Shopper Pay Policy

What should I do if I have a payment question?

apc greatly values its partnership with our Independent Contractor Mystery Shoppers. All mystery shops that are submitted on time and in compliance with our clients’ needs are paid in accordance with our Shopper Pay Policy reviewed here. Please make sure to read this information as the answer to your question will likely be covered here.

In the rare event that you cannot find the answer to your question here, please submit a shopper support ticket as directed in the QUESTIONS/CONCERNS/ISSUES section. Phone calls and direct emails will not be answered or returned on these issues; only those submitted via our ticket system will be addressed.

How will I be paid?

After you have registered as an apc shopper and completed your first shop assignment, you will receive an email from Checkbook.io. The email will include an image of a digital check containing a secure link for you to select how you would like to receive your funds. You may either choose to accept funds via check deposit through mobile banking app, printable check for your local bank, paper check by mail, or direct deposit. You will receive this email from Checkbook.io either mid-month or at the end of the month, based on the payment cycle listed below for your completed shop. This service is completely free of charge. You will continue to receive future emails from Checkbook.io on a monthly basis after each shop you complete.

When will I be paid?

Payments are released twice a month in two cycles.

The first cycle is between the 1st and the 15th of the month. Once you have completed a shop and submitted the report by the 15th, payment will be made on the 1st of the second month following your submission.

Shop date/report submitted: 1st – 15th of March
Payment made on: May 1st

The second cycle is between the 16th and 31st of the month. Once you have completed a shop and submitted the required report by the 31st payment will be made on the 15th of the second month following your submission.

Shop date/report submitted: 16th – 31st of March
Payment made on: May 15th

*The Paid Date that you will see in aNET will either be on the 1st or the 15th.

Remember that funds are sent by digital check to your email, which then provides the link to select how you would like your check disbursed.

If you elect to receive payment by mailed paper check, please allow 1 business day for processing and 1-5 business days for the check to arrive by mail service.

If you elect ACH, please allow 2 business days for processing.

Direct Deposit will become available at a later date.

How do I change my payment method?

If you would like to change your payment method, you can do so by creating an account with your email at https://checkbook.io or you can contact Checkbook.io Customer Support at the bottom, right-hand corner of the Checkbook.io website. You’ll be able to chat, send a secure email, including attachments, or give them a call. Checkbook.io’s hours are 8 am EST to 8 pm EST on weekdays. Or, you can browse their knowledge base to find the answers you are looking for.

Do I have to create an account?

You do not have to create an account with Checkbook.io. Once you receive your digital check by email, there will be a link that will direct you to a landing page where you will select how you would like to receive your funds.

How will I know when specific shops have been paid?

Log on to your personal shop log in aNET and click on the down arrow on the far right side of each shop under the Expand/Collapse All column. If we have issued payment for your evaluation, it will say “Paid On:” and show a date directly above the shop fees. PLEASE NOTE: This date is not necessarily the date that you will receive the funds, as this will depend on postal delivery times for mailed checks and bank processing time for electronic payment. If the area above the shop fees is blank, then we are still processing your shop or your evaluation is not yet eligible for payment.

To sort your shops chronologically, open your Shop Log page. Make sure to select ANY under the Status/Job ID column to see ALL shops. Under the Shop/Due Date Column, click on the down arrow to turn it Red. Now all shops can be seen from newest to oldest.

Are my payments specified individually?

No. If you conduct more than one evaluation during a pay period, we will combine those into one payment. It is your responsibility to keep detailed records of payments due to you, so that you can reconcile what is sent via Checkbook.io with your records.

What information do I need to keep up-to-date and in which site?

aNET: Profile information including First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name, Email Address, Social Security Number, Telephone Number, Mailing Address
Checkbook.io: Information related to bank account

All profile information must be kept up-to-date within aNET. This information will overwrite any information in Checkbook.io, so it’s very important that you maintain your information to be the most accurate and up to date. Payments made by check will be sent to the address within your profile in our aNET system and NOT within Checkbook.io. Payments made by e-payment will be sent to the bank account that you’ve established within Checkbook.io. All profile information related ONLY to bank and payments must be maintained and kept up-to-date in Checkbook.io.

What is the relationship between apc and Checkbook.io?

apc and Checkbook.io are not affiliated in any way. Checkbook.io is a vendor hired by apc to pay you directly through whichever method of payment you have chosen. apc has no liability regarding payment issues stemming from Checkbook.io’s payment process, which relies solely on accurate data submitted and maintained in your shopper page on aNET. Should any issues arise with ACH payments, they should be directed to Checkbook.io ONLY.

By signing up for e-payments through Checkbook.io you agree to not hold apc responsible for ANY issues regarding failed e-payment delivery and will follow up with Checkbook.io for any problems that may arise. Should you have any questions regarding your e-payment, contact information for Checkbook.io Customer Support at the bottom, right-hand corner of the Checkbook.io website. You’ll be able to chat, send a secure email, including attachments, or give them a call. Checkbook.io’s hours are 8am EST to 8pm EST on weekdays. Or, you can browse their knowledge base to find the answers you are looking for.

What is social security verification?

apc complies with all IRS rules and regulations regarding Independent Contractors. All U.S.-based mystery shoppers must provide Social Security Numbers (SSN) or Employer or Tax ID (EIN/TIN) numbers as a part of your application process. Information received through our online portal aNET is encrypted and secured. If you do not yet have an EIN, contact the IRS and request an Employer ID number for your contract business and enter that number instead of your SSN. This is a simple process that can be completed by visiting the website www.irs.gov/businesses and clicking on Employer ID numbers, or by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-4933.

IRS reporting and tax forms?

As required by law, for those shoppers earning more than $599 in a calendar year, apc will provide you with a 1099-Misc Income form for use in filing your taxes. Forms are mailed before 1/31 for work completed the previous year.

Questions/concerns/issues?

Do not contact your scheduler.

  • Step 1:Review your own records and review your aNET account to ensure all documents for the shop were submitted and accepted.
  • Step 2: Contact Checkbook.io if there is a question, concern or issue with payment that should have been received.
  • Step 3: If the issue continues, please submit a ticket by clicking here and completing the information in the form. Someone from athe Power will then contact you.

The fastest way to resolve a pay question is to submit a ticket if still unresolved by Checkbook.io. This allows for the first of any available staff members to research your concern and be in touch.