Mystery shoppers are people who are hired to act like day-to-day shoppers, then give back information about their experience to a company. You can join by registering with a mystery shopping company near you, select the assignments you want and start shopping.
Are you interested in a shopping gig that will help you earn money working for a mystery shopping company? A lot of people nowadays are performing these kinds of tasks as a way of making some extra cash at the end of the month.
Mystery shoppers are hired by companies to shop in different retail stores and provide feedback when they are done.
What Is a Mystery Shopper?
A mystery shopper is somebody who is hired by a company to act like an ordinary day-to-day shopper and later give feedback about the experience.
Reputable companies which deal with mystery shopping hire secret shoppers so that they can complete a list of tasks like receiving a service (for example, an oil change) or gathering information about a certain product.
When the mystery shopper finishes their tasks, they’re expected to provide feedback reports with information such as how helpful the employees were, the cleanliness of the store and more information about their experience.
Secret shoppers get paid by companies to provide such details. Most of the time, the company will also refund shoppers the money they used in their tasks.
Related: 18 Best Sites for Taking Paid Surveys
How to Become a Mystery Shopper (and Find Mystery Shopper Jobs in Your Area)
Being a mystery shopper isn’t a difficult task. You can start by registering with one of the best mystery shopping companies near you, select your assignments or tasks and begin shopping.
You’ll even be able to register with as many mystery shopping companies as you prefer. The kind of opportunities you’ll get will be determined by how many mystery shopping companies you registered with. Make sure you register with numerous companies so that you can earn easy money.
One secret shopper was hired by 75 companies and was able to make $14,000 in a year simply for completing different mystery shopping tasks during his lunch break, on weekends and when he was going home from work.
29 Best Mystery Shopping Companies
If you need some extra cash and are looking for the mystery shopper opportunities in your area? take a look at the following companies.
1. Ath Power Consulting
Most companies have different kinds of mystery shopping gigs, while there are those that focus on a particular niche. Ath Power Consulting concentrates on the banking and financial industry.
If the company hires you to perform a mystery shopping task for them, you’ll possibly be required to a bank and provide details about your experience. They also have gigs that require people to go to the airport; these types of jobs are usually assigned to people with security clearance.
Ath Power Consulting is not only a member of the MSPA (Mystery Shopping Providers Association), it’s also an Elite Member for the past five years. The website states that the company provides people with more than 10,000 mystery shopping gigs every month and more than 50,000 mystery shoppers have signed up with them.
Compared to competitor mystery shopper companies, Ath Power Consulting doesn’t pay people immediately. Instead of paying people immediately after they have completed a task, the company usually gives payments two times a month.
How it works:
- Register to work with Ath.
- Use your email address to open an account
- Provide personal details like your address, name and demographic info (i.e., level of education, income, race).
- Go through the privacy policy.
Related: 11 Best Shopping Apps to Save Money on Everything
2. BARE
Mystery shoppers who are hired by BARE are expected to perform video or in-person visits or over-the-phone customer chats. In 2019, the MSPA gave the company a Shopper’s Choice award.
People who perform mystery shopping tasks are the ones who vote for the award, meaning BARE was the most preferred company to get employment from,
When registering to become a BARE employee, you’re allowed to list five different areas where you’re interested in as a mystery shopper. This comes in handy for people who live in different locations and would like to earn some extra money.
How it works:
- Register to become a mystery shopper.
- Select your language.
- Provide your email address.
- Specify your country.
- Give out your demographic details.
- Check out the contract and privacy policy.
Related: 50 Ways to Make Money Online for Free
3. Secret Shopper
Secret Shopper is a reputable company that hires mystery shoppers to collect information on behalf of their clients so that they can improve their businesses.
The company was created in 1993 and has managed to get several awards over the years such as the MSPA Elite award in 2018. You can register with them for free and choose your working hours.
How it works:
- Register through the company’s website.
- Select your country.
- Go through and accept the company guidelines and Shopper Basics.
- Fill in the basic certification test which require you to go through the company’s rules.
- Provide personal information like your name, date of birth, address, etc.
- Once you’ve finished filling in your personal details, the company will send you a shopper ID and password. The information is necessary for logging in to your account, then search for jobs and schedule any available gigs.
Related: 16 Ways to Get Paid to Shop for Others
4. Market Force
Market Force focuses on mystery shop gigs from restaurants, banks and stores. mystery shoppers are required to give feedback on things like customer service, product selection and cleanliness. The company has won the MSPA Shopper’s Choice Award, which is normally voted on by participating mystery shoppers, continuously for four years.
How it works:
- Open an account with Shopper Force.
- Fill in personal information regarding your criminal background.
- Sign and date the Terms of Agreement.
5. Pinnacle
Pinnacle is a mystery shopping company that has been in the market for 20 years. The company helps financial institutions to get information which will help them improve their sales and services.
The mystery shoppers only work with banks and credit unions, making this the perfect choice for people who’s interested in finance. You can sign up for Pinnacle for free before you can start working as a mystery shopper.
How it works:
- Click on New Shopper Sign Up.
- Provide your email address.
- Fill in some basic personal details like your back account information (this is where the company will send your payments).
- Complete some demographic information so that the company can give you jobs that are suitable for you.
- Agree to the company’s terms.
6. A Closer Look
A Closer Look has received a couple of awards from the MSPA, for example in 2018, they received the “Elite Company” Award and in 2019, they won the Shopper’s Choice Award. The company focuses on industries like hotels, restaurants, entertainment, senior living and specialty retail.
How it works:
- Click on Become a Mystery Shopper.
- Enter your current email address.
- When they approve your email, the company will send you a link which will lead you to the application page (links expire within 48 hours).
- You’ll be required to provide personal and demographic details as well as write a sample essay that contains “not less than two paragraphs with information about your last fine dining or casual restaurant experience.”
- Submit and wait for a reply.
7. Quest for Best
Quest for Best employs mystery shoppers in more than 40 states in the U.S. and it focuses on the Southwest and Midwest states, check out the company’s full map here. The jobs comprise of different activities like bowling, eating at a restaurant and going to a movie theater.
How it works:
- Click on the Become a Shopper link.
- Go through the Independent Contractor agreement.
- Complete the Online Shopper Profile with contact demographic details like your gender, if you have security clearance for the airport, the number languages you’re fluent in and if you own a camera that can be used to get hidden video clips.
- Quest for Best will contact you when there’s any available job near you, providing you with the shop’s info. If there are no jobs, your details will be stored until something that fits your profile becomes available.
8. IntelliShop
Intellishop provides services for more than 50 industries, you’re sure of getting any type of mystery shopping gig that you’re interested in.
In 2019, the company won the MSPA’s Shoppers’ Choice Award which is voted for by participating mystery shoppers. Meaning that most of mystery shoppers voted for IntelliShop as one of the best service providers to work for.
How it works:
- Click on the sign that says “Go” which is found on the Shopper Sign-Up
- Provide your email address.
- Go through the independent contract agreement.
- Fill in your basic personal details such as your bank information (where you’ll receive your payment from).
- Complete the questionnaire with demographic information.
- Provide your tax details.
- Accept the terms and contract.
9. Perception Strategies, Inc.
Perception Strategies, Inc. mainly deals with healthcare mystery shops. Since 1998, the company has completed jobs for more than 150,000 stores.
The company’s mystery shopping gigs vary from going for in-person visits at the doctor’s office without an appointment or a complete check-up visit to calling in for a quote for certain services.
Perception Strategies, Inc. works with healthcare providers allowing them to get the information they need to improve their services based on different patient’s experiences. The website provides a list of the areas and cities where mystery shoppers are needed.
How it works:
- Check out the Shopper Application.
- Go through the list with immediate openings.
- If there aren’t any available gigs in your location, the company will send you an alert when something comes up once your application has been filled.
- Complete all the details required in the application like if you’ve ever worked for a healthcare provider or had a felony.
10. Sinclair Customer Metrics
Sinclair has been in operation since 1987 and has managed to assist over 1,000 business to improve their overall customer experience. The company provides different types of tasks such as in-person, phone and video mystery shops. Sinclair is part of the MSPA.
How it works:
Register with Sinclair by filling in your name and email address.
- Go through the Mystery Shopper requirement document.
- Read and accept the Independent Contractor agreement.
- Complete the secure online application.
- Participate in the Sinclair Challenge for New Shoppers.
- Take the Survey for New Shoppers.
11. Ipsos (previously Gfk)
If you’re not in the US and would like to become an international mystery shopper, take a look at Ipsos. The secret shops you’ll be assigned to will be either by phone, in-person, through video chat or via email.
The mystery shopping gigs available vary from banks to gas station to restaurants.
Supported countries include:
- United States
- Netherlands
- Canada
- Slovakia
- Chile
- United Kingdom
- Belgium
- India
- Czech Republic
- Thailand
- Germany
- Oceania
- France
- Australia
- Italy
- New Zealand
- Hungary
How it works:
- Sign up here.
- Provide your country, ZIP code and email address.
- Enter your gender, contact information and address.
- Provide additional personal information like marital status, occupation, weight, height and the type of equipment you own.
- Read the company’s agreement.
Related: DollarSprout’s Ipsos i-Say Review
12. Best Mark
Best Mark is one of the largest companies which has offering mystery shopping services since 1986. Being a member of the MSPA, the company provides more than 10,000 mystery shop jobs from resorts, hotels and restaurants. The salary earn depends with the kind of assignments you select.
How it works:
- Click on “Sign Up Now” which is found in the become a shopper page.
- Provide basic personal details, ethnicity, demographic questions, work history and create a password.
- Go through and accept the policies, guidelines and independent contract agreement.
- When all these information has been submitted, you’ll start seeing all the phone/web or in-person mystery shopping jobs that are available.
13. Second to None
Second to None hires mystery shoppers who can complete specific jobs. The company is currently looking for mystery shoppers who are members of AARP or who are ready to interview insurance organizations and brokers. Check your account from time to time and see whether the company has updated their requirement.
How it works:
- Sign up to become a mystery shopper with Second to None.
- Complete your contact information, and make your login.
- Submit the application.
14. ACPVIEW
ACPVIEW or a customer’s point of view, handles mystery shopping jobs for grocery and retail stores, retail banking, fast food and casual dining options, public transportation, airports and government agencies.
How it works:
- Sign up here.
- Enter your country and email.
- Go through the Services Agreement and Release.
- Fill in your demographic and contact details as well as sign the privacy policy.
15. AboutFace
AboutFace has been in the mystery shopping business for about 20 years and is also an MSPA member. The Better Business Bureau gave the company an A+ rating and it provides mystery shopping services in every on of the 50 states. According to the company’s website, the employees earn 15% more than the stipulated average salary, but they don’t give a clear figure.
How it works:
- Register as an AboutFace Mystery Shopper.
- Fill in your contact details.
- Go through the Independent Contractor Agreement.
- Wait to confirm your email.
- Provide more details like your PayPal account info, a photo of yourself, your driver’s license photo and answer some basic questions.
16. Confero
The mystery shopping opportunities provided by Confero include retail, healthcare, food service, banking, airports, automotive, theme parks, consumer products, movie theaters and tourist attractions.
How it works:
- Register as a Confero Mystery Shopper.
- Select your country and provide your email address.
- Read and accept the Independent Contract Agreement.
- Provide your demographic and contact information.
- Select your location codes where you work and live in. This enables the company to assign tasks to you.
- Read the company’s privacy policy.
17. Amusement Advantage
Amusement Advantage is a company that provides mystery shopping opportunities for museums, amusement parks, zoos, aquariums, bowling alleys and several other popular attractions. While the jobs are more fun compared to the ones for grocery stores, people who get these types of gigs are required to be detailed-oriented.
There are instances where you’ll be paid through free admission to attend your mystery shop assignments and maybe another free ticket when you’re done. You can be given an additional $5 if you complete your mystery shop assignment the next day by 10.a.m.
If you refer other mystery shoppers to Amusement Advantage, you’ll be awarded with $20. The drawback of this company is that they send payment after 30 to 45 days, which is a longer time, compared to other companies. The company is also a member of the MSPA.
How it works:
- Register here for Amusement Advantage.
- Create an account.
- Compete your date of birth and contact information.
- Go through and accept the Independent Contractor Agreement.
- Submit your application and wait for available assignments in your state.
18. SeeLevel
SeeLevel hires mystery shoppers to complete tasks in different industries such as retail, automotive, fast food and financial services. If you’d like to receive a free meal as you’re completing you tasks as a mystery shopper, consider registering with SeeLevel. They make payment through PayPal.
How it works:
- Use your email address to sign up with SeeLevel.
- Provide your contact and demographic details such as gender, weight, height, date of birth, household income and the area codes of where your work and live.
- Gou through and accept the Independent Contractor Agreement and its privacy policy.
- Submit your application and wait for response.
19. Shopper’s View
Shopper’s View is one of the first members of the MSPA and it also provides people with mystery shopping opportunities. The gigs offered belong to different fields like retail, food as well as sporting events.
They also have mystery shopping opportunities which are done over the telephone, which is the best gig for people who can’t drive or don’t have a car at their disposal. The Better Business Bureau gave Shopper’s View an A+ rating.
How it works:
- Create a profile with Shopper’s View.
- Choose your language.
- Select your country and provide your email.
- Complete your demographic and contact information.
- Go through and accept the Independent Contractor Agreement and its privacy policy.
- Submit the application.
20. iSecretShop
iSecretShop can be accessed on a desktop browser as well as a mobile phone app. If you opt for the app, you’ll be required to complete all the information asked by the company so that you won’t need to type the information again on a computer.
You can decide to either handle phone and web shops or in-person shops or polls. Check out the job board provided by the company when you finish signing up to see where there are any available opportunities. iSecretShop pays people through PayPal.
How it works:
- Sign up through the iSecretShop website.
- Complete your contact and demographic info such as address, gender and number of kids.
- Go through the Privacy Statement and Terms of Use.
21. RBG
RealityBasedGroup or RBG is another company that’s a member of the MSPA. The mystery shopping gigs provided by the company include online, phone, written and video opportunities. Some of RBG’s clients include Texas Roadhouse, SportsClips, Goodwill and Cinnabon.
They also represent other clients like banks, restaurants, department stores, gyms and bookstores. There’s a wide selection of mystery shopping jobs available, so you’re probably going to find what you like.
How it works:
- Sign up with RBG by selecting your country and providing your email address.
- Check out the Independent Contractor Agreement.
- Provide you demographic and contact details.
- Go through the privacy policy.
22. Mercantile Systems Inc.
Mercantile Systems Inc. is the other member of the MSPA. The company has a wide range of mystery shopping gigs from hotels, golf courses, restaurants, retail, storage facilities, financial service providers and healthcare.
The company sends payments 45 days after the task was completed, which is a bit linger compared to other services. Mystery shoppers are only given 24 hours to finish an assignment.
How it works:
- Register with Mercantile Systems Inc. here.
- Fill in your demographic and contact details.
- Sign the Shoppers/Independent Contract Agreement.
- Confirm your email.
Mystery Shopping Jobs by Phone
If you don’t want to an in-person mystery shopper, if you won’t be able to visit stores for assessment, then working as a secret shopper by phone might be the ideal choice for you.
23. Call Center QA
The call centers at Call Center QA ensure organizations are provided with the best and quality services. The company is a great option for someone who likes conversing on the phone and has great writing and reading skills as well as attention to detail.
You can attend to all your assigned calls from home using your mobile or landline phone. Shoppers earn $5 per call, and every feedback and call can last for about 15 minutes. Your payment is made within 7 business days.
How it works:
- Fill in an application providing information like answering basic information questions, home ownership, education or whether you lease or own a car. You might also be asked how you got to know about the company.
- You have to be at least 18 years of age and must be residing in the US.
- Select submit. You’ll then be provided with more information once you finish filling in your application.
24. ARC Consulting
With ARC Consulting you’ll be given different mystery phone calls, which will then be paid through PayPal.
The company’s website states that they are looking for people who are fluent in a variety of languages and are also hiring from different selected countries.
How it works:
- Fill out ARC Consulting’s online application.
- Provide your date of birth, gender, PayPal account info and contact details.
- Add your login info and submit.
25. Yardi-Matrix
Yardi-Matrix offers opportunities to people who would like to take surveys on behalf of the commercial real estate industry. If your application is accepted, you’ll be required to pretend to be a renter and call different apartment communities. You’ll be given a list with specific question that you’re going to ask.
Make sure you have a phone and high-speed internet so that you’re able to complete the assignments. Payment starts at $6 hourly as well as extra pay as shown below:
- $0.07 for surveys with no answer or an answering machine
- $0.50 for the surveys you finish
- $0.30 for wrong number surveys
- $0.20 for surveys that are partially-finished
You must finish at least 75 surveys during your first week of employment and about 100 surveys on the weeks that follow. The calls are to be made between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. since this is the surveyed time zones.
How it works:
- Go to Yardi Matrix contact and send a copy of your resume.
- Wait for the company to contact you with more information.
26. Observa
Observa is an app for mystery shopping which can be used on both Android and iPhone devices. The app has to be downloaded so that you can receive mystery shopping assignments.
Obsarva has a 4.4-star rating on Google Plat Store and a 4.3-star rating on App Store. The app’s official description states that payments earned range between $4 and $20. You’ll receive your payment via PayPal within 24 hours. There’s also the option for receiving Bitcoin as payment.
27. Field Agent
Field Agent is also an app for mystery shopping the provides you with assignments after you’ve created an account with them. Previous assignments and companies include Amazon Fresh Pickup, Dollar General’s new DGX store, AutoZone and Walmart convenience stores.
The company has a 4.0-star rating on Google Play Store and a 4.8-star rating on App Store.
The app description states that you’ll be earning between $3 and $20 from jobs. Your photos and descriptions will be reviewed by the app and your payment will be sent withing two days of submitting your assignments.
28. Merchandiser
Merchandiser is an app that can be found in both Android and iPhone devices. The app has a 4.1-star rating on Google Play Store and 4.3-star rating on App Store. This isn’t actually an app for mystery shopping. The assignments that are found on Merchandiser are a lot retail-related, such as:
- Counting inventory
- Restocking shelves
- Setting up promo displays
- Putting stickers on products
First step is to download the app, fill out all the required information and wait to receive notifications about available assignments in your area. shoppers receive payment through PayPal and most assignments require 15 minutes to complete.
29. Gigwalk
Just like most of the apps on the list, Gigwalk is also a member of the MSPA. The app has a 3.7-star rating on Google Play Store and a 4.6-star rating on App Store.
Payments are made through PayPal. The company’s website states that assignments last between 5 minutes to a couple of hours, and you’ll earn payment of between $3 and $100. Not all the assignments available on Gigwalk are related to mystery shopping.
The assignments can be completed straight from the app, meaning that you don’t have to go home and log onto a computer so that you’re able to complete a task.
How to Avoid Mystery Shopping Scams
The mystery shopping companies that have been included on our list are very legitimate options. However, not every one of them is as high caliber, and there are those that are scams. Look out for the following things.
Make sure you only select from a trustworthy list of mystery shopping companies.
If you’re looking for reputable mystery shopping companies, be certain that the companies you’re sign up for are recommended by a trusted source.
Make sure you confirm that the company is a member of the MSPA. Here is the list of member companies. If the company isn’t on the list, then check for them at the Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot. If they don’t have any digital footprint, then you shouldn’t do anu business with them.
Never wire money.
If the mystery shopping company asks you to deposit a check in a personal account, then withdraw the money in cash and send it to someone else, don’t do it. The check is probably fake and they are trying to scam you.
While the check can appear to have gone through and the money is in your account, the transaction isn’t cleared officially yet. Banks need weeks to uncover a fake check.
When the bank discovers the fake check, you’ll be held responsible for the transaction and you’ll have to refund the money you deposited and withdrew. Be very cautious and avoid depositing checks from strangers especially if the ask you to wire them some money back.
Don’t pay anyone so that you can become a mystery shopper.
There’s a reason why most of the mystery shopping companies mentioned above are totally free to register for. If you find a company that’s insisting for you to pay some amount of money before you can join them, it’s a scam.
Related: 6 Common Work-from-Home Scams to Watch Out For
Find Your Ideal Mystery Shopping Niche
Mystery shopping a great side gig since you’ll normally be able to get refunds for purchasing certain items or be given free food. If you’re already working in a shopping plaza, mall or a busy downtown location, you won’t need to drive around much.
Just like majority of side gig websites and apps, if you want to maximize your rewards, simply create accounts with a couple of different companies for mystery shopping. This way, you’ll also find the ones that pay the highest rates per hour.
Since the completion time for jobs varies, you won’t be able to gauge the companies easily until after you’ve signed up and gotten some experience.
