Mystery shopping, also called secret shopping, is a simple but effective way for companies to check how their business is performing. They hire shoppers to visit stores, restaurants, or even make calls — all while acting like regular customers. Your job is to observe, report, and provide honest feedback.
Think of it as helping a company improve while getting paid for your time and effort.
How It Works
As a mystery shopper, you might:
- Visit a store or restaurant and make a small purchase
- Observe staff friendliness, service quality, and cleanliness
- Submit a report afterward
- Sometimes make phone calls to evaluate customer support
Some assignments even reimburse your purchases, so you might end up enjoying free food, products, or services while earning extra money.
Who Can Do It?
Mystery shopping is open to almost anyone:
- Students, parents, or anyone looking for part-time work
- No previous experience required
- Must be at least 18 years old with a valid ID
- Strong observation and communication skills help
How Much Can You Earn?
While it’s not a full-time income, mystery shopping can provide a useful side income. Typical pay ranges between $10–$20 per assignment, and many shoppers earn $100–$300 per month working a few hours weekly.
Assignments vary, so some weeks may be busier than others. The payout can also depend on the type of task and whether purchases are reimbursed.
Top Mystery Shopping Companies
Choosing reputable companies ensures you get paid on time and have legitimate assignments. Some of the most trusted options include:
- Market Force – A leader in mystery shopping with extensive retail and restaurant opportunities.
- IntelliShop – Offers assignments in-store, online, and by phone, with consistent payments.
- BestMark – Accredited and highly rated, works with major brands across industries.
- About Face – Provides higher-paying projects and serves multiple business sectors.
- Secret Shopper – Member of professional mystery shopping associations with varied assignments.
- Bare International – Global company with thousands of assignments each month.
- Confero – Strong in hospitality, healthcare, and retail sectors.
- Second to None – Works with well-known U.S. and Canadian brands.
- Sinclair Customer Metrics – Offers on-site and telephone mystery shopping.
- GBW (GAPbuster) – Global network with diverse industries and flexible assignments.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Flexible, work-from-home or on-site opportunities
- Easy to start with minimal requirements
- Potential for free products or services
- Great for those who enjoy observing and evaluating
Cons
- Income is supplemental, not a full-time salary
- Assignments may not be daily
- Payments often take several weeks
- Requires attention to detail and reliable reporting
Final Thoughts
Mystery shopping is a legitimate, flexible way to earn extra money while helping businesses improve their services. It’s perfect for anyone looking to turn their curiosity and attention to detail into a small but steady side income.
Start with reputable companies, follow instructions carefully, and you could soon be getting paid to shop, eat, or even make phone calls — all while learning how businesses operate behind the scenes.