How to Become a Mystery Shopper (2024)

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The struggle is real. Bills pile up, unexpected expenses pop out of nowhere, and your current paycheck just doesn’t seem to stretch far enough. You’ve probably considered side gigs, but the thought of sacrificing your precious free time for a rigid part-time schedule makes you cringe.

What if I told you there’s a way to earn extra cash that’s not only flexible but can also score you free meals, products, and services? Enter the world of mystery shopping.

I’ve been there. Before I started working from home, I turned to mystery shopping to supplement my income. It wasn’t just about the money, though that certainly helped. Mystery shopping opened doors to experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise, from dining at high-end restaurants to test-driving luxury cars. Plus, it sharpened my observation skills and boosted my confidence in dealing with various situations—valuable assets in any career.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the ins and outs of secret shopping. You’ll discover how to get started, which companies to work with, what you can realistically expect to earn, and how to maximize your success. Whether you’re looking to pad your savings, fund a vacation, or simply enjoy some extra perks, mystery shopping might just be the flexible, rewarding opportunity you’ve been searching for.

What is Mystery Shopping

Mystery shopping involves being paid to evaluate shopping experiences, dining establishments, or even test-driving vehicles. This is the essence of mystery shopping. Companies hire individuals to pose as customers and evaluate their services or products. The goal is providing valuable feedback to help businesses improve their customer experience.

In this industry, mystery shopping, merchandising, and product demoing are often handled by the same companies. While these aren’t necessarily work-at-home positions, they often provide the flexibility desired by many and can be combined for increased income potential.

There are various types of mystery shopping assignments available:

In-person shops: These include retail stores, restaurants, or hotels.
Phone-based assignments: You might be calling to inquire about a service or product.
Online tasks: These could involve evaluating websites or online customer service.

Also See: 12 Telephone Mystery Shopping Companies

While you don’t need a fancy degree or years of experience, some qualifications include:

A keen eye for detail
Strong written communication skills
The ability to follow instructions precisely
A smartphone (for submitting reports and sometimes taking photos)
Reliable transportation (for in-person assignments)

One crucial point: beware of scams. Legitimate mystery shopping companies will never ask you to pay a fee to join or cash checks as part of an assignment. If an offer seems suspicious, it probably is.

Also See: Ways to Earn Money Online Without Quitting Your Day Job

Top 5 Mystery Shopping Companies to Work For

For those interested in pursuing mystery shopping, here are five reputable companies to consider:

Field Agent: This app-based platform offers quick, easy tasks that you can often complete while running errands.
BestMark: With over 30 years in the business, BestMark is known for diverse assignments, including some higher-end options.
Market Force: This company offers a wide variety of assignments across multiple sectors. Their user-friendly app makes finding and completing jobs convenient.
HS Brands (Previously Intellishop): If you’re interested in hospitality and entertainment, HS Brands might suit your preferences. They offer unique assignments like hotel stays and theme park visits.
Sinclair Customer Metrics: Sinclair specializes in restaurant mystery shops. This could be an excellent opportunity for those who enjoy dining out.

To sign up, visit their websites and fill out an application. You’ll typically need to provide some basic information and maybe take a writing test. Once approved, you can start claiming assignments.

Also See: Secret Shopper Jobs: Are These For Real?

How Much Do Mystery Shoppers Make?

The earnings potential for mystery shoppers varies depending on the mystery shop company, the task at hand, and any costs associated with the shop.

Payment methods vary, but most companies use direct deposit or PayPal. Some pay per assignment, while others pay hourly. You might also get reimbursed for purchases made during the shop, though this can take weeks or even months to get paid, so it’s important to understand if you can float the purchase until you get reimbursed.

If you factor in gas, wear and tear on your car, and the time spent doing the shop and writing the report, at best you’re typically looking at an average of $10-$20 per hour. If you’re not making at least $10 an hour for a shop, it might not be worth your time unless you’re interested in the incentive like a free meal or car service. When evaluating an opportunity, take the payment and reimbursem*nt, subtract the cost of gas and other expenses, then divide by the hours spent to see if the pay per hour is worth it to you.

Keep in mind that mystery shopping won’t replace your 9-to-5, but it can help supplement your income. Plus, there are perks like free meals, products, or services.

Mystery Shopper Tips

To maximize your success and earnings as a mystery shopper, consider these tips:

Build a strong profile: Complete your profile thoroughly and showcase your attention to detail. Companies are more likely to assign jobs to shoppers with complete, impressive profiles.
Master time management: Plan your routes efficiently when doing multiple shops. This can help you maximize your earnings per hour.
Balance with other responsibilities: Mystery shopping is flexible, but it requires commitment. Make sure you can fit assignments into your schedule without overextending yourself.
Be detail-oriented: Follow instructions meticulously and submit thorough, well-written reports. This will increase your chances of getting more assignments.
Start small and build up: Begin with simpler assignments to build your reputation, then work your way up to higher-paying assignments.

Is Mystery Shopping Right for You?

If the idea of turning everyday experiences into income-generating opportunities interests you, consider trying mystery shopping. Begin by registering with one of the reputable companies mentioned earlier, such as Market Force or BestMark. Start with a few basic assignments to understand the process and see how it fits into your schedule.

Who knows? You might find a side job that not only increases your income but also adds variety to your routine. In the realm of mystery shopping, your next assignment could be nearby—perhaps at a new restaurant you’ve wanted to visit or a spa you thought was beyond your means.