Follow on Mystery shopping is a flexible, exciting way to earn money by evaluating businesses and providing feedback on customer experiences. Many companies rely on mystery shoppers to ensure their employees are delivering top-tier service and following company protocols. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or transition into full-time mystery shopping, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
With the right strategy, you can make mystery shopping a full-time gig and work on your own schedule. Let’s dive into how you can get started, the best companies to work with, and tips to maximize your earnings.
What is Mystery Shopping?
Mystery shopping is a method used by businesses to assess the quality of their customer service, employee performance, and overall shopping experience. Companies hire independent contractors—mystery shoppers—to visit stores, restaurants, hotels, and other businesses to evaluate their services.
As a mystery shopper, you will be given specific guidelines to follow during your visit. You may be required to:
- Observe employee behavior and interactions
- Assess store cleanliness and organization
- Check product availability and pricing
- Evaluate customer service quality
- Document your experience in a detailed report
Why Become a Full-Time Mystery Shopper?
- Flexible Work Schedule – Choose when and where you want to work.
- Get Paid to Shop and Dine – Earn money while enjoying everyday activities.
- Diverse Job Opportunities – Work in industries like retail, hospitality, healthcare, and more.
- No Special Education or Experience Required – Anyone can become a mystery shopper with attention to detail and a willingness to follow instructions.
- Potential for Full-Time Income – If you’re strategic, you can turn mystery shopping into a full-time career.
Getting Started as a Mystery Shopper
To start your journey, you need to:
- Sign Up with Reputable Mystery Shopping Companies – Avoid scams by working only with legitimate companies.
- Complete Shopper Profiles – The more detailed your profile, the better your chances of getting high-paying assignments.
- Stay Organized – Keep track of your assignments, due dates, and reports.
- Follow Instructions Carefully – Each assignment has specific guidelines that must be followed.
- Submit Reports on Time – Timeliness and accuracy are crucial to maintaining a good reputation as a shopper.
The Best Mystery Shopping Companies to Work With
Intouch Insight
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Intouch Insight provides mystery shopping opportunities across various industries, including retail, restaurants, and automotive services. Shoppers can earn between $10-$50 per assignment, depending on complexity.
BestMark
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BestMark is one of the largest and most well-known mystery shopping companies. They offer assignments in retail stores, restaurants, casinos, and financial institutions. Shoppers typically earn $12-$25 per job, with some higher-paying assignments available.
Ath Power Consulting
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Ath Power Consulting specializes in financial and banking mystery shopping. This is a great company for those interested in evaluating banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders. Assignments generally pay $15-$60, depending on the location and task.
Sinclair Customer Metrics
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Sinclair offers assignments in retail, dining, and hospitality. Shoppers can expect to earn $10-$40 per shop, with some reimbursement-based gigs available.
Bare International
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Bare International provides global mystery shopping opportunities, including in healthcare, travel, and retail industries. Mystery shoppers can earn between $15-$50 per job, with bonuses for urgent assignments.
IntelliShop
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IntelliShop offers a variety of mystery shopping gigs, including phone-based assignments. This is ideal for those looking to complete evaluations remotely. Pay varies from $8-$30 per shop, depending on complexity.
Secret Shopper
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Secret Shopper has been in business for over 25 years and offers a range of assignments, from retail to hospitality. Most assignments pay $10-$35, with the potential for reimbursement perks.
Perception Strategies
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Perception Strategies focuses on healthcare mystery shopping, making it a great option for those interested in evaluating medical facilities and services. Shoppers can earn $20-$75 per job, depending on the complexity of the evaluation.
A Closer Look
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A Closer Look specializes in hospitality and restaurant mystery shopping. This is perfect for those who enjoy dining out and reviewing customer service experiences. Assignments typically pay $15-$50, often with meal reimbursements.
Reality-Based Group
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Reality-Based Group provides mystery shopping services in various industries, including retail, food service, and entertainment. Jobs usually pay between $10-$45, with special high-paying assignments available for experienced shoppers.
How to Maximize Your Mystery Shopping Earnings
- Sign Up with Multiple Companies – More options mean more opportunities.
- Accept Higher-Paying Assignments – Some jobs pay more based on complexity and urgency.
- Look for Reimbursement Opportunities – Some assignments will cover the cost of meals, products, or services.
- Stay Organized – Keep track of due dates and requirements to avoid missing payments.
- Build a Good Reputation – Completing assignments accurately and on time will lead to more job offers.
Mystery shopping is a fantastic way to earn money while enjoying flexibility and independence. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time career, following the right strategies will help you succeed.
By signing up with reputable companies, staying organized, and consistently delivering quality reports, you can turn mystery shopping into a profitable venture. Start today by signing up with the trusted companies listed above to take control of your income!
