- Who or What is SEC??
SEC was launched early in 2005. It was brought to our attention that, after spending many hours of searching the net for mystery shopping and paid research opportunities, there was just not enough “easily obtainable” information regarding these positions for Australian residents, (unless you are prepared to spend countless hours searching in places that may not even be relevant). So, we decided to create a site where all the information relating to Paid Market Research opportunities, could be found and easily accessed in one, hassle-free location. Of course you will find similar campaigns on the web, offering you a supposed “list” of Mystery Shopping Companies and Paid Survey sites, however the difference between those Companies and Ours, and the objective that we pride ourselves on maintaining is that we are offerring you a high standard service, providing the most up-to-the-minute opportunities on a weekly basis. Other companies will charge a minimum of $29.95 (sometimes double that) for a list that is seldom revised and a great deal of the opportunities provided, are not relevant for Australian and New Zealand Residents! DO NOT PAY TO BECOME A MYSTERY SHOPPER!! We value our participants and in acknowledgement of that, we offer a helpful "Member's Pack" to get you started, which can be download at the Mystery Shopper's page. We are constantly researching the web and other forms of media to find new and exciting opportunities for You to participate in. We know where to look!
We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity and we continue to provide the ultimate research employment opportunities available in Australia and New Zealand to-date. Your Team can be contacted anytime at: stealthresearch@representative.com sarah@stealthservices.net Recruitment Director
What is Mystery Shopping??
Mystery Shopping involves visiting a store as a normal customer to observe the service offered while making an enquiry. You then fill in the survey form supplied, answering questions and writing comments to describe your visit. Mystery Shopping is a form of market research. You may be asked to visit places such as ~ Alcoholic Beverage Outlets ~ DVD Rental Stores ~ Banks ~ Retail Outlets ~ Fast Food Restaurants ~ Massage Therapies ~ Children's Stores ~ Cinemas ~ Car Sales Yards and much more.
What is a Focus Group??
A Focus Groups is a group of selected individuals who get together at a central location (or can be conducted online) and discuss a particular topic offering opinions and suggestions on that topic.
Why Become a Mystery Shopper or take part in Focus Groups??
Mystery Shopping and Focus Groups is an interesting and flexible way to make extra money whilst developing useful skills.
Who Can Register??
People from all walks of life, normal customers who have a desire to improve the service offered to customers. Whilst no formal qualifications are necessary, general interest is helpful. There is no minimum age to register, as sometimes even children as young as 5 years old are requested to partake in focus groups and research projects.
Who uses these forms of Research??
A wide variety of different companies from small businesses to large corporations, who are keen to offer their customers good service. These companies know that good service keeps their customers happy and that happy customers will return. Rewards and incentives are often given to staff who provide excellent customer service.
What do I need to become a Mystery Shopper??
A Mystery Shopper must have: -Regular access to a computer which is connected to the Internet -Basic computer skills -A permanent email address -Use of a telephone -Means of transportation to get to and from assignments. A Mystery Shopper must be able to: -be reliable and meet deadlines -follow written instructions -observe and have a good eye for detail -remember what was said to them when shopping -use good spelling and grammar -approach each job with an unbiased open mind.
How Much Work Will I receive??
The amount of work you do each month will vary and is affected by where you live and also depends on how many companies you decide to register with. The more companies you register with, the more work you will receive. Work is also rotated between shoppers in an area, so that the same shopper is not sent to the same store month after month. We recommend that our members try and register with as many companies as possible, if not all. Especially the ones marked as "HOT", as these companies have been known offer the most assignments.
How much will I be paid??
You receive a fee for each job you complete. This can range from $18-$100 depending on the length and complexity of the survey. You will also be reimbursed for any expenses you have to outlay (ie. purchases or fuel etc). Focus groups can be paid between $30-$120 for attending. Because it is not guaranteed how much work you will receive, you should consider the payment as supplementary income. How will I be paid?? - Payment methods will vary for each company. Some will pay you directly into your designated bank account, others will post a cheque or money order. Likewise with payment frequency, some companies choose to pay weekly, others fortnightly and some pay once a month. Focus groups are generally paid cash-in-hand on the day the discussion group is held. What about Tax Obligations?? - In regards to tax obligations, it is always your responsibility to claim tax and declare income where applicable. A lot of companies will require your TFN and issue you with a group certificate as required, however others will use you as an "Independant Shopper" these companies will usually have you fill in and sign a form, basically saying that, you are not "employed" by them as such but you are working for them independently, and therefore it is your responsibility to arrange any taxation obligations yourself - they will not deduct any tax amounts from your pay, nor issue you with a group certificate or any tax related documents. - I already have a full/part time job, what if I am unable to complete the assignments I get offered?? - Most assignments will be offered to you with advance notice of at least a week. Here is an example of how the instructions may be worded:
"You must complete this assignment between the 11th-14th of May and you must visit the store between the hours of 9am-2pm only on the following days - Monday, Wednesday or Thursday. The assignment must be submitted on the 15th of May"
So, as you can see, before you accept any assignment, you will be provided with enough information to distinguish whether or not you are going to be able to complete that particular task on the dates given. If you are unable to complete any assignment - that's not a problem. Even if you have already accepted and circumstances change (as they sometimes do), and you are no longer available to follow through, You are never required to complete any assignment that is offered to you. However, of course, if you decide not to accept/follow through, then you will not be paid for that assignment. Also, try and give the company as much notice as possible, if you have to back out, as they do have to conform to deadlines, and they will obviously need to quickly organise another person to complete the job.
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