Have you ever visited a high-end store and faced poor customer service and constant inventory shortages? If yes, you can gather evidence of these inconsistencies and get paid by multiple companies and brands. Conversely, if a company is doing great, you can share that too!
We know what you’re thinking. “There’s no way that’s a real job.” But, believe it or not, there are around 6,949 mystery shoppers currently employed in the US.
If you have an eye for detail and are casual enough to go undercover, you can find well-paying jobs on Field Agent. The online gigs on this platform involve checking prices, reviewing services, and taking pictures of products.
However, is the platform legit, and does it pay well? Read through this Field Agent gig worker review for details.
What Is Field Agent?
Mainly, Field Agent is the Uber for mystery shoppers. While the popular ridesharing app connects drivers from across the country on one platform, this online app does the same for mystery shoppers.
The platform currently has more than 2 million registered mystery shoppers known as agents employed by business owners. Its business model is simple. It partners with brands and retailers who need authentic insight about their services and products in multiple stores.
The app recruits mystery shoppers on their behalf and shares the payment they receive from the brand with the gig workers. With its headquarters in Fayetteville, NC, Field Agent was founded in 2010 with a vision to impact the retail market positively and restore the transparency owners needed to operate their businesses.
As a mystery shopper, you can work on your terms and earn a steady income by working consistently on the platform. The paid tasks available on the Apple and Android compatible app include providing reviews, checking prices, and reviewing services the brand stores and retail outlets provide.
Apart from that, many other tasks such as completing surveys and referring friends can get you additional bucks on the app. But is the platform worth your time compared to other gig worker apps? We have mapped out all the details you need in the sections below so you can make an informed decision.
How Does Field Agent Work For GigWorkers?
If you’re looking for a flexible job where you can use your expertise to work on your terms, you should check Field Agent out. Apart from the variety of on-field jobs and paid activities, the platform also offers prompt payouts and impeccable support.
However, it is okay to be skeptical about an online gig platform before trying it yourself. That’s why we’ve provided an insider view of what it is like to work for Field Agent so you can make an informed decision.
Before we review each aspect individually, here’s how the platform works for those seeking small online jobs.
Sign Up and Complete Your Profile
We love Field Agent because its app is compatible with all kinds of iOS and Android devices. This means you don’t necessarily have to invest in a new device to get started.
Once you download the app, you can sign up by providing your basic information and completing your profile. Using your profile details and location information, you will get access to the jobs available in your area.
Choose a Job
Now, this is the best part. Unlike other online gig platforms, you can choose the jobs you want on Field Agent. Then, simply browse through the list and select a gig that entices you.
Furthermore, you’ll find detailed instructions about each gig beside it so you can check whether it fits your expertise or not.
After completing your first job, you will have to wait for a review from the platform itself. This review will show whether your work has been approved or declined by the Field Agent team.
If you have failed to follow the instructions correctly or made a mistake, your work will get rejected.
Earn Money
If you have paid attention to all the details and meticulously followed the instructions provided by the platform, then your work will get accepted, and you’ll be entitled to payment. Usually, gig workers on Field Agent get paid anywhere from 24-72 hours after completing a gig.
Each job will take you around 10-15 minutes to complete, from the moment you reach the job location to the time you exit. However, if your commute takes longer, you could spend more time on the job, so make sure you check the location before selecting an option.
Roughly, each gig pays around $3, so you could earn $10-$12 per hour if you work efficiently and there are several options located close to you. As far as payment, you can choose how you want to get paid. Field Agent offers payment options such as direct bank deposit, checking account, and savings account deposit.
Field Agent Job Opportunities
Now that you know how Field Agent works, you’re probably on the edge of your seat, wanting to start earning right away. However, there are many things you should know about a platform before signing up. Remember, you can never be too careful when there’s money involved.
Here are the job opportunities available on Field Agent to see whether the options fit into your skillset.
Mystery Shopping
Field Agent is best known for its mystery shopping opportunities. You can select a gig and become a mystery shopper for a store or brand owner and help them evaluate their services and products.
You have to visit stores and act as a legit buyer. During this time, you will have to follow the instructions provided by the app. For instance, a particular job may ask you to take a video of the products available or take photographs inside and outside the store.
Apart from submitting the requirements, you will also have to complete a short survey after visiting the location. That’s why you should pay attention to each detail when working on-site.
Take a look at how YouTuber Bree breaks down using the Field Agent app:
Online Surveys
No time to go out and mystery shop? In this case, you can try out home-based jobs such as taking surveys. These surveys usually ask about your experience with specific products and services and can take anywhere from 15 mins to an hour to complete.
Auditing Retail Stores
Like mystery shopping, you can take up auditing jobs on Field Agent. These are easy jobs where you can make money by taking photos and answering questions about products and services.
Product Reviews
Product reviews, or Buy & Try, is another efficient way to maximize your income on Field Agent. However, the platform does not send you products for free. Instead, you will have to purchase them yourself and provide detailed reviews to earn money.
Related articles: learn how to make money by working for platforms like Task Rabbit and Thumbtack
How Much Money Can You Make On Field Agent?
Although there are many opportunities to make money on Field Agent, are they enough to help you generate a steady income? Well, it depends on your profile and your location.
For example, if you live in a prime area in a metropolitan city, you’ll get more gigs than someone from a rural setting. This means you’ll be able to earn more compared to other members.
But, regardless of your location, the jobs as Field Agent pay around $3-$8. So, if you complete multiple gigs on a single commute, you can earn around $12-$15 per hour.
If you dedicate four to five hours to working for Field Agent, you can likely generate a steady income to meet your expenses.
However, remember to check the app often to grab any job opportunities that come by. Gigs from Field Agent can go quickly!
Field Agent Score
Another aspect that will significantly impact your earnings is your Field Agent Score. Yes, the website rates you according to your availability and reliability. The higher your Field Agent Score, the more job opportunities you will receive.
As a beginner, you will have 85 points when joining the platform by default. Then, as you complete more jobs, you’ll get more points. But, if multiple jobs get rejected, you will fall into a negative balance, decreasing your chances of getting good gigs.
Whatever you do, don’t let your rating fall below 75 points. After that point, you won’t be able to see any available jobs around you due to your lack of reliability.
To keep your score high, complete your job within the two hours mandated by the platform. Also, follow the instructions meticulously and recheck your work before submitting it.
Check out this review from LushDollar on how Field Agent works:
Field Agent Payments
Field Agent provides easy and accessible payouts to its gig workers. In addition, there is no minimum cashout threshold, so you can easily withdraw your earnings whenever you like.
Additionally, you can request your earnings directly into your bank account. The first payment will require a test deposit so it might take a while. However, the payments usually take around 72 hours to appear in your account.
The only downside is that you cannot redeem your Field Agent earnings in PayPal cash.
Is My Field Agent Payment Taxable?
If you’re a beginner in the gig economy, you should know that your income on Field Agent is taxable. Although you’ll only have to pay taxes if your income exceeds $600 in a year, you’ll get 1099 if you earn anything over that.
However, you can deduct any work-related expenses from your income because you’re considered an independent contractor in the gig economy. So if you want to save on taxes, make sure to track your mileage and record work-related expenses while you’re on the job.
Take a look at our video on the best mileage tracking apps: 5 Best Apps to Track Mileage in 2022
How To Maximize Your Earnings On Field Agent?
While Field Agent offers pretty lucrative gigs for flexible online workers, there’s a chance you might not make enough to sustain yourself comfortably. In that case, there are a few tips and tricks you can try out to increase your income on Field Agent.
Complete Multiple Gigs On A Single Commute
We won’t recommend doing this on your first few gigs. However, once you’re a seasoned mystery shopper and know precisely how much time each job will take you, you can take multiple gigs in a single location.
This way, you will save your time and commute expenses and get more money from the app for completing multiple jobs. The Field Agent app seems to encourage this practice by sending pop-up messages like ‘You Can Earn $10 More At This Location’ to help you maximize your income.
Keep The App Running In The Background
The Field Agent app is not very heavy and does not slow down your other apps while running in the background. That’s why it is a good idea to keep it running so you can immediately get notifications about any new jobs available in the area.
If you face any problems conducting other tasks on your phone, you should consider dedicating a device to the Field Agent app to optimize your income.
Furthermore, you can simply turn the notifications on to get any emails and updates sent by the app and grab potential opportunities at once.
Keep An Eye On Your Mileage
Initially, the job prospects on Field Agent might seem quite attractive. You could get excited after seeing an option to pay $8 for just 30 minutes of work.
However, you should consider how much money you will invest into that gig. This will help you see whether the payment is worth it. The $8 gig won’t look as attractive if you realize you will burn around $3-4 in fuel to reach the location.
Try to find jobs close by to save your time and money. The entire payout will go right into your pocket without any deductions.
Field Agent Pros
Here are the benefits you’ll get on Field Agent as a gig worker.
High Work Availability
If you live in a metropolitan city, you can get plenty of work to generate a steady income from the app.
Easy Payouts
It is easy to process payouts as soon as you complete the job.
Flexibility
You can select the jobs according to your availability and expertise.
No Minimum Cashout Threshold
Withdraw your earnings as soon as your task gets approved by the app.
Field Agent Cons
On the other hand, here are some difficulties you might face on the platform:
Long Processing Time
Sometimes, the payments can take a long time to process and appear in your account.
No Updates
The platform rarely informs you about new job opportunities, so you’ll have to turn your notifications on and check the app constantly for updates.
No PayPal Cashouts
Field Agent only pays through direct deposit in your bank account.
Is Field Agent A Legit Platform for Mystery Shoppers?
Yes, Field Agent is a legit platform for mystery shoppers. Here, gig workers can earn easy money by evaluating products and services for brands and retailers.
However, if you’re hoping to earn a steady income from the app, consistency is the key.
Keep checking your notifications and make the most of every opportunity by taking multiple gigs in the area. Otherwise, you will invest more than you earn on the app.
