SHOPPERS FAQ
Find answers to common questions about mystery shopping with Sentry
⚠️ Scam Warning: Beware of Fake Checks
Did you receive a large check from Sentry before completing any assignments?
Sentry pays the majority of shoppers by direct deposit. We NEVER send a check in advance of completing an assignment.
If you receive a check bearing our logo and are asked to deposit it and then buy gift cards or wire part of the proceeds, it is highly likely that this is a scam, and we strongly advise that you do not cash this check.
You can always email our help desk at help@sentryinsights.com with any questions or concerns regarding payment or the validity of a check sent to you.
Q1What is mystery shopping?
Mystery shopping is a quality control process that assigns independent contractors to projects where they will assume the role of a normal customer. Shoppers are provided with preassignment material that will familiarize them with the client, scope of the project and clearly details the requirements and expectations for the report.
Q2What is expected of a mystery shopper?
Our most successful mystery shoppers have sharp eyes for detail and notice things others might overlook. Since most assignments require writing about your experience, excellent writing skills will serve you well.
Strong mystery shoppers stay organized and communicate clearly. You'll also need basic computer skills, especially being comfortable with your phone and mobile apps.
Reliability is absolutely essential. This is what sets successful mystery shoppers apart. Projects often come with tight deadlines, so you need to complete your assignment exactly when scheduled and get your report submitted on time.
Q3How do I register to be a shopper?
Click on the link below to sign up:
Q4How much will I be paid?
The pay for each mystery shop is different depending on the type of shop. The pay can range from reimbursement only to reimbursement plus an added fee. Higher paying assignments could require audio recording or video recording equipment.
Q5How will I be paid?
We pay our shoppers via direct deposit. Once you complete your direct deposit profile, your payments are automatically deposited into your bank account 30 - 60 days after your shop is submitted.
Q6When will I be paid?
Payments are processed on the last day of the month following the date of your invoice. For example, an invoice dated May 16th would be processed on June 30th.
Q7What type of shops do you offer?
We offer assignments in the following industries:
- Restaurant – Fine Dining, Upscale Casual, Casual Dining, Fast Casual
- Retail – Various retail industries
- Hotels – Bar Integrity, Restaurant, Overnight
- Automotive – Sales and Service
- Health & Wellness
- Self Storage
- Entertainment Venues
We also offer assignments in other industries and frequently have special projects that become available throughout the year. Check the ShopMetrics Portal regularly for new opportunities, and make sure your notification preferences are up to date so you don't miss any special project invitations.
Q8Where do you offer assignments?
We operate primarily in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Our projects range in frequency from multiple assignments per month at a given location to quarterly, so the number of assignments offered in a specific geographic area can change from month-month.
Q9How do I request a shop?
Once you are approved to shop with Sentry you can view the open opportunities on the job board under open opportunities. Please make sure you have your notifications turned on in your profile, so our schedulers can contact you by email, phone or text for our open opportunities in your area. This is the only way you will be notified of special shops or bonus offers.
Q10What support do you have for your shoppers?
Our shoppers are crucial to our success; supporting them is very important to the Sentry team.
Assignment Support
Email is the primary support channel for assignments. We also respond to text messages during normal business hours (10 AM to 5 PM Monday to Friday). All email inquiries are routed to a ticketing system so that we can review and resolve the inquiry as quickly as possible. We also have a chatbot available to answer routine assignment questions. Our team is also available via text message during normal business hours.Payment Support
Shoppers can submit questions about their payment via a link from the ShopMetrics mystery shopping website (this is not available on the Gigspot site) or via a form on the Check My Payment page of this website. If you are not a Gigspot shopper, we suggest submitting your inquiry via the My Pay page of the ShopMetrics website. Click on this link for more information.Q11Can I see your Independent Contractor Agreement before I signup?
Sure. Our ICA is publicly available at: https://sentryshoppers.com/ica/
Q12Additional Questions
If you have questions about mystery shopping, please email us at shoppersupport@sentryinsights.com.
Q13What is a Job ID?
A Job ID is a unique identifier that is generated when an assignment is created. This numerical code helps both shoppers and mystery shopping companies identify exactly which assignment you are referencing. Every assignment has its own distinct Job ID that stays the same throughout the entire assignment lifecycle.
For more information, please visit www.sentryshoppers.com/job-id
What is mystery shopping?
Mystery shopping is a quality control process that assigns independent contractors to projects where they will assume the role of a normal customer. Shoppers are provided with preassignment material that will familiarize them with the client, scope of the project and clearly details the requirements and expectations for the report.
What is expected of a mystery shopper?
Our most successful mystery shoppers have sharp eyes for detail and notice things others might overlook. Since most assignments require writing about your experience, excellent writing skills will serve you well.
Strong mystery shoppers stay organized and communicate clearly. You'll also need basic computer skills, especially being comfortable with your phone and mobile apps.
Reliability is absolutely essential. This is what sets successful mystery shoppers apart. Projects often come with tight deadlines, so you need to complete your assignment exactly when scheduled and get your report submitted on time.
How much will I be paid?
The pay for each mystery shop is different depending on the type of shop. The pay can range from reimbursement only to reimbursement plus an added fee. Higher paying assignments could require audio recording or video recording equipment.
How will I be paid?
We pay our shoppers via direct deposit. Once you complete your direct deposit profile, your payments are automatically deposited into your bank account 30 - 60 days after your shop is submitted.
When will I be paid?
Payments are processed on the last day of the month following the date of your invoice. For example, an invoice dated May 16th would be processed on June 30th.
What type of shops do you offer?
We offer assignments in the following industries:
- Restaurant – Fine Dining, Upscale Casual, Casual Dining, Fast Casual
- Retail – Various retail industries
- Hotels – Bar Integrity, Restaurant, Overnight
- Automotive – Sales and Service
- Health & Wellness
- Self Storage
- Entertainment Venues
We also offer assignments in other industries and frequently have special projects that become available throughout the year. Check the ShopMetrics Portal regularly for new opportunities, and make sure your notification preferences are up to date so you don't miss any special project invitations.
Where do you offer assignments?
We operate primarily in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Our projects range in frequency from multiple assignments per month at a given location to quarterly, so the number of assignments offered in a specific geographic area can change from month-month.
How do I request a shop?
Once you are approved to shop with Sentry you can view the open opportunities on the job board under open opportunities. Please make sure you have your notifications turned on in your profile, so our schedulers can contact you by email, phone or text for our open opportunities in your area. This is the only way you will be notified of special shops or bonus offers.
What support do you have for your shoppers?
Our shoppers are crucial to our success; supporting them is very important to the Sentry team.
Assignment Support
Email is the primary support channel for assignments. We also respond to text messages during normal business hours (10 AM to 5 PM Monday to Friday). All email inquiries are routed to a ticketing system so that we can review and resolve the inquiry as quickly as possible. We also have a chatbot available to answer routine assignment questions. Our team is also available via text message during normal business hours.Payment Support
Shoppers can submit questions about their payment via a link from the ShopMetrics mystery shopping website (this is not available on the Gigspot site) or via a form on the Check My Payment page of this website. If you are not a Gigspot shopper, we suggest submitting your inquiry via the My Pay page of the ShopMetrics website. Click on this link for more information.Can I see your Independent Contractor Agreement before I signup?
Sure. Our ICA is publicly available at: https://sentryshoppers.com/ica/
Additional Questions
If you have questions about mystery shopping, please email us at shoppersupport@sentryinsights.com.
What is a Job ID?
A Job ID is a unique identifier that is generated when an assignment is created. This numerical code helps both shoppers and mystery shopping companies identify exactly which assignment you are referencing. Every assignment has its own distinct Job ID that stays the same throughout the entire assignment lifecycle.
For more information, please visit www.sentryshoppers.com/job-id
Still Have Questions?
Our support team is here to help. Submit a request for assistance and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
