Note: If you are a Web Mystery Shopper® or thinking about becoming one, go to our FAQs for Mystery Shoppers.

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1. How much does it cost?

Usability testing costs vary depending on what sort of testing you are having done, how much of the work you do versus wanting us to do, and how many testers you use. A 30-person QuickTest™ study starts at $1499. But In-Depth studies can range anywhere from $15,000 - 40,000, because of the huge amount of work involved. We'd be pleased to discuss your needs and give you a realistic quote.

2. How is it different from traditional usability testing?

For a detailed comparison, you can download our FREE Testing Methodologies White Paper. Basically, traditional usability testing is done in a lab, with a trained staff member in the room with the tester recording what they do (also probably video taping them) and helping to keep the process moving. The tester is asked to "think aloud". Afterwards, the testing company has to spend hours and hours transcribing and studying all that went on. This is time-consuming, so it is rarely affordable to have more than a handful of testers. Web Mystery Shoppers® makes it possible for dozens or even hundreds of people to be testing your site at once, so it becomes affordable to have a statistically valid sample size, working from their own computers. Have a look at the QuickTests™ and In-Depth pages for more information.

3. How long does it take?

A QuickTest™ can usually be done in a few hours to a few days. In-Depth tests normally take 4 - 6 weeks.

4. Can we use our own testers?

We can work with a list of people whose contact information you give us, although a standard QuickTest™ draws on people who have already signed up to be Web Mystery Shoppers®.

5. How do you assure the quality of your database of testers?

First, they have to give us their real names and addresses, or they can't get paid. (We normally pay by check, mailed to their homes.) Second, they all have to do one unpaid "sample" assignment so that we can see that they do a reasonable job before we give them paying work. Third, our system won't allow the same computer to do an assignment more than once. So there's little risk of one family member testing in the names of a bunch of others.

Have a question that's not covered here? Call us toll-free at 1-866-211-7027 or send an e-mail to FAQ@webmysteryshoppers.com.