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Interested in becoming a mystery shopper? We’ve compiled a list of the top fourteen companies to work for in this field.
Mystery shoppers, also known as evaluators or secret shoppers, play a crucial role by documenting their experiences to assist businesses that interact frequently with the public.
Working for a mystery shopping company can offer perks like complimentary meals or additional income.
The mystery shopping industry, existing since the 1940s, is substantial, generating nearly $2 billion annually.
This guide details reputable mystery shopping firms, average pay, tips to avoid scams, and more for those eager to earn money while shopping.
What is mystery shopping?
Mystery shopping is like being an undercover customer hired by a company. Your job is to act normally while observing store cleanliness and employee behavior. In return, the company pays you and often covers what you buy during the job.
These gigs usually involve going to stores, markets, or phone shops. Sometimes, you might visit restaurants (free meal alerts!) or theme parks. There are also jobs where you call companies and evaluate their service over the phone.
Afterward, you write a report about your experience as a customer and send it to the company by a specific deadline. Then, you get paid for your work.
How do you get started as a mystery shopper?
Becoming a mystery shopper is easy to start. You can find gigs by visiting specific company websites or using job boards like Indeed.com.
Once you apply and get approved, log in to the company’s site and choose your desired jobs. These companies give clear instructions. After completing a shop, you’ll input your feedback on their site. Payments usually come via direct deposit or a mailed check at the end of the month.
Requirements vary, but generally, you must be at least 18 years old. For tasks involving alcohol, you’ll likely need to be 21. Some jobs target specific age groups, like 18 to 30-year-olds, to resemble college students. Certain gigs may also require reliable transportation.
Qualities of a good mystery shopper
Tips for being an effective mystery shopper
- Read carefully: Understand the job requirements by thoroughly going through the description. Clarity is key.
- Attention to detail: While mystery shopping, pay close attention to every detail. Take notes and photos to ensure accuracy in your feedback.
- Stay organized: Keep receipts, business cards, and any necessary items for reimbursement. Stick to deadlines and set reminders to stay on track.
Mystery shopping can be a lucrative side hustle, but it must be treated seriously. Not following guidelines means no payment, so professionalism is critical.
How much money can you get paid for a mystery shopping job?
How much you earn as a mystery shopper depends on the company and task. In the United States, the average pay is about $706 per week. Job payouts range widely, from around $12 plus a meal to flat rates of $100 or more.
As a mystery shopper, you’ll work as an independent contractor. This means handling your taxes. Keeping records of expenses, like travel costs, can help lower your tax bill at year-end. Remember, most companies hire shoppers as independent contractors, not full-time employees eligible for health benefits.
The upside is that, as an independent contractor, you can work for multiple companies simultaneously.
How do you get paid?
Payment methods vary among different companies that hire individuals for assignments. Each company has its policies regarding payment issuance and frequency.
Several mystery shopping companies commonly use PayPal as a payment method, while others may opt for direct debit or physical checks. Additionally, some companies provide the option of receiving payment through gift cards instead of cash.
15 of the best mystery shopping companies
Check out these top companies:
- Sinclair Customer Metrics
- Market Force Information
- IntelliShop
- Mystery Shopping Service
All these companies offer free memberships and provide mystery shopping jobs.
1. BestMark
BestMark stands out as a top mystery shopping company, offering a vast array of opportunities. Signing up is simple: just visit their website and register. To apply for a specific shop, browse the listings, choose an available date, and click “Request.”
You’ll typically receive a quick response confirming your participation. In my experience, acceptance is almost guaranteed due to the high demand for reliable shoppers.
The shops are incredibly diverse, encompassing:
- Restaurants
- Beauty stores and salons
- Clothing stores
- Electronics stores (like Best Buy)
- Car dealerships
- Movie theaters
- Retail stores
- Phone calls (evaluating customer service knowledge)
- Entertainment venues (go-kart tracks, aquariums, theme parks)
- Credit unions and banks
- …and more!
It’s important to note that the specific shops available will depend on your location and the businesses operating in your area.
2. Sinclair Customer Metrics
Sinclair Customer Metrics has been in the mystery shopping industry since 1987, specializing in banking, retail, grocery, quick-service restaurants, and convenience stores. In addition to in-person assignments, they also provide video mystery shopping using hidden cameras.
Interested individuals can sign up for mystery shopping assignments on their website.
They hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Payments are distributed via check. You will receive payment once a month during the last week of the following month after completing your assignments.
To ensure payment, submit completed assignments on time and meet all specified requirements.
3. Market Force Information
Market Force Information operates in various industries, such as health, movie studios, specialty retail, alcohol, and tobacco. With offices in the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom, it offers gigs in numerous locations. Its app, Eyes: On, enables mystery shoppers to complete assignments conveniently.
To sign up for mystery shopping gigs, individuals can register here.
They hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Payment distribution: Direct deposit.
Payment schedule: Monthly on the 15th.
Requirements for payment: Timely submission of completed assignments and adherence to all given specifications.
4. IntelliShop
IntelliShop is a company focused on improving customer experiences. They specialize in online reputation management, loss prevention, and compliance. Operating in over 18,000 cities across the US and Canada, as well as 180 countries, IntelliShop offers mystery shopping assignments.
To become a mystery shopper, you can sign up on their website. They hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and make payments through PayPal.
Payments for mystery shopping assignments are typically sent around 30 days after the month in which the tasks were completed. To receive payment, shoppers must submit all required documentation, such as business cards or receipts related to the assigned task.
5. Mystery Shopping Service
Mystery Shopping Service has operated for over 20 years, catering to industries such as real estate, senior living, healthcare, retail, and hospitality across the United States. Mystery shoppers are assigned tasks like calling businesses, reporting on conversations, or visiting apartment buildings as potential renters.
Details on available opportunities and applications for those interested in becoming mystery shoppers can be found here.
The company boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Payment methods include PayPal or checks, which are distributed at the end of each month. To receive payment, completed assignments must be submitted on time per the instructions.
6. A Closer Look
Founded in 1994, A Closer Look specializes in analyzing business customer experiences. Their services include mystery shopping, market research, and managing customer surveys.
They serve various industries, such as restaurants, hospitality, health, wellness, retail, and senior living. Mystery shoppers visit retail stores, restaurants, and motels to evaluate and provide feedback. The company caters to clients looking to enhance customer satisfaction across different sectors.
7. Perception Strategies
Established in 1998, Perception Strategies is a market research firm serving the healthcare sector. With a team of 2 to 10 employees, they focus on customer and patient perception research and offer services such as mystery shopping studies.
Their work spans clinics, hospitals, outpatient centers, and various care facilities. Some tasks are completed on-site, while others, like mystery shopping, can be done remotely through online or phone interactions.
8. Confero
Confero is a company established in 1986 that specializes in customer experience research for various businesses. Their services include on-site and online mystery shopping, competitive studies, customer surveys, brand support, and compliance audits.
Mystery shoppers can undertake in-person, online, or phone shopping tasks using Confero’s dedicated platforms and applications. With a team of 51 to 200 employees, Confero assists companies in enhancing their customer interactions and overall brand performance.
9. Second to None
Second to None is a market research firm with 51 to 200 employees based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It specializes in providing tools and analytics for customer and employee experiences.
Their services cater to various industries, including retail, restaurants, healthcare, finance, education, and government. They offer mystery shopping services and employment opportunities in the United States and Canada.
10. Yardi Systems Inc.
Yardi Systems Inc. is a software company focused on property management technology. One of its main offerings is Yardi Matrix, which provides property details to real estate owners, investors, and developers.
They use mystery shoppers who act as potential renters and call property managers to gather information on housing complexes or buildings. The company employs between 5,001 and 10,000 people.
11. Call Center QA
Call Center QA is a small company with 2 to 10 employees. They specialize in customer experience analytics, specifically focusing on call center performance for their clients.
The company uses mystery shoppers who contact call centers and give detailed reports on their experiences with customer support. These reports help clients gather and analyze data about how well their call centers are doing. Call Center QA is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and hires mystery phone shoppers from all over the United States.
12. GAPbuster Worldwide
GAPbuster Worldwide, also known as SonataGBW, was established in 1994 by its leaders. Based in Melbourne, Australia, this company provides services like customer experience software, measurement services, and analysis.
With a team of 51 to 200 employees, GAPbuster Worldwide offers online and on-site global mystery shopping opportunities catering to various businesses.
13. Signature Worldwide
Signature Worldwide is a company with 51 to 200 employees that serves various industries and businesses. They cater to sectors such as construction, independent contractors, equipment rental, hotels, casinos, apartment leasing, and restaurants.
14. Service Evaluation Concepts
Service Evaluation Concepts offers premium mystery shopping services to renowned brands such as Aveda, Cartier, Macy’s, Kroger, and Lego. The company’s mystery shoppers go through rigorous two-tier certification processes. These certified brand agents have passed the SEC’s comprehensive tests and are well-versed in the company’s policies and procedures.
Moreover, these certified brand agents exhibit a deep understanding of specific client engagements, which grants them special status for assignments and the opportunity to earn higher pay.
To join this team, interested individuals can visit the SEC assignment page to preview available work in their area. As part of the application process, they must provide basic contact information. The hourly pay ranges from $10 to $50.
15. Secret Shopper
Become a Secret Shopper and earn between $15 to $25 per hour. With over 25 years of experience, Secret Shopper offers mystery shopping services to various companies.
While some assignments only offer a free meal or reimburse purchased items, it’s a great way to gain experience in the mystery shopping field. You might even get the chance to visit a casino resort for free or receive complimentary food.
Select your country and complete the online application form to become a secret shopper.
What’s life like for a secret shopper?
Are you curious about the life of a mystery shopper? It’s pretty versatile to get into this gig. Take my friend, for instance. He dove into mystery shopping as a teenager and has completed over 5,000 mystery shops since!
He got a taste of it all, starting at local grocery stores, Ikea, fast-food joints, restaurants, and even liquor stores. Then came an assignment with him acting like a regular car shopper – test drives and all. The pay? An excellent $60 for every dealership he visited that day.
While he’s moved on from mystery shopping now, back then, he pocketed anywhere between $8 to $25 per trip. Some months brought in over $5,000, but it was around $400 to $500 extra on average.
The cash can vary, though. But if you’re the right fit, it’s a semi-lucrative and enjoyable side hustle.
Be careful of mystery shopper scams
Mystery shopping has gained popularity, but watching out for scams exploiting this trend is essential.
Here are some essential pointers:
- Never pay: Legitimate mystery shopping companies won’t charge you to join. Steer clear of any that ask for payment.
- No payment for job lists: Authentic companies without shoppers won’t require payment to access their job listings.
- No pressure: Legitimate companies won’t pressure you to take on a certain number of jobs.
If you’re unsure about an opportunity, consider contacting the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA). They provide guidance and resources for companies and individuals interested in this field. Additionally, before committing, check online reviews of any company you’re considering working for.
There are plenty of genuine mystery shopping companies out there, so take the time to research and avoid falling for scams.
Which mystery shopping company pays the best?
Looking for the best-paying mystery shopping company? BestMark is one of the largest, offering various jobs with varying pay rates.
Signing up for multiple companies is a good idea to explore different opportunities. Keep in mind that the pay varies depending on the tasks you take on. More complex assignments usually offer higher pay compared to simpler ones. For instance, visiting multiple stores daily pays more than completing a short survey.
Which mystery shopping companies are legitimate?
The five companies mentioned here are legitimate in the mystery shopping field. But, it’s smart to check recent online reviews from other evaluators to learn from their experiences. Remember, a BBB rating doesn’t automatically mean BBB accreditation.
Before accepting any gig, research and review the section on scams to know what to steer clear of.
How much do professional mystery shoppers make?
Professional mystery shoppers earn varying amounts, ranging from a few dollars to several hundred per week. Your earnings depend on your availability and the pay rate for the job. Keep in mind that it usually takes at least a couple of weeks to receive payment for your work.
Is mystery shopping worth it?
Mystery shopping offers flexibility for extra cash, but it won’t replace a regular job. Earnings and chances vary by company.
It’s a chance to better understand local businesses and improve your observation and customer service skills. Watch out for scams, though. To earn extra money, invest time in researching reliable mystery shopper websites.
Can anyone be a mystery shopper?
To work as a mystery shopper, you must be 18 or older and have reliable transportation to visit various shopping locations for assignments. Meeting these requirements and finding a reputable company to work with can be a solid way to earn extra cash.