Frequently asked questions for mystery shoppers

Mystery shopping is field research work. You visit a retail store, restaurant, hotel, or any other commercial establishment and behave like a regular customer while carefully observing specific aspects of the service. After registering on our platform and downloading our app, you'll receive assignment offers available in your area. Each assignment includes a detailed scenario (what to do, what to observe, any questions to ask), the compensation, and timing requirements. You complete the visit, fill out the questionnaire directly in the app, and then await payment.

You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Italy, and have a smartphone with our app installed. No prior experience is required—we provide all the necessary training through Mystery Client Academy and our YouTube channel. What matters most is your attention to detail, punctuality in submitting reports, and the ability to behave naturally during visits.

Compensation varies based on the type of assignment, complexity of the visit, and geographic location. Each offer shows the compensation transparently before you decide to accept it. Some assignments also include expense reimbursement (for example, the cost of a restaurant meal or a hotel stay). This is not a full-time job but flexible work you can manage according to your availability.

Payments are made by bank transfer on a regular schedule. After your report is validated by our quality control team, your compensation enters the next payment cycle. Exact timeframes depend on the contract type and are communicated clearly when the assignment is assigned. You can always check your payment status in your personal dashboard.

No, a VAT number is not required. We use various contractual arrangements that adapt to each collaborator's situation: occasional services, coordinated and continuous collaboration, or VAT registration for those who already have one. The most suitable contract type is determined based on your assignment volume and work situation.

Absolutely not. Registration is completely free, and there are no hidden costs of any kind. You will never be asked to purchase kits, materials, or paid courses to work with us. If someone claiming to represent Mystery Client offers you something like this, it's a scam—please report it to us immediately.

Yes, you can collaborate as a mystery shopper even during a period of unemployment on Italian unemployment benefits (NASpI). Occasional work is compatible with unemployment benefits, provided you respect the income limits set by current regulations. We recommend checking your specific situation with your local employment office or social security advisor, as thresholds may vary.

An identity document is required for two reasons: to verify your identity (to ensure the reliability of our shopper panel) and to ensure the tax compliance of payments, as required by Italian regulations. Your personal data is handled in full compliance with GDPR and our privacy policy. We never share our collaborators' data with third parties.

This depends on your geographic area and the availability of active campaigns. Metropolitan areas such as Rome, Milan, Naples, and Turin typically offer more opportunities, but we operate across the entire country. You can increase your opportunities by maintaining a complete profile, responding quickly to offers, and delivering quality reports on time—our most reliable shoppers receive priority in assignments.

If store staff suspect you're a mystery shopper, the visit may be deemed invalid. This is why we provide detailed scenarios and specific training on how to behave naturally. The key is to prepare thoroughly before the visit, read the briefing carefully, and avoid unusual behaviors like taking visible notes or asking too many questions. With a bit of practice, it becomes very natural.

The Mystery Client app is available for free on both Android devices (Google Play Store) and iPhones (Apple App Store). After downloading it, log in with the credentials you created during registration. From the app, you can view available assignments, accept them, access briefings, complete questionnaires, and monitor your payment status.