Shopper FAQ
The questions we hear most.
Everything from pay timing and assignment selection through to anonymity, photo requirements and report deadlines. Can’t find your question? Email us at info@kpimysteryshopping.com.au.
Getting started
Do I need experience to apply?
No. We provide a calibration brief on signup, and any submission that needs feedback gets it in writing, on your first shop and on your hundredth. Strong writing and observation are more important than prior experience.
How long is the application process?
About five minutes to fill out the form. We respond within five business days with next steps. Once approved, you can typically accept your first shop within 7-10 days.
Where do you operate?
Australia, New Zealand and selected SE Asian markets. The greater the population density of your area, the more frequent the available shops.
Do I need an ABN?
You can shop as a sole trader (with or without an ABN), or as a casual contractor. We’ll guide you through which arrangement suits your situation during onboarding.
Pay and reimbursements
How much do shops pay?
Pay varies by shop type. A standard retail shop is paid a flat fee; a restaurant or hotel shop is paid a higher fee and typically includes a meal or stay reimbursement. We pay competitively, and the exact fee is shown on every brief before you accept.
When do I get paid?
Once your report passes quality review (usually within 5 business days of submission), payment is scheduled to your nominated account on a monthly cycle, within 30 days of sign-off.
What about the cost of purchases or meals?
Where the brief requires a purchase (e.g. a coffee for a café shop or a meal for a restaurant shop), the cost is reimbursed in full, on top of your shopper fee, against the receipt you submit.
Are shopper fees subject to tax?
Shopper fees are taxable income. We provide an annual summary for your records. We strongly recommend you consult an accountant about your obligations.
During the shop
Can I take notes during the visit?
No. Visible note-taking breaks your cover. Memorise the key checkpoints before you go in; commit details to memory; write everything up immediately after you leave.
What if the staff recognise I’m a shopper?
It happens occasionally. If you’re asked directly, never confirm. Politely change the subject. If the brief is genuinely compromised, exit and flag it in your report. Do not file a report on a visit where your cover was blown.
Can I bring someone with me?
Only if the brief explicitly allows a guest. Some restaurant and accommodation shops do. Otherwise, shop alone.
What if I can’t complete a shop I’ve accepted?
Let us know as early as possible through the dashboard. We can reassign the shop. Repeated last-minute cancellations affect your rating.
After the shop
How long do I have to write the report?
Most reports are due within 24 hours of the visit. Some long-form (e.g. accommodation) reports allow 48 hours. Always check the brief.
What makes a great narrative answer?
Specific, sensory, and unbiased. Quote what was said. Describe what you saw. Note the timing. Avoid adjectives that read as opinion (“the server was rude”) and replace them with observed behaviour (“the server did not make eye contact and walked away mid-sentence”).
Will I see my client’s feedback?
If your report needs a revision or clarification, you’ll be contacted directly. Otherwise, you won’t see client-side feedback. Maintaining shopper anonymity is part of the service.
Can I be removed from the panel?
Yes, for repeated late or low-quality reports, for blowing cover, or for breaching the Shopper Agreement. We’ll always discuss issues with you first.
Still have a question?
Email us at info@kpimysteryshopping.com.au or open a ticket from your dashboard.