Introduction
Have you ever thought about earning extra money just by doing something you already do every day: evaluating stores, restaurants, and services? For many of us seeking flexibility and new income streams, mystery shopping (or secret shopping) emerges as a practical and fun opportunity to boost earnings, and even receive free products or experiences.
It's not a full-time job, but a smart way to supplement your income and gain access to unique experiences. If you're observant, detail-oriented, and love to provide constructive feedback, this guide is for you!
In this complete article, we've gathered the 16 best mystery shopping companies for you to sign up with, all highly rated by experienced shoppers and with a solid history of reliable payments. Get ready to discover a world of opportunities and start getting paid for sharing your opinion!
What Is Mystery Shopping and Why Is It a Great Option?
Mystery shopping is a market research tool where companies hire individuals to act as regular customers and then provide detailed feedback on their experience. This helps brands understand the quality of their customer service, the effectiveness of their operations, and the overall customer experience, allowing them to improve their services.
It's a great option for extra income for several reasons:
Flexibility: You choose the assignments that fit your schedule.
Variety: Evaluate everything from restaurants and retail stores to banks and beauty salons.
No Prior Experience: Most companies provide training for beginners.
Additional Perks: In addition to payment, you may receive reimbursement for purchases, free meals, or event tickets.
How Does Payment Work in Mystery Shopping?
Payment for a mystery shopping assignment can vary significantly. Generally, it can be:
Cash + Reimbursement: You receive a fixed fee for the assignment plus reimbursement for expenses (such as a meal, a specific purchase, or tickets).
Cash Only: A fixed amount paid for your evaluation, with no reimbursable expenses.
Reimbursement Only: The "reward" is the free experience itself (e.g., a meal at a restaurant, a service).
The average per assignment ranges from $10 to $50, depending on the complexity and time required. Payments are usually made via PayPal, direct deposit, check, or gift card, typically within 2 to 4 weeks after your report is approved.
16 Best Mystery Shopping Companies (in Alphabetical Order)
We have researched and selected the most reputable and well-regarded companies in the mystery shopping market. Sign up with a few to increase your chances of getting assignments.
A Closer Look: Primarily focuses on restaurant and retail evaluations in the U.S. and Canada. It's known for offering generous meal and product reimbursements.
ACE Mystery Shopping: Offers a good variety of assignments, both in-person and over the phone. Shoppers often praise their attentive support and quick feedback process.
Amusement Advantage: Specializes in evaluating leisure and entertainment experiences, such as amusement parks, attractions, and museums. Often offers paid tickets and experiences as part of the compensation.
Ath Power Consulting (APC): One of the leaders in evaluations within the financial sector, including banks, credit unions, and insurance companies. Excellent for those interested in assessing banking services.
Bare International (BVA Group): With a global presence, it's ideal for those seeking unique assignments, such as audits in luxury hotels, premium restaurants, and high-end retail stores.
BestMark: One of the largest and most well-known mystery shopping companies. It offers a huge variety of assignments across various sectors, including restaurants, salons, electronics, banks, and automotive services.
Confero: Often recommended for beginners due to its simpler reports and frequent assignments, especially in fast-food establishments and local services.
IntelliShop: Features an easy-to-use platform and payments via PayPal. Your performance in evaluations can influence the number of assignments you receive.
Intouch Insight: Utilizes advanced technology for its assignments and has a high volume of work in diverse sectors like restaurants, retail, banking, and automotive.
IPSOS iSay (Mystery Shopping Division): Part of a market research giant, it has a solid reputation and timely payments. Its reports are intuitive, making it good for those seeking consistency.
iSecretShop: Unlike the others, it's a platform that aggregates and centralizes assignments from various mystery shopping companies. Payment and rules vary according to the client company of the assignment.
Market Force Information: Offers a vast network of opportunities, with both in-person and online assignments (such as app evaluations, call centers, and restaurants). It is a member of the MSPA (Mystery Shopping Providers Association).
Pinnacle Mystery Shopping: Has a strong focus on banks and financial institutions, but also offers phone and internet assignments, expanding possibilities for shoppers.
Presto Insta-Shopper (App): Not a mystery shopping company itself, but a popular app that aggregates and helps quickly locate assignments from various platforms in your area. It's excellent for finding jobs fast.
Second To None: Well-regarded for its assignments, especially in restaurants and the fashion sector. It's known for PayPal payments and active support for shoppers.
Sinclair Customer Metrics: With over 30 years of experience, it offers a range of assignments in banks, retail stores, and restaurants, making it a reliable option to sign up with.
Tips for Success and Safety for Mystery Shoppers
To make the most of mystery shopping and ensure a positive experience, follow these tips:
How to Choose and Avoid Scams
Safety is paramount in any search for extra income.
Never Pay to Work: Legitimate mystery shopping companies will never charge you fees to sign up or receive assignments. If they ask for money, it's a scam.
Research Reputation: Check reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and look for companies that are members of the MSPA (Mystery Shopping Providers Association), an indicator of credibility.
Be Wary of Exaggerated Promises: Earning money is possible, but offers that seem "too good to be true" (e.g., "earn $500 in an hour") are usually scams, especially those involving "suspicious checks" or requests to send money back.
Organize Your Deadlines and Receipts: Maintain meticulous financial control of all assignments, report submission deadlines, and receipts to ensure proper reimbursement and payment.
Extra Tips to Maximize Your Earnings
Optimize your experience to maximize income potential.
Sign Up with Multiple Companies: This is essential to ensure a steady flow of assignments, as each company has different clients and demands.
Use Aggregator Apps: Apps like Presto Insta-Shopper are excellent for finding jobs quickly and seeing opportunities from various platforms in one place.
Maintain a Tracking Spreadsheet: Use a simple spreadsheet or a financial app to log accepted assignments, deadlines, amounts to be received, and payments received.
Train Your Eye for Detail: The quality of your report is crucial. Train yourself to notice aspects like cleanliness, organization, employee attitude, and wait times.
Excel in Your Reports: Detailed, objective, and well-written reports improve your rating as a shopper and, consequently, your chances of receiving more and better assignments.
Communicate Promptly: Respond quickly to emails and messages from companies and submit your reports within the deadline.
Extra Block – FAQ or Curiosities
Here are some common questions about mystery shopping:
Is mystery shopping a full-time job? No, it's typically a flexible, part-time activity, ideal for supplementing income.
Do I need experience to be a secret shopper? No, most companies provide the necessary training. The important thing is to be observant, attentive, and have good communication skills.
Can I be a mystery shopper anywhere? Opportunities vary greatly by region. Larger cities tend to have more demand than rural areas. Signing up with multiple companies helps you find assignments in your locality.
Are expenses always reimbursed? It depends on the assignment. Some missions are for observation only with a fixed payment, while others include full or partial reimbursement for purchases/services. Always check the assignment details before accepting.
Is it online work? While registration and report submission are online, most mystery shopping assignments are in-person, requiring you to visit physical stores or establishments. There are some phone or online tasks (website/app evaluation), but they are less common.
Conclusion
Mystery shopping may not be your main source of income, but it is, without a doubt, one of the most fun and flexible ways to earn extra money and enjoy unique experiences. It's a great way to turn your attention to detail into real earnings, while helping companies improve their services.
To start your journey as a secret shopper, the tip is simple: sign up with 2 or 3 of these companies that most interest you and gradually expand as you gain experience and find more opportunities. The world of mystery shopping awaits you!
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