How to Be a Mystery Shopper and Earn Extra Income
DO NOT believe that every offer to become a mystery shopper (also referred to as a secret shopper) is a scam. It just isn’t true.
In fact, I have personally worked for over a dozen different mystery shopping companies. I’ve earned an extra income all while having fun.
Based on my positive experiences, I will give you all the details I’ve learned for you to determine if mystery shopping is something that you would like to try including how to get started and a list of legitimate mystery shopping companies that I have successfully worked with.
What is Mystery Shopping and How Does it Work?
1. Businesses Request The Work Of A Mystery Shopper Through A Marketing Research Company: Businesses, usually retailers, hire marketing research companies (mystery shopping companies) to contract for a specific job.
2. Marketing Research Companies Hire Mystery Shoppers: The marketing research company hires workers (mystery shoppers) on a contract basis to pose as a customer.
3. Mystery Shoppers Work On A Contract Basis For The Marketing Research Company: The mystery shopper is an independent contractor who works for the market research company on a contract basis and is assigned to evaluate specific aspects of the business, especially customer service, regulation compliance and employee integrity.
Two Types of Mystery Shops
Most mystery shops are UNREVEALED meaning they are a SECRET.
Some mystery shops are REVEALED meaning whether or not the assignment begins as a secret, at some point during the shop, the purpose is revealed.
Types of Businesses That Use Mystery Shoppers
A variety of world-wide businesses use mystery shopping including restaurants, fast-food chains, stores, financial institutions, pizza shops, hotels, manufacturers, gas stations, movie theatres, call centers, travel services, colleges, retirement communities, medical facilities, bowling alleys, apartment complexes and more.
Assignments can be as basic as making a phone call from home or going through a drive-thru at a fast-food restaurant. They can also be time consuming (with a much higher pay rate) and require you, for example, to take an all-expense paid, week-long vacation to evaluate your overall experience.
The Mystery Shopper's Pay
A mystery shopper’s pay varies depending on the specific job. You may receive a free meal at a fancy restaurant, all expenses paid. You may have to purchase an item at a store that you get to keep plus receive an additional fee too. The shop job may have a set pay rate such as $20 to complete the shop. One of my favorite jobs I’ve done many times is evaluate a bowling complex. I take a couple friends with me and we have a blast for free. Always check out the payment details of the shop job before you apply.
There are a couple companies that I have worked for that send a paper paycheck in the mail. Most transfer your pay into your PayPal account.
Tips for Becoming a Successful Mystery Shopper
- It is important to always be professional, give attention to detail and utilize good organization skills.
- Be sure to completely understand the instructions prior to going on the mystery shop.
- Providing an on-time, accurate and detailed written report of your experience is critical to your success. This is usually done on line and in a questionnaire format, where the mystery shopper thoroughly completes an evaluation. Reports/evaluations usually have a time frame when they must be submitted, usually within 24 hours following completion of the shop.
- Build a positive reputation with more than one company. Not all companies have jobs available on a regular basis. Gain experience by working for many companies.
- Make a good, lasting first impression.
- Communicate! Immediately notify the company if you are unable to complete a shop so they may quickly offer it to other shoppers. Always contact them if your report is going to be late. And definitely let them know ahead of time if you do not understand the instructions for your shop.
- Mystery Shoppers receive ratings for each job completed. The better your ratings, the more job options will be available to you.
- Make sure to always keep all receipts. Many companies will not accept your report without required receipts.
What You Need to Get Started Mystery Shopping
To get started, you must have internet access and an email address. Most mystery shopping jobs require you to visit a specific location and therefore, you will need reliable transportation. That’s it!
Some jobs require the use of a fax machine, scanner, or a digital camera. These things are not necessary to get started although you might find more jobs available to you with these additional equipment options.
Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) – North America
Although some people think of Mystery Shopping as a hobby, the MSPA recognizes it as a profession. They offer two certifications programs: silver and gold.
After my first year of successfully conducting dozens of mystery shops, I decided to obtain the Silver Certification. Although it is not necessary, having this certification allowed me to apply for additional jobs that were only available to certified mystery shoppers.
KEEP IN MIND – You do not have to acquire any certification to search and apply for assignments in the MSPA database. There are many jobs available that do not require any type of certification.
Specific Companies That I Have Successfully Worked For With Hotlinks to Their Websites
Now that you have a better understanding of the mystery shopping industry, it’s time to register with mystery shopping providers. I have personally worked for the mystery shopping companies listed below.
Please Note:
I am personally only endorsing the specific companies I have worked with. If you see an ad on this page for additional mystery shopping companies, please investigate first.
Keep in mind, legitimate providers never charge a fee to join.
Give Mystery Shopping a Try
Mystery shopping is a great way to earn additional income. It’s also a great way to obtain free goods and try things, like an expensive restaurant or a fancy hotel, which you might not be able to afford otherwise. Have fun!
**IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL READERS**
There has been great discussion with questions and answers in the comments section too. IF YOU SCAN THE COMMENTS SECTION below, you will find more important information on being a Mystery Shopper ~ thanks for stopping by!
This is Sharyn’s Slant
Good Morning America on Making Extra Money as a Mystery Shopper
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.
Questions & Answers
Comments
Looking to get into mystery shopping, thank you for the heads up on scams..
Can anyone offer some good & fair paying companies to apply for in the akron/canton area...
Hi sharynslant,
I was wondering how long you have been mystery shopping? And, do you only shop for the companies you listed?
Helloooo Sharyn, thanks for the info it was very informative. I have recently gotten into Mystery Shopping and I love it. I feel like James Bond when I go on my shops. I am still very novice only a month into it so I would appreciate all the tips and tricks of the trade. Thanks.
Hi Sharon, I've seen a surge of secret shopper e-mails lately. Your tips and suggestions are helpful and the comment thread alone offers quite a bit of insight. This is one of those jobs I've considered and never jumped on it. Now I know who to go to for info.
Useful and shared
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Excellent hub. I did some mystery shopping and overall felt it wasn't worth the money for me
Sharyn, thank you for sharing this information. I've thought about trying this before but was afraid that I would be scammed. Very informative.
A well-advised Hub on mystery shopping thanks for a well informed Hub
This is very interesting. I'd always wondered how it REALLY worked. It's not something I could do where I live in Europe but it'd be a great way to make a little money and with your useful information I'd be less reluctant to try.
I'm voting for this hub!
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Great Information. I worked for Chick-fil-A while I was in college and served a mystery shopper, though I did not know it until her report was filed. I provided her with a great experience and made "brownie points" with my boss! Since then, I have often thought about doing it. I have bookmarked your hub. Maybe I'll get a chance to sign up and give it a shot. I would be more enthusiastic if I could determine a steady monthly income. :) Thanks for the great information!
Voted up and shared. :)
I remember I once had emails asking if I want to be a mystery shopper. They even give me specific assignments before I gave them my answer. I thought that was a scam. Reading your article sheds some light, thought, I've to wonder if email offers are legitimate. Thanks for sharing your experience .
Great Hub... I have done some in the past nothing recently. Voted up and you can make a few bucks here and there as well.
Still thinking about doing this. Great insights and awesome advice again - and this time I read through all the comments and gleaned even more information. Awesome stuff!
Sharyn- I have been shopping for Best Mark and they are a gay company to work with.At first I was worried about it being a scam but the only problem I have had with them is trying to stop! They always have interesting shops...my favorites are the free dinners and haircuts! I will have to check out some of the other companies you mentioned....great hub! Voted up!
Can you give me a hint as to which company shops with Dave and Busters? I signed up for the companies you listed but I don't see any open Dave and Busters opportunities.
I always wondered if this was a scam. I'm glad to hear from your personal experience. I'm going to give it a try because I am definitely a shopper. Voted up, useful, and shared! Kelley
What a valuable resource! I've never looked into mystery shopping but with your expertise, I might entertain this idea as a money-making option. Your tips are sound, your advice is extensive and you have personal experience. This is awesome!
Wow great resources. I have read about this in the past but I haven't talked to anyone who has actually done it!
Thank you. I am a shopper (I haven't worked for them all yet, but I am registered and receive their emails) for all but one of them. Coincidentally, I just happened to sign up with that last one the same time I posted that on your blog.
Selecting only the jobs you want has become more of an issue for me. I continue to become more selective. Some shops that require a half hour visit and a half hour write up and then only pay seven or eight dollars are just not worth it to me. Also, I am paying more attention to the timeframes for reimbursement. Feedback Plus and QAMS are two of my favorite companies for prompt reimbursement.
Hi Sharyn,
I have been doing mystery shopping for several years. I work for about 10-15 different companies (most of them very sporadically), but I have never seen a D&B mystery shop; although I am very interested. Can you give me a hint which company they use? Thanks.
I thoroughly disagree with secret shopper. Dave and Busters is one of these companies that uses secret shopper. These secret shoppers have the power to fire someone just on one 5 minute encounter. This secret police feel makes people hate coming into work, where the employees are always forced to look over their shoulder. This is especially true for Dave and Busters because the atmosphere is supposed to be fun and energetic, however knowing your job is on the line every time you clock in destroys the atmosphere the company wants their employees to convey.
Thanks for sharing this with us. Always wondered about it. As far as the scams are concerned, everything online has to be checked out first..... They are all kinds of scams out there, but this hub gives us an idea where to go if we want to do it, and avoid the scams.
I would love to try it out when I have time :)
Voted up....
You have given some of the best work at home tips ever. They have paid off. Thanks for sharing all of these wonderful ideas!
Thanks for the advice here but I think the most valuable part of the hub is the list of reputable firms. As you know, lots of scamming going on with mystery shopping. Voting this Up and Useful.
Fantastic hub! Voted up, useful and shared with a large group of job-seekers I work with. Thanks for the info!
Lots of excellent info and link there in the hub! I will be checking out some of the links as I am already doing this for BestMark, and it is nice to get those checks every couple of weeks in the mail. :) I do most of mine online and phone calls, very little in person shopping. The online and phone calls don't pay very much, but those small amounts do add up and you can do them from the comfort of your home. Voted up, useful and interesting.
Like so many of the others who left comments, I have thought about doing this more than once. I even checked into a company about a year or so ago, but they asked for money. It just didn't feel right and my little internal alarms when off. As a result, I didn't try them or anyone else.
Thank you for providing so much information---and because you have done this it makes it just that much more credible. You are a wonderful, wonderful gem. Voted up, useful and awesome.
BEWARE of the scammers (per other hubs including mine) who pretend to be one of the legitimate companies, tell you to take your fee for the assignment from a check they mail you which can be verified as coming from a legitimate account with funds to cover the amount of the check. All good, so far? The check turns out to be counterfeit, the assignment bogus, and (if you completed the assignment the way it was described) someone in Nigeria or Timbuktu just walked into a Western Union office and picked up real money---yours, over which the FBI has no jurisdiction except to tell you how many times a day they get calls from "Mystery Shopper" scams!
I did my homework, didn't get scammed, but it cost me time and $12, rather than making $250 "for a couple of hours work."
What a sweetheart you are! You not only write a first-class very informative hub, but answer every comment in full detail. I'd love to do this and will check out each link you have so graciously provided. One question...are seniors hired?
Thank you Sharyn, my friend. Have a beautiful day/evening. Voted up and more!
Im looking for mystery shopper any one help
It sound legitimate job. Actually, I heard about for several years ago. But I found many negative opinion about this job, especially for us who pay first to get this job. But my sight about mystery shopper has changed after reading this hub and your personal experience. I believe that you help many people with this hub. Rated up and success for you!
Blessing and hugs, Prasetio
This looks like an interesting idea. Like others, I have looked at ads for Mystery Shoppers, but was always concerned that they would not be legitimate. Your article is so useful, and I especially like that you included names of companies that you have personally worked with. Voted up and shared!
A great 'out of the box' suggestion for earning some extra money,
Thanks for SHARING.
I had to let you know Sharyn that I just wrote a New Hub entitled, "This One's For You Sharyn"...go check it out...and hope you like it dear friend.
Okay I am bookmarking this so I can be a mystery shopper! I would love to visit a place of business and give my 2 cents back to someone who could commend a good employee or experience or bring hell down on the overly nasty and rude employee in the filthy store :)
Dear Sharon,
I am glad I finally had a chance to check out this detailed, useful guide to a subject that has long intrigued me. I intend to bookmark and keep the possibility open, as I sure love dining out 'here and there'!
Voted UP & UABI-- have a great weekend. Hugs, mar.
Sharyn, Thanks for the information. I have checked out all of them that you provided and found a few that would fit my schedule. There are a few that will pay up-front while others you have to wait for reimbursement, but I believe it should really be a lot of fun. Thanks bunches! :) Thumbs Up! :)
NO - thank you. I have been looking into this for awhile and I never found any that you didn't have to pay for. To me that is a scam so I always backed away. Yet I knew it was available because when I used to work, they would hire mystery shoppers as well. So this cleared up so many questions! The other option you can do is up in the hub... and a bullet point of topics brought up in the comments. There is such good information down here! I would hate for people to miss it because they didn't have time to read through the comments! :)
Very much so... I have always been interested in it and if it means free experiences that I wouldn't have otherwise done... that is even better. We are always trying to look for fun stuff to do with the family so I am good for that. I am assuming though you pay first and then you get reimbursed? Is that correct. So if you don't have much money to start off with you need to work your way up to it. I really think I am going to go for this. I just want to start with a couple... of the companies you listed... which do you think would be the best couple to choose with. I clicked on one and noticed I had to register and if it isn't something I plan on continuing, I don't want a bunch of emails. Thanks for your help. A few extra bucks here and there never hurt anybody and being a stay at home mom, I have the time if I want. When I decide to work out of the house, I might not. Not to mention, it might help spread the dollar a little further! :)
This is something I have thought about many times, but didn't where to start!
Great information and advice, thank you for the tips and voted up.
I have always wanted to try this but so many times when I have done the research they often want money down so I have backed away. That was going to be my first question and then you had it noted right toward the bottom. I might have to look into this. Overall, how much extra income would you say you have made from mystery shopping?
I wanted to do this. I think I'll check into it again. Great hub!
Thanks for sharing this...i have been interested how this mystery shopper goes about doing the jobs...sounds really spy-ish, lol...seriously, really sounds interesting and I guess a lot would love to get paid for something we all love to do - shopping. voted up!
I also wondered how to get started as a "Mystery Shopper" and your Excellent, Detailed, Description and Advice are Wonderful. I'm sure Everyone will be Bookmarking this Hub. You've done a real service here on Hub Pages Sharyn. Great Information, you certainly deserve the Accolades!
Hi Sharyn.....I thought about this but have never approached it. You make it sound effortless and fun. I can use some extra cash.. Maybe I should give this a try. Your hub was very informative. Thanks for all the info.
Now that list looks like fun - except that I'm an abysmal bowler...
I would much rather do this than sit on the phone for five minutes answering survey questions to let a store know how they are doing. Great article. I knew this existed but didn't know the details.
Mystery shopping sounds like one of those play-as-we-work jobs. I would consider this if ever I need to find another job.
Excellent writing, Sharyn. Voted up an inspiring.
Wow - this is great! I absolutely loathe shopping, but I'd certainly do it for extra cash. Terrific hub, Sharyn!
What a wonderful share from MissOlive; We can be mistery shoopers like we are as writers! Bookmarked Sharyn's!
LORD
Wow, I was unaware that this was so widespread. It's good see that opportunities like this are actually viable, and not just something else on the Internet designed to scam people. Voted up and very useful indeed.
I have done work with Bare International and they are good and regularly give assignments. If anyone is from Mumbai, they can try the Shaw Hotels also. It's really fun to do mystery shopping. The mystery element adds to the thrill. I don't do it anymore as I have too many other things which requires my attention. But I have really enjoyed my experience as a Mystery Shopper. Hub Voted up!
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