Mystery shopping payment depends on what our clients pay us, on the complexity of the survey, if the job is an individual audit or multiple evaluations, and on the overall project itself. In most instances, our contractors will receive a total of $10 to $20 for shops, although special shops may pay more, or pay nothing except expenses. All expenses for pre-authorized items that cannot be used by the contractor or items that are not returnable (such as meals and admission fees) will be reimbursed to the contractor. There are strict limits to the reimbursements. Once a contractor is assigned an “audit or shop,” they must not expect to receive any money exceeding the expense caps given. Expenses beyond this limit will not be reimbursed. It is up to the contractor to be certain of these approved expense amounts.
In most cases, our clients do not require two “contractors but will pay the expenses of two. That would be the case with most restaurant shops or shops that include an admission fee. It is advisable, however, that your guest does not know the purpose of the visit. If, by chance, your companion finds out the purpose of the visit, they must also be aware of the confidentiality agreement you signed, since it is your responsibility. Details of the audit, client, or HS Brands should not be discussed with the guest. Please respect the confidentiality agreement.
The contractor has the right to refuse any assignment for any reason. If you have not been told the rate for an assignment, please ask before accepting. If you do not feel our rate is fair, please let us know. We will evaluate whether your service to us requires a higher fee according to industry standards. As an independent contractor, you have the right to name your own fees. As your client, we have the prerogative to use someone else asking for a lower rate. Extra money may be earned by referring prospective businesses that result in clients gained.
PayPal
HS Brands compensates all through PayPal. If you do not accept mystery shopping payment via PayPal, you are not eligible to shop for HS Brands. Contractors must set up their own PayPal account at PayPal.com and must be 18 years of age or older to sign up. 
Compensation for contracted services are submitted to PayPal approximately 60 days after the last day of the month in which the shop was completed. Please note that it then takes PayPal up to 5 business days to process this transaction and clear the money for disbursement. If you do not receive compensation by this time, please notify us after confirming that both your professional email address and PayPal accounts were correct and active. You are responsible for updating your email address in our Sherlock system and in your PayPal account (email addresses must be EXACTLY the same in both our system and in PayPal) to ensure prompt compensation. Your Shop Log will provide a description, so there is no need to call us unless your log does not match what you were emailed when you accepted the shop and were scheduled.
