Shopper Agreement

Last updated: September 24, 2026

This agreement sets out how mystery shoppers work with METAPAD ("METAPAD", "we", "us"). It applies whenever you apply for or complete a shop, and it forms part of our Terms of Service.

1. Independent contractor

You work as an independent contractor, not as an employee, worker, agent or partner of METAPAD or of any business you visit. You decide whether to apply for a shop and how to carry it out, within the instructions given. Nothing in this agreement creates a right to a minimum amount of work, benefits, insurance or a salary. You are responsible for your own equipment, phone, travel and internet costs unless a shop says otherwise.

2. Taxes

You are responsible for reporting and paying any taxes on your earnings. We may ask you for tax details, and we may report payments to tax authorities where the law requires it.

3. Following instructions

• Read the whole shop before you apply and again before you visit.
• Visit the correct location, on the correct day and within the time window stated.
• Do exactly what the instructions ask, for example the item to buy, the questions to ask and the photos to take. If something does not match what you find on site, tell us before you deviate.
• Complete and submit your report by the deadline. Late reports may not be accepted.
• If you cannot complete a shop, tell us as soon as you know so that it can be reassigned.

4. Behaving like a real customer

Mystery shopping only works when the visit is realistic. You must not tell staff that you are a mystery shopper, hint at the shop, or ask for special treatment. Be polite and lawful at all times. Do not put yourself or anyone else in danger, do not argue with staff or customers, and do not break any rule or law to complete a shop. If a visit becomes uncomfortable or unsafe, leave.

5. Honest reporting

• Report what actually happened, whether it was good or bad. Do not exaggerate, guess or invent details.
• Do not submit copied answers, edited photos, staged photos, or receipts that are not yours.
• Do not complete a visit for someone else or let someone else complete yours.
• Do not work a shop at a business where you or a close relative work, or where you have another conflict of interest, and tell us if you are unsure.

Fabricated or dishonest reports lead to removal from METAPAD, and we will not pay for them.

6. Photos, people and privacy

Only take the photos the shop asks for. Do not photograph or record staff or other customers unless the instructions require it and the law allows it in that place. Blur or avoid showing faces and personal information whenever you can. Never upload anything you would not want to be seen by the business the shop is for.

7. Receipts and purchases

Keep every receipt and upload a clear, complete photo of it with your report. Reimbursements are only paid for what the shop lists, up to the amount stated, and only when a valid receipt is provided. Do not buy anything the shop did not ask for and expect us to cover it. Details of reimbursements and purchase funds are set out in the Payments and Purchase Funds Policy.

8. Purchase funds

When a shop includes purchase funds, we send you a check that you can view in your account. You may use those funds only for the purchase described in your shop instructions. They are separate from your fee, they remain subject to this agreement, and you must be able to show how they were used through your receipt and report. METAPAD will never ask you to send money back, wire money, or buy gift cards. If anything about a check looks wrong, contact us before you deposit it.

9. Confidentiality

Shop details, business names, instructions and your report are confidential. Do not post them online, share them with other shoppers or discuss them with anyone except us. This applies during and after your time with METAPAD.

10. Ownership of reports

When we pay you for a shop, you assign to METAPAD all rights in the report you prepared for it, including your answers, photos and any other content in it, so that we and the business the shop is for can use them freely. You promise that the report is your original work and that you have the right to give us these rights. You keep the right to use your own general skills and experience.

11. Payment

You will be paid the fee shown on the shop once your report has been reviewed and approved. We may ask you to correct a report before approving it. We may refuse or withhold payment if the work was not done according to the instructions, was late, was not supported by a valid receipt or photos, or was dishonest. Full details are in the Payments and Purchase Funds Policy.

12. Ending the relationship

You can stop taking shops at any time. We may stop offering you shops or close your account for breaches of this agreement, poor quality or late work, dishonesty, or misuse of purchase funds. Sections about confidentiality, ownership of reports and taxes continue after the relationship ends.

13. Changes

We may update this agreement from time to time. If we make a significant change, we will let you know. If you keep taking shops after the change takes effect, you accept the updated agreement.

14. Questions

If anything here is unclear, please ask before you apply. You can reach us through the contact page or at support@metapad.xyz.