystery shopping in general.

Please note that we do NOT accept phone calls from shoppers to discuss how to sign up with our company. If you would like to shop for us, please go to our shopper registration page and follow the instructions. You can use this link to quickly get to that information. You can also contact us via email with any questions, concerns, or issues.




1.   Does it cost anything to become a shopper?
NO. You should not pay anything to become a mystery (secret) shopper, nor should you pay any company for a listing of Mystery Shopping companies. Those companies selling books listing our company have not received any permission from us to use our name. There are times when certification is helpful (see below) through the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA). This is a legitimate certification course and may help you in your mystery shopping business.


2.   Where do you have shops available?
We provide shopping services throughtout the United States and Canada. If you live in the areas where shops are available, you will be receiving an email notification regarding available shops.


3.   Do you only use shoppers that have Silver or Gold certification and/or shoppers with prior mystery shopping experience?
 Ann Michaels and Associates does rely on Silver and Gold certification when possible. We are also implementing a shopper testing program that will help us when it comes to scheduling. When this feature becomes "live", more information will be posted on the shopper login information. It should be noted that our Account Managers are eager to use "new" shoppers, both those with previous shopping experience and those that are new to this industry. We continue to use those shoppers who have proven to be reliable.


4.   Help! I was assigned a shop and cannot complete it as scheduled due to an emergency. What do I do now?
The first thing you should do is contact your Account Manager via email. Strong communication is essential in this business. Based on your situation and the client involved, the Account Manager will either be able to offer you an extension or reschedule the shop with another shopper. Quick communication is necessary so that the Account Manager can locate another shopper to complete the assignment.


5.   Once a shop is completed, how long does it take to receive payment?
Ann Michaels is now using PayPal. You will be paid on the 15th of every month for all work done the month prior. For example, you will be paid on January 15th for all shops completed in the month of December. It is vital that you update your profile with us if you have not done so - we cannot assign a shop to you unless you accept PayPal payments. If you have any questions about this, please email shopquestions@ishopforyou.com.


6.   What qualities define a good mystery shopper?
Mystery shopping is fun, but serious work. We are counting on you to complete an assignment in a timely, accurate manner. Our best shoppers communicate very well with Account Managers when difficulties arise, are reliable, complete shops when scheduled, and complete reports in a timely, thorough manner.
 
Some tips to help you be the best shopper you can be:

1.  Do not accept assignments before you are sure you can complete them. Please take into consideration the location of the shop, the time frame needed to complete the shop, and any time constraints given. The Account Managers provided detailed information regarding the shops they are posting for, so you should be able to make a decision based on this information. If you have any questions about a particular shop that is available, email the Account Manager to ask questions before accepting the shop. It is better to turn down a shop than cancel one when you find that you cannot do it after all.

2.  When you accept a shop, make sure you complete it. If you need an extension, contacting the Account Manager as soon as possible is strongly recommended. Likewise, if an emergency arises, please let the Account Manager know as soon as possible.

3.  When given a “window” of time to complete a shop, always try to do it sooner than later. If you do wait until the last day you can do the shop, it would be helpful to email the Account Manager just to let them know that you are doing the shop that day.

4.  Prior to your shop, thoroughly read the instructions and the questions on the report. When the shop is complete, submit the required documentation (receipts, business cards, etc.) as soon as possible. Complete the report in a thorough, accurate manner.

5.  Essay writing – essays should be chronological, broken into paragraphs, and contain all details that are requested. Low scores for any given question need to be discussed in the essay. Write the essay in a Word program, use the spelling/grammar check when you’re finished, and then copy and paste the essay into the report on Sassie.

6.  Communication is ESSENTIAL! If you have any questions or concerns, the Account Managers are always available via email. No question is too small! If you are having difficulties with your shop in any way, please feel free to contact us.

  


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