Mystery shopping can be a lucrative and fun way to earn extra income while shopping. As a mystery shopper, you’ll be asked to evaluate various aspects of a store, such as customer service, product knowledge, and overall shopping experience.
This article will dive into the mystery shopping industry and examine how much money can be made with this side hustle, as well as the top firms that pay you to mystery shop.
What is Mystery Shopping?
Mystery shopping is a form of market research where companies hire individuals to act as customers and evaluate various aspects of their stores. After visiting a store, mystery shoppers make a purchase, and then they review the experience. Companies use the comments to enhance the entire shopping experience, product understanding, and customer service.
How Much Money Can You Make as a Mystery Shopper?
The amount of money a mystery shopper can make varies greatly based on the business they work for and the kind of assignment they are working on. While some tasks only pay $5, some can pay $50 or more. You may typically expect to make between $10 and $20 every job and a free meal/item.
It is important to note that mystery shopping is a side hustle and is not a full-time job and should not be relied upon as a primary source of income. There simply is not enough work to be had to make it a full-time gig. It is best suited for individuals who are looking for a flexible, part-time job to supplement their income.
Types of Shops You May Do as a Mystery Shopper
There are a variety of types of shops you may do as a mystery shopper. Some of the most common types include:
1. In-Person Shopping –
The most conventional mystery shopping involves visiting a physical store, making a purchase, and then giving feedback on the experience. The in-person shops typically pay the highest of all mystery shops, which makes sense since you have to actually get up and out of your house to complete it.
2. Phone Evaluations –
Phone evaluations are exactly what they sound like. You will call a company’s customer service line with (typically) a specific problem, then after the call you evaluate the interaction you have with the representative.
3. Website Evaluations –
Website evaluations involve visiting a company’s website and evaluating the overall user experience, including the ease of navigation and the availability of information.
4. Service Evaluations –
Service evaluations involve visiting a service-based business, such as a restaurant or car dealership, and evaluating the service you receive.
5. Product Evaluations –
Product evaluations involve evaluating a product, either in person or online, and providing feedback on its quality and functionality.
Best Mystery Shopping Companies
There are a number of different companies that run these mystery shops, I have actually tried two of these, but I will list the best that I have found in order to give you some options if you want to try out mystery shopping.
1. BestMark
BestMark is one of the largest and most reputable mystery shopping companies i in the world. They offer a variety of assignments, including in-person shopping, phone evaluations, and website evaluations. BestMark pays their shoppers on a monthly basis, and payments are made via check or PayPal.
2. Second to None
Second to None is a leading mystery shopping company that specializes in the automotive industry. They offer a variety of assignments, including dealership visits, service evaluations, and parts evaluations. Second to None pays their shoppers via direct deposit on a bi-monthly basis.
3. Sinclair Customer Metrics
Sinclair Customer Metrics is a top-rated mystery shopping company that specializes in the retail and restaurant industries. They offer a variety of assignments, including in-person shopping, phone evaluations, and website evaluations. Sinclair Customer Metrics pays their shoppers via direct deposit on a bi-monthly basis.
4. Market Force Information
Market Force Information is a well-known mystery shopping company that offers a variety of assignments, including in-person shopping, phone evaluations, and website evaluations. They pay their shoppers via direct deposit on a bi-monthly basis.
*Update to this source, I have been using it for the last three months, and have gotten 12 free meals, and made $165 in the process, definitely check out market force!
5. Ipsos
Ipsos is a global market research company that offers mystery shopping assignments in a variety of industries. They offer a variety of assignments, including in-person shopping, phone evaluations, and website evaluations. Ipsos pays their shoppers via check or PayPal on a monthly basis.
How to Get Started as a Mystery Shopper
It’s simple to get started as a mystery shopper. First, do some research on the businesses mentioned and pick the one that best suits your requirements. After that, register on their website and finish the application. If your application is accepted, you’ll be notified when local assignments become available. Get paid after finishing the assignments and submitting your report. It’s that easy!
Mystery shopping is a fun and flexible way to earn extra income while shopping. With a variety of companies to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your needs. So, what are you waiting for? Start mystery shopping today and start earning extra money!
FAQ
How do I become a mystery shopper?
To become a mystery shopper, you will need to research and find reputable mystery shopping companies. After you have found a company you would like to work with, you will need to fill out an application and complete a brief screening process. Once you are approved, you can start accepting assignments and earning money.
How much money can I make as a mystery shopper?
The amount you can make as a mystery shopper can vary depending on the number of assignments you complete and the pay rate offered by the company. On average, a mystery shopper can make anywhere from $5 to $25 per assignment.
Is mystery shopping a full-time job?
No, mystery shopping is not a full-time job. It is best suited for individuals who are looking for a flexible, part-time job to supplement their income.
What types of establishments can I be assigned to shop at?
As a mystery shopper, you may be assigned to shop at a variety of establishments, including restaurants, hotels, retail stores, banks, grocery stores, gas stations, and even online companies.
