The Ultimate Guide to Mystery Shopping in 2024: Earn Money with Secret Shopping
Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
Here's How to Make Money as a Secret Shopper
Have you ever wanted to get paid to shop?
Imagine walking into a store, buying a few things, and getting money for your time and honest feedback—no, it’s not a scam, it's called secret shopping!
Whether you need some extra holiday cash or are just curious about what mystery shopping entails, this guide is here to give you all the details you need to get started.
Let’s explore how you can become a secret shopper, the best companies to work for, and how much you can realistically earn.
What Is Secret Shopping?
Secret shopping, also called mystery shopping, is when companies hire people to evaluate their products or services from a consumer’s point of view.
Think of it as being a customer with a purpose—you’re paid to go undercover and share your honest experience, all while earning a little extra income.
Your job as a mystery shopper is to visit assigned stores, restaurants, or other businesses, observe things like customer service, cleanliness, product quality, and overall customer experience, and then report back.
It's like doing your normal errands but with a mission—and a paycheck.
Companies use your feedback to identify areas for improvement, helping them offer a better service to customers.
Mystery shopping can be an exciting way to make some side income, especially if you enjoy shopping, trying out different services, and evaluating what works well and what doesn't.
Mystery shopping can include a wide range of tasks: ordering a meal at a restaurant, asking questions about a product at a retail store, purchasing an item and noting the checkout process, or even visiting a bank to evaluate customer service.
The variety keeps things interesting and provides a unique opportunity to get involved with different businesses while making extra money.
How It Works
Getting started as a secret shopper is easier than you think.
There are several reputable companies in the U.S. that match secret shoppers with assignments. Some of the best options for U.S.-based shoppers include IntelliShop, Market Force, and Sinclair Customer Metrics.
Here’s a deeper dive into each:
Intellishop
IntelliShop is known for offering a wide variety of assignments, including visits to retail stores, restaurants, and even services like auto repair shops.
Signing up is simple—just create an account on their website, and once approved, you’ll have access to their mystery shopping portal.
Assignments generally pay between $10 to $25, depending on the task’s complexity. Reimbursements are often included, meaning you could enjoy a free meal or even discounted products.
Some shoppers report earning up to $500 monthly by consistently completing assignments.
To get started or learn more, visit IntelliShop's sign-up page.
Market Force
Market Force offers mystery shopping opportunities at major brands, including popular restaurants, retail chains, and movie theaters.
Pay typically ranges from $10 to $20 per task, and many shoppers report enjoying the flexibility.
Tasks are generally straightforward and often take less than an hour, making it easy to fit into your busy schedule.
For example, one assignment might involve visiting a fast-food restaurant to assess cleanliness and service, while another could have you attending a movie and evaluating the experience.
This makes Market Force a favorite for parents who are already running errands, as assignments can be worked seamlessly into their day.
Learn more about joining Market Force here.
Sinclair Customer Metrics
Sinclair Customer Metrics provides a wide range of mystery shopping opportunities across the U.S.
From casual dining to retail stores, they cover everything. Assignments vary in pay, ranging from $8 to $25, plus reimbursement for items purchased during your shop.
They frequently have availability, making Sinclair a perfect option for those just starting out in secret shopping.
Additionally, Sinclair offers a range of industries, from restaurants to banks, giving you plenty of chances to find assignments that fit your interests.
Check out more details here.
The best part about mystery shopping is that you’re often reimbursed for your purchase plus paid for your time. Imagine getting a free meal, a new outfit, or even household essentials, and making a little extra cash—all for sharing your honest opinion.
4 Steps to Becoming a Mystery Shopper
If you’re wondering how to become a mystery shopper, follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: Sign Up with Multiple Companies
To maximize your opportunities, register with several mystery shopping companies like IntelliShop, Market Force, and Sinclair Customer Metrics.
The more companies you sign up with, the more assignments you can get.
By diversifying your registration, you’ll increase your chances of consistent work and better pay.
Make sure to fill out all required information during sign-up, as a complete profile is key to getting the best assignments.
Step 2: Complete Your Profile
Fill out your profile fully with information about your demographics, interests, and preferences.
Mystery shopping companies match assignments based on your profile, so being thorough can lead to more shopping opportunities.
For example, if you indicate that you frequently dine out, you may get more restaurant-based assignments. The more specific you are, the easier it is for companies to match you with suitable tasks.
Step 3: Apply for Assignments
Once you’re approved, browse through the available tasks. Select assignments that fit your schedule and location, and apply for them through the company’s portal.
Make sure to check back often, as new opportunities are frequently added. Many assignments are time-sensitive, so being quick in your application can improve your chances of getting chosen.
Step 4: Complete Your Shops and Report
When completing your assignments, follow the instructions closely.
Be observant, take mental notes (or discreet written ones), and make sure to complete your post-shop report with as much detail as possible.
Companies value honest and detailed feedback, and providing quality reports may lead to more assignments in the future.
Remember to pay attention to details like employee interactions, cleanliness, and the overall experience.
How Much Can You Make?
How much you can make as a secret shopper largely depends on the company you work for, the complexity of the tasks, and how many assignments you’re willing to take on.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
IntelliShop assignments generally pay between $10 to $25 per task. Most tasks take between 30 minutes to an hour, meaning you could earn roughly $10 to $25 per hour. More complex assignments, such as visiting an auto repair shop or evaluating an extended service, may offer higher compensation, with some paying up to $40 per visit.
Market Force offers similar pay, ranging from $10 to $20 per task, with tasks often taking less than an hour. This translates to an average hourly pay of $10 to $20. For example, a restaurant assignment where you dine in and provide detailed feedback on the service and food quality might pay $15, while a retail visit could pay around $12.
Sinclair Customer Metrics offers tasks that range from $8 to $25, and pay is based on the complexity and duration of each assignment. Many tasks are straightforward, such as making a small purchase or asking customer service questions, while more detailed evaluations can bring in higher compensation.
Some secret shoppers online report earnings of $100 to $500 per month if they’re consistent, with some even earning up to $800 during peak seasons like the holidays.
In terms of hourly pay, assignments generally average between $10 to $25 per hour.
If you’re strategic and take advantage of assignments with higher reimbursements, such as those involving meals or specialty services, you can maximize your income.
While mystery shopping might not make you rich, it’s a great way to earn extra cash, especially if you’re already out running errands.
How to Avoid Scams and Stay Safe
Mystery shopping is a legitimate side hustle, but like any opportunity, there are scams to watch out for.
Here are some key tips to keep your mystery shopping journey safe and enjoyable:
Never Pay Upfront: A legitimate mystery shopping company will never ask you to pay a fee to join or provide personal banking details upfront. Companies like IntelliShop, Market Force, and Sinclair Customer Metrics are free to join, and they pay you—not the other way around.
Do Your Research: Stick to well-known companies like IntelliShop, Market Force, or Sinclair Customer Metrics. Look for reviews on websites like Trustpilot to see what other shoppers have experienced. These resources can give you real insight into which companies are reliable and which ones to avoid.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t fall for promises of “easy money” with little effort or assignments offering unusually high payouts. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Real mystery shopping jobs offer reasonable compensation for the work required.
Tools and Apps for Secret Shoppers
To help you stay organized and make the most of your assignments, consider using tools like Google Keep or Notes to take notes discreetly during your assignments. Both should be free to use.
Keeping detailed notes is crucial for accurate reporting, and these apps help you stay organized without drawing attention to yourself.
Apps like MileIQ can help keep track of your mileage for tax deductions, as driving to and from assignments can add up over time. Forbes wrote up a review of their top seven apps for mileage tracking which I’d recommend if you want to compare a few options.
Additionally, using Trello or Monday can help manage multiple assignments, allowing you to track deadlines, notes, and progress all in one place.
Staying organized means you won’t miss out on payments or deadlines, which is key to maximizing your earnings.
Pros and Cons of Mystery Shopping
As with all side hustles, there are pros and cons. Here are a few to consider:
Pros
Flexible schedule: You can accept assignments that fit into your life, making it ideal for parents or those with busy lifestyles. Whether you have a few hours during school drop-off or on weekends, you decide when to work.
Get reimbursed for products or services: Many assignments come with reimbursements, which means you’re not only getting paid, but also receiving free products, meals, or services. It’s a great way to stretch your budget.
Simple work that doesn’t require a lot of specialized skills: Mystery shopping doesn’t require previous experience, just attention to detail and reliability. It’s accessible to almost anyone.
Cons
Pay varies and can be inconsistent: Earnings are not guaranteed, and the availability of assignments may vary from week to week. It’s best as a supplemental income stream rather than a primary one.
Some assignments require upfront costs before reimbursement: You may need to purchase something upfront, and reimbursement can take a few weeks. This means you should have some funds available to float expenses.
You may need to be discreet: Some assignments require careful observation without making it obvious. This can be challenging in busy stores or if you’re not used to covert tasks, but it gets easier with practice.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Being a secret shopper isn’t just a fun way to add a bit of excitement to your usual errands—it’s also a great way to make some extra money without adding a ton of extra work to your plate.
Think of it as getting paid for what you’re probably doing anyway: shopping, dining, and exploring.
Mystery shopping can turn mundane errands into opportunities to earn and explore.
You’re already visiting stores, eating out, and interacting with services—why not get paid to provide feedback while you do it?
Whether you’re looking for extra holiday cash or a way to turn your daily routines into something more rewarding, mystery shopping offers flexibility, adventure, and income.
Have you ever tried secret shopping?
If not, would you give it a go?
Let me know—I’d love to hear your experiences or answer any questions you might have!
Drop me a note at hello@knockedupmoney.com.
FAQs
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Look for companies with established reputations, like IntelliShop or Market Force.
They should have clear application processes and never ask for money upfront.
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Most assignments take between 30 minutes to an hour.
The more detailed the task, the longer it may take, but it generally isn’t overly time-consuming.
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Payment timelines vary by company but typically range from 2-4 weeks after completing an assignment.
Make sure to follow reporting instructions carefully to avoid any delays.
