Mystery Shopper Magazine

Company Overview: Mystery shoppers are always on the hunt for a new-to-them company. Sometimes this isn’t as straightforward as it seems. It can be challenging to pin down who is who, especially with the plethora of MSC name changes, as well as the many active relationships between companies in the mystery shopping world.

Interactions is one such MSC. Formerly known as Caliber Interactions, this is a subsidiary of Daymon Worldwide. The awarding of assignments for this mystery shopping company is handled by Summit Scheduling & Editing.

The business was established in 1988, and it is headquartered in San Diego, California. It offers many opportunities to work as an event specialist performing sampling demonstrations, but it also has mystery shopping assignments available. Industries served include supermarkets, drugstores, convenience stores, retail, and apartments.

Payments are made via PayPal on the 15^th of each month for work performed the prior month.

Signing up with Interactions is almost as convoluted as learning about the company . Visit their website at www.interactionsmarketing.com to apply. On the left side of the page almost at the bottom, click on “Insights”. This will take you to another page. Click on “Mystery Shopping” and then “read more”. Finally, click on “Becoming A Mystery Shopper”. Some narrative is required as in regards to your mystery shopping experience, along with submitting a writing sample. After your application is reviewed, you will receive log-in access.

However, there isn’t a traditional job board with an open search function. After getting registered, shoppers will receive emails regarding open job opportunities from Summit Scheduling & Editing. A link will provide access back to the website so that shoppers can review the details of an assignment and apply.

The company states that shoppers with a proven history or those with MSPA certification are given preference when awarding assignments.

The majority of the complaints involving this company posted on the www.mysteryshopforum.com regard the difficulty in getting signed up and applying for assignments.

In response to the issues about obtaining assignments, the owner of SSE has taken the time to explain that a computer-driven system is used in giving shoppers assignments. It uses a complex matrix of factors to determine which shoppers should get which assignments

All other reports from forum members were positive. Shoppers have enjoyed working with the schedulers and editors, whom they find to be flexible and accommodating. Communication is prompt and responsive.

Most also report that assignment instructions are clear, easy to understand, and straightforward. Likewise, the reporting overall is said to be easy with little narrative.

Only one dispute over payment was mentioned. It involved the omission of a bonus payout. All others state that payment is timely and accurate.

Personal Experience: I recently went through the sign-up process myself, and I have to agree with other Mystery Shop Forum members that this wasn’t the easiest application system I have encountered. The website was pretty baffling. It took me some time before I figured out that I wasn’t going to be able to find a listing of available assignments. For ease of use by the shopper user, I would recommend that the MSC completely eliminates the page that appears to be an area to specify functional job search parameters. There doesn’t seem to be any use for it, and it simply adds to the confusion. I am sure that there have been many shoppers that have given up on dealing with this company due to its cumbersome website features.

However, I was impressed with the courteous and helpful contact I had with SSE when I had questions, and I very much look forward to being awarded my first assignment with Interactions.