Shopper Resource
CONDUCTING ASSIGNMENTS
Everything you need to know about completing a successful mystery shop
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The software we use for mystery shopping is ShopMetrics. ShopMetrics is used by shoppers to create and maintain their profiles, search for assignments, accept assignments, and submit shop reports for completed assignments.
Our assignments also appear on the Gigspot platform. Our site’s information is geared toward shoppers using the ShopMetrics platform.
The preferred web browsers are Chrome and Firefox. The shopper website will work with Safari and other browsers, however, some formatting issues may occur. We do not suggest using Microsoft Edge at this time.
Everyone needs the proper tools to do their job, and being a mystery shopper is no different. To be a successful shopper for Sentry, you will need:
- Minimum 18 years old (some projects may require a higher age)
- Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license
- Valid social security number, social insurance number, or EIN
- Reliable desktop or laptop computer running a current version of Mac OS X or Windows
- Reliable high-speed internet access
- Sufficient working capital to cover upfront purchases until reimbursement
- We suggest starting with $300–$500 in a bank account dedicated to your mystery shopping activities
- Many shoppers start with assignments that don’t require reimbursement until they build up working capital
- At least one valid phone number where we can reach you
- Email with an appropriate email address (avoid using an email address with any reference to being a mystery shopper)
Certifications contain the requirements for each assignment. It is very important that you review the correct certification and pass the quiz before you submit an application for a project.
Shoppers who apply for assignments after passing the certification quiz are given greater preference over those who do not.
The Notifications settings can be found by clicking on the My Settings button. This is where you go to update your preferences for receiving emails or if you wish to deactivate your profile.
Each one of our projects has unique qualities and requirements. To be in the best position to complete an assignment successfully, you must review all of the pre-visit material before beginning the assignment. This is true even if you have performed the assignment previously—small details can change, and clients may request special scenarios for evaluations.
It is critical that you review and understand all requirements before you begin the evaluation.
DO review all assignment preparation materials before your shop.
DO NOT wait until the last minute to begin preparing.
Proper preparation is essential because the entire report and visit may be disallowed if the details are not correctly completed. If you are unsure about any portion of the shop, don’t guess! If it turns out to be wrong, the client may lose confidence in the entire report.
Even if the report is 99% correct, a small missed detail may be of great importance to the client or call the validity of the entire shop into question. If we cannot release a report to the client, you won’t be paid the fee or reimbursed for any expenses associated with that assignment.
- No part of the shop scenario or instructions may be modified.
- If the assignment guidelines are not followed, the report may not be accepted.
- Expenses and assignment fees are not paid for assignments invalidated due to deviation from guidelines.
- All guidelines, including food and beverage ordering requirements, must be adhered to for a report to be accepted.
- Any deviation from the guidelines, no matter how insignificant it may seem, may result in the report’s rejection.
All assignment guidelines, company guidelines, and provisions of the ICA apply to you and all guests that accompany you on our assignments.
One of the most essential attributes of a valuable mystery shopper is reliability. Reliable mystery shoppers:
- Complete the visits they accept
- Don’t cancel at the last minute
- Offer to reschedule when conflicts arise
- Submit reports as soon as possible after the visit and before the deadline
- Are thoroughly prepared for their assignments
- Don’t wait until the last minute to clarify assignment details
Mystery shoppers who gain a reputation for being reliable will quickly find many new opportunities available to them. The opposite is true for those who earn a reputation for being unreliable.
If you cannot complete an assignment or have a conflict, contact your scheduler immediately and offer to reschedule at the earliest possible date. Don’t be surprised if your scheduler cannot accommodate a reschedule—the project may be on a strict deadline that doesn’t fit your availability.
Many projects require multiple visits or specific dates for evaluations. This is why we ask for a planned date and why it’s critical that you complete your shop on that date. You cannot change the day and/or time of your evaluation without contacting your scheduler and receiving approval.
We understand that conflicts arise. We always try to accommodate shoppers as the situation permits, but visits are part of a rotation and it’s not always possible to reschedule or find a last-minute replacement.
Default deadline: Reports are due within 24 hours after the scheduled date and time of the visit.
If you need more time to submit your report, you must request it before the deadline passes. Include your name, shopper number, project name, location, and visit date. Do not assume your request has been approved until you receive a response from our team.
- Reports not submitted by the deadline are subject to a late fee or full rejection
- Assignments canceled within 48 hours of the planned date are subject to a rescheduling fee
- You will receive a confirmation when your report is successfully submitted—save it for your records
Need assistance? Contact your scheduler or email help@sentryinsights.com
If an issue arises where you cannot complete an assigned shop on the planned date, contact your scheduler and/or submit a support ticket as soon as possible. We will determine if the shop can be rescheduled or if we need to reassign it to another shopper.
Do not complete the shop on a different date without confirmation from our staff that it has been rescheduled.
Because of the time-sensitive nature of our business, mystery shoppers who consistently reschedule assignments, submit reports late, or are unavailable after submission will find their opportunities with our company very limited.
You must be able to remain anonymous while mystery shopping. Remaining anonymous is crucial to being a successful mystery shopper. You are not permitted to discuss the details of your activities with any person outside of The Sentry Marketing Group.
When you are on an assignment, never do or say anything that will make you memorable or bring attention to yourself.
Never, under any circumstances, contact the client directly. This is clearly stated in the Independent Contractor Agreement.
Your sole points of contact for questions and concerns are the scheduling coordinator specified in your assignment details and the help desk.
You may not accept an assignment if a conflict of interest exists with the client. A conflict of interest exists if:
- You or any of your family, friends, or colleagues are related to any staff member of the client
- You or any of your family, friends, or colleagues are acquainted with any staff member of the client
- You or your immediate family or close friends have worked for the client in the last 12 months
- You have interviewed to work for the client in the last 12 months
- You have a pre-existing bias relating to the client or any of their employees that will impact your ability to remain neutral and/or accurately report on your experience
