This Reality Based Group review covers the firm that created video mystery shopping. Reality Based Group (RBG) has served over 2,000 clients through its flagship GameFilm® program since 1992.
RBG mystery shopping stands apart from other firms. They were first with video reviews and built a tech-driven approach that includes VR training, game-style coaching, and standard written shops.
But what’s it like to shop for them? This Reality Based Group review covers their payment, platforms, shop types, and what real shoppers say.
Quick Facts
Company Background
RBG mystery shopping launched in 1992 in Austin, Texas. The firm first ran as GameFilm Consultants — named after its video mystery shopping tech. Today it’s one of the longest-running mystery shopping firms in the field.
Owner Joe Woskow and President Renee Desantis lead the firm. RBG has over 320,000 signed-up shoppers and has finished more than 2 million shops. They serve over 2,000 clients across 15+ fields.
What sets RBG mystery shopping apart is their tech-first mindset. While most firms rely on written reports alone, RBG built a full system around video proof and coaching tools.
MSPA Founding Member
RBG is one of the four founding members of the Mystery Shopping Providers Association. They helped create the group that now sets standards for the whole field. That’s not just a badge — that’s helping build the base of pro mystery shopping.
The Shoppers’ Critique Link
Shoppers’ Critique (SCI) is a branch of RBG. SCI has over 40 years of work helping firms improve their buyer visits. Key SCI clients include Lexus, which praised their nine-year bond.
This means when you sign up for RBG, you may see jobs from both RBG and SCI on your dashboard.
Key Clients
RBG works with major brands:
- Nike
- Lexus
- Cinnabon
- Wayback Burgers (2025 deal)
- BMW and MINI
- Taco John’s
- Dry Bar
Their client list spans retail, dining, auto, banking, health care, fitness, and hotels.
How to Sign Up for RBG Mystery Shopping
RBG uses the Sassie platform for shopper sign-ups. Joining is free.
Sign-Up Process
- Visit the RBG shopper sign-up page on Sassie
- Fill out the form with your details
- Confirm your email address
- Wait for account approval
- Browse open shops on the job board
- Apply for jobs in your area
Key Notes
- Each Sassie firm runs its own database — sign up even if you already use Sassie for other firms
- Check your account status often (Sassie sometimes shuts down accounts)
- Keep your email address confirmed through the Sassie Email Manager
- MSPA cert is optional but noted by RBG
Pro Tip
RBG offers both standard written shops and video shops. Start with written shops to build your track record. Video shopping needs extra training and gear.
Reality Based Group Review: Payment Details
This Reality Based Group review found that payments are steady. Shoppers confirm on-time payments, though the method is more old-school than most rivals.
Payment Method
RBG mystery shopping pays by mailed check. They don’t use PayPal. Checks go to the address on your Sassie profile — keep it current.
Payment Schedule
Checks are cut at the end of the month after the shop. For example, shops done in January get paid at the end of February.
| Work Period | Payment Date | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|
| Any day in January | End of February (mailed) | ~4-9 weeks |
| Any day in February | End of March (mailed) | ~4-9 weeks |
The wait time is longer than firms paying via PayPal or direct deposit. Factor this into your planning.
Typical Pay Ranges
| Shop Type | Typical Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Retail written shops | $10-25 | Standard reviews |
| Dining shops | $15-30 + payback | Dinner and bar scenes on hand |
| Banking shops | $15-30 | Branch visit reviews |
| Video mystery shops | $20-50+ | Higher pay, niche work |
| Auto shops | $25-75+ | Top brands like BMW/Lexus |
Pay is seen as average for written shops. Video shops and auto reviews tend to pay more. Bonuses pop up for hard-to-fill spots.
Types of RBG Mystery Shopping
RBG offers more job range than most firms.
GameFilm® Video Mystery Shopping
This is what makes RBG mystery shopping famous. GameFilm is the first video mystery shopping program. Trained shoppers capture footage of the full buyer visit using hidden cameras.
Think of it like game film for athletes — firms use the footage to coach staff and improve service. RBG says it’s the number one buyer visit training tool in the world.
Video shoppers are highly trained pros. The firm gives clients custom scorecards, coaching playbooks, and 24/7 online access to review footage.
Standard Written Shops
These are standard mystery shopping reviews across many fields. They’re like what other firms offer — visit a store, rate service, and submit a written report through Sassie.
Other Services
- Phone reviews: Rate service over the phone
- Online reviews: Rate websites and digital visits
- Pricing audits: Compare rival pricing
- Rival shops: Rate the other side’s stores
- VR Training: Game-style training for client staff
Fields Covered
RBG mystery shopping covers a wide range:
- Retail (shoes, clothing, home goods)
- Dining (steak houses, pastry shops, fast casual)
- Auto (BMW, MINI, Lexus car lots)
- Banking and money services
- Health care and fitness/gyms
- Hotels
- Insurance
- Hair salons and beauty (Dry Bar)
- Natural foods and grocery
- Tire shops and service centers
The Sassie Platform
RBG runs on Sassie, the field’s most popular scheduling software. Over 150 mystery shopping firms use it.
Key Features
- Online job board with open shops
- Shop Log for tracking your active jobs
- Report turn-in through the platform
- Account status tracking
- GeoVerify tools for fraud checks
- Email alerts for new chances
Using JobSlinger
Power shoppers use JobSlinger Plus to manage many Sassie accounts at once. It searches all your linked Sassie job boards at the same time. If you shop for a few Sassie firms, this tool saves a lot of time.
Field Standing
RBG mystery shopping has three standout marks. First, they’re one of four MSPA founding members. Second, they hold an A+ rating from the BBB in Austin, Texas. Third, they created video mystery shopping over 30 years ago.
Their GameFilm program has been featured in The New York Times and on Good Morning America. That kind of press is rare in the mystery shopping field.
Reality Based Group Review: What Shoppers Say
This Reality Based Group review found mixed feedback. Views vary more than with some other firms.
What Shoppers Like
- Good contact from schedulers
- On-time payments
- Broad shop types and fields
- Auto and luxury brand chances
- Firm tries to use reports even with small errors
- Paybacks honored even for wrong-spot mistakes
- Long-running firm (since 1992)
- Large pool of open jobs in many areas
Common Complaints
- Pay seen as average for written shops
- Payment by check only (no PayPal or direct deposit)
- Some schedulers have strict rules
- Video shops have steep learning curve for new shoppers
- Client guidelines can be overly complex
- Accounts may get shut down without clear warning
- Some shoppers report low pay for time spent
The Video Shopping Path
Video mystery shopping for RBG is a niche skill. Forum veterans urge new shoppers to take it slow. The gear needs, complex guidelines, and post-shop video upload can be tough.
Seasoned video shoppers who learn the system find it worth the effort. But it’s not the place to start your mystery shopping career.
Tips for RBG Success
- Start with written shops. Build your track record before trying video jobs.
- Keep your Sassie account active. Check your status often — accounts can get shut down.
- Reply to scheduler emails fast. Some schedulers have strict response-time rules.
- Update your mailing address. Checks go to your Sassie profile address.
- Try route shopping. Combine many RBG jobs in one trip to boost earnings.
- Follow guidelines to the letter. Reports not done as told may not get paid.
- Get MSPA certified. RBG notes cert holders and it gives you an edge.
- Look at SCI jobs too. Shoppers’ Critique shops appear on the same platform.
Reality Based Group Scam Alert
RBG mystery shopping is 100% legit — they helped found the MSPA. But as a well-known firm, their name may be used in scams.
Red Flags of Fake RBG Offers
- Emails not from an @realitybasedgroup.com domain
- Getting a check before doing any work
- Told to wire money or buy gift cards
- Promises of $200+ per basic shop
- Contact through Craigslist or social media only
- No Sassie sign-up needed
Real RBG jobs always use the Sassie platform. You never get paid before finishing work. Sign up only through their website or the Sassie sign-up page.
Contact Details
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | realitybasedgroup.com |
| Shopper Sign-Up | realitybasedgroup.com/mystery-shopper |
| Shoppers’ Critique | shopperscritique.com |
| Main Office | 9500 Arboretum Blvd, Suite 120, Austin, TX 78759 |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Leadership | Joe Woskow (Owner), Renee Desantis (President) |
| BBB Rating | A+ (Since 2010) |
Final Verdict: Is RBG Worth It?
Here’s the bottom line of this Reality Based Group review.
RBG mystery shopping is a legit, field-leading firm with over 30 years of history. They created video mystery shopping and helped found the MSPA. Their BBB A+ rating and major client list (Nike, Lexus, BMW) speak for themselves.
The downsides? Payment by check is slower than rivals. Some shoppers find the pay average for written shops. And video shopping has a steep learning curve that isn’t for all.
My take? Sign up for the range. RBG mystery shopping covers more fields than most firms. Use written shops to build your name, then try video and auto reviews if those draw you in.
RBG won’t be every shopper’s top pick. But with over 2 million finished shops and 320,000 signed-up shoppers, they’re a proven player worth having in your lineup.