FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is Advanis?
Advanis has been in business since 1990 and is one of the largest market research firms in North America. We are based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Along with providing Mystery Shopping services to some of the larger companies in North America, we are also a full service market research firm.
Why Mystery Shop for Advanis?
At Advanis we strive to develop and implement cutting edge technologies to continually improve your shopping experience. We use a proprietary, state of the art scheduling system that allows optimization of assignments based on your location in relation to shop locations. This allows you to maximize your earning potential by reducing your travel time and allowing you to complete more shops in the same amount of time.
We also offer real time reporting of your evaluations. Shop reports are filed immediately after the shop is completed via an automated phone system (IVR). This eliminates the need for time spent in front of the computer completing online reports at the end of your shopping day. Advanis also provides live support through out your shopping day in the form of a dedicated Help Desk line. This Help Desk can be used to get directions to a shop, answer questions regarding a shop or to provide other information as needed.
Who can be a Mystery Shopper for Advanis?
Anyone can become a mystery shopper for Advanis. To be added to our Approved Contractor Listing, all you have to do is click on Apply Now and follow the instructions. To help you better enjoy your shopping experience with Advanis, we recommend acquiring either a silver or gold certification through the MSPA.
What equipment do I need to Mystery Shop?
You will need the following equipment to be able to shop for us:
- Windows based computer with broadband internet access
- E-mail account
- Cell phone with camera
- Digital camera if your cell phone doesn’t have a camera built-in
- A vehicle with appropriate insurance
- Independent contractor status in your local jurisdiction
Am I applying to work for your company?
You are not applying to be an employee of Advanis. Advanis considers shoppers to be independent contractors that have the option to accept or reject Advanis shopping assignments on a case-by-case basis.
Do you need shoppers in the area where I live?
We are presently looking for shoppers in every state plus Puerto Rico. Currently, the only exceptions are Alaska, Wyoming, Montana, and the Dakotas. Demand for shoppers does vary based on the specific area in which you live. After being approved as a shopper, you will be able to select assignments based on the availability in your area.
How much do you pay?
As a contractor, you are paid per assignment you successfully complete. The minimum we will pay for any given store is $11. This amount can be more depending on factors such as distance of the store from your location and how many shops you are able to complete. The more shops you complete per assignment, the more each shop will be worth.
When and how do you pay?
We will pay you no later than 21 days after the closing of a 2-week invoicing period. To ensure you to receive payment in a timely fashion, we only pay through direct deposit to bank accounts. After being approved as a shopper, you will be required to provide your banking information via our secure online portal.
Do I have to pay any fees?
There is no cost to you to do Mystery Shopping for Advanis. Many other Mystery Shopping companies require a fee to be paid up front. As a contractor for Advanis, we pay you for the assignments completed and do not require a fee to be allowed to shop for us.
Do you pay mileage or other expenses?
Advanis does not pay mileage or other expenses. As an independent contractor there are certain costs incurred with conducting your business. Such costs may be gas, meals, or other incidental costs. We understand you do incur these costs, and we do take them into consideration when pricing our shops.
How secure is my personal information?
We do not share your personal information with anyone. The personally identifiable data we maintain is for purposes of conducting our shops and interacting with our shoppers only. This data is not shared with other companies for any purpose, nor is it disclosed to our clients. The sections of our website that transmit sensitive personal information are encrypted using industry-standard encryption techniques (similar to online banking websites) to prevent any unauthorized access to your information.
Can I also shop or work for other companies?
Many of our shoppers do mystery shopping part-time while having other jobs (including working for other mystery shopping companies). You are an independent contractor and are not limited in how, or where, you spend your time. We do require that you do not accept a mystery shopping assignment for a company where you or a family member are currently working, or have previously worked.
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