Mystery Shopper FAQs
What do I need to know about being a mystery shopper?
Mystery shopping (also known as secret shopping) involves visiting a nominated retail store or service outlet as an 'undercover customer' reporting back on the shopping experience. Mystery shoppers assess their shopping experience by evaluating areas such as customer service, store presentation, product quality, add-on selling techniques, cleanliness and promotional material, based on a survey and guidelines provided for each assignment.
To become a mystery shopper with HDP Cambodia you will need:

the ability to follow instructions accurately and fill in an electronic form
be contactable and reliable (eg, you keep your commitments and complete assignments by the deadline)
a good memory and attention to detail
your own car or transport
computer, phone or tablet with internet and data

What is the minimum age to become a mystery shopper?
To become a mystery shopper with HDP Cambodia you must be at least 18 years old.

How will I know about mystery shopping assignments in my area?
When mystery shopping jobs are released we post them to the Job Board. You will receive our Job Posting emails advising you when shops are live on the Job Board. Alternatively, when signed into your shopper account you'll see the 'Job Board' at the top menu and can search for jobs in your area at any time. You are then able to 'Apply' for jobs you wish to complete.

Our Schedulers will review the applications from all our shoppers and will assign the shop to only one shopper. You will then receive an email to confirm that either your application is 'Accepted' or 'Closed'. From time to time we may also need to send out  messages via social media channels to shoppers when we have important information that needs to be communicated quickly.

Can I do mystery shopping assignments anywhere?
If you are happy to travel, you can apply to do any mystery shopping assignment, even while you are on holidays as long as you have access to the internet, can read the documentation and can submit your answers online and on time. To find assignments outside of your normal location, under Find Shops select the bottom search option on the right hand side of the Job Board and enter the location you are travelling to.

How many mystery shopping assignments will I receive?
The quantity of assignments you will be offered will vary depending on where you live, the distance you are willing to travel, the quality of your work, your reliability and commitment to deadlines. It could vary from 1 - 10 assignments per month, sometimes more or less.

How long do mystery shopping assignments take to complete?
Some assignments may take 2-3 minutes to complete inside the store, and others may take half an hour or more. However you also need to consider the time taken to read the instructions before completing the assignment and the time to submit your results online after you do the assignment. In total this may add another 10-20 minutes or more to an assignment.

What is the rate of pay?
The mystery shopping fee varies depending on the requirements of an assignment. You will be advised of the shop fee for each shop before you choose to apply. Generally, payment will be between $5.00 redeemed for any goods purchaced (example: a cup of coffee) and $10.00 per shop visit, but it varys between our clients needs and can sometimes even be up to $50.00. If required to make a purchase you will also receive a payment for the purchase, which you will be advised of before you apply for the shop.
The pay rate is determined by the complexity of the assignment, length of time taken to complete the shop and the evaluation, and whether you make and keep a purchase item.

Do I need to make a purchase?
Some assignments may require a specific purchase, and others do not. The shop comments (job instructions) will clearly advise if a purchase is required, and what you are required to purchase/do. When a reimbursement is required, you will be told up front the maximum amount you will be reimbursed for your purchase. Reimbursement is paid in addition to your assignment payment.

Do I get to keep my mystery shopping purchase?
On most occasions you will get to keep your purchase (and if it is a food item, you will always get to keep and consume it!). Occasionally we may ask you to return the purchase either to the store, or to our head office.

Am I an employee or an independent contractor?
As a mystery shopper, you will work for HDP Cambodia as an independent contractor. This means that you are not an employee of HDP Cambodia, and will not be paid holiday pay, sick leave, superannuation, workers compensation, or other employee entitlements. The shop fee per assignment is the full payment that you will receive (if required to make a purchase you will be reimbursed for the cost of the purchase on top of your payment). You are expected to cover all costs associated with you completing the mystery shopping assignments, including stationery, travel expenses etc.

What bank details/tax issues do I need to consider?
When you sign up to become a mystery shopper you will need to complete your bank details via our secure online form within your shopper profile. This is so we can pay you once you have completed a mystery shopping assignment. Payment is made via electronic transfer into your bank account.

When will I be paid?
Your payment for successfully completed evaluations will be made directly into your nominated bank account within 1 week of the mystery shopping project month following your shop. Please ensure you complete your bank details in your shopper account form which will be sent to you once you have registered (in the Profile page secure form). We cannot pay you until your bank details are completed and updated online.

I want to be a mystery shopper! What should I do next?
You can become a mystery shopper for HDP Cambodia by creating your shopper account at https://hdpcambodia.com/agent-login
At the bottom of the page complete your profile details in our secure online form, as well as Extended Profile questions form which we will send to you via your email or via telegram social media (which could make you eligible for even more shops!)

On the Shop Log page, click on the ‘Shopper Testing Centre’ to read the Mystery Shopper Training and complete the Shopper Test. You must pass this test to become eligible to be offered assignments. Once you’ve followed these steps your account will be activated, and you will be able to see and apply for jobs on the Job Board, and start mystery shopping! Make sure you follow the guidelines provided and read the details emailed to you and available on line. It’s really important that you have attention to detail and follow instructions carefully.