If you’ve ever wondered whether mystery shopping is actually real, the answer is yes — but getting started can be confusing. There are legitimate companies that pay shoppers to evaluate restaurants, stores, apartments, banks, dealerships and more, but there are also plenty of scams and misleading offers out there. I’ve done mystery shops myself, and I’m sharing what I’ve learned to help you get started, know what to expect and avoid some of the mistakes I made along the way.
Check out my FREE Mystery Shopping Quick Guide at the bottom of this post.
What Is Mystery Shopping?
Mystery shopping is a way for companies to get an inside look at the customer experience. A mystery shopper visits or contacts a business as a regular customer, follows a specific set of instructions, and then submits a report about what happened.
Depending on the assignment, you might be asked to shop at a retail store, eat at a restaurant, tour an apartment, visit a dealership, make a phone call or complete another everyday task. Some shops pay a flat fee, some reimburse you for a required purchase or meal, and some do both.
How Do You Become a Mystery Shopper?
You don’t need special training or experience to become a mystery shopper. You sign up directly with legitimate mystery shopping companies, complete your shopper profile, and then look for available assignments in your area or online.
One thing I wish I had known when I started: don’t sign up with just one company and assume there aren’t many shops available. Different mystery shopping companies work with different clients, so the opportunities you see can vary a lot from one company to another.
I recommend signing up with several legitimate companies and checking their job boards regularly. Once you complete a few shops successfully and submit good reports on time, you may start seeing more opportunities.
A typical mystery shop looks something like this:
- Find an available shop and review the requirements.
- Apply for or accept the assignment.
- Read the instructions carefully before you go.
- Complete the visit without revealing that you’re the mystery shopper.
- Save any required receipts, photos or other documentation.
- Submit your report by the deadline.
- Wait for the shop to be reviewed and payment to be processed.
How Much Can You Make Mystery Shopping?
Mystery shopping can be a fun way to make extra money, but I wouldn’t treat it like a guaranteed paycheck. The amount you can make depends on where you live, which companies you’re signed up with, the types of shops you’re willing to do and how often you check for available assignments.
Some assignments may only pay a small fee, while others can pay significantly more — especially when a company adds a bonus because a shop needs to be completed quickly. You may also find assignments that reimburse you for things you would normally spend money on anyway, such as a meal, an oil change or another service.
I also look at the total value of a shop, not just the paycheck. If I’m paid for the assignment and reimbursed for something I would have purchased anyway, that savings has value too. On the other hand, a shop isn’t worth taking just because it’s available. I consider the pay, reimbursement, driving distance, time involved and how detailed the report will be before deciding if it makes sense.
Mystery shopping is extra income — not guaranteed income.
How to Spot a Mystery Shopping Scam
Legitimate mystery shopping is real, but unfortunately, scammers know that people are interested in getting paid to shop. A little caution goes a long way when you’re first getting started.
- Never pay to become a mystery shopper. Legitimate mystery shopping companies do not charge you a fee just to sign up for assignments.
- Be suspicious of unexpected checks. A common scam involves sending you a check and instructing you to deposit it, buy gift cards or send part of the money somewhere else.
- Never send gift card numbers or money to someone as part of a “shop.”
- Check the company before providing personal information. Make sure you’re registering through the company’s legitimate website rather than a link from a random text, email or social-media message.
- Be wary of guaranteed income claims. Mystery shopping opportunities vary, and legitimate companies aren’t going to promise you a certain amount of money every week.
When I’m unsure about a company, I research it before signing up. I’d rather spend a few minutes checking than hand my personal information to the wrong website.
Mystery Shopping Tips I Wish I Knew When I Started
Mystery shopping isn’t difficult, but there are definitely things I learned along the way that would have made my first few shops easier. A little preparation can save you from making a mistake that could cause your report to be rejected — or turn a decent-paying shop into one that wasn’t worth your time.
Read the Instructions Before You Leave Home
This is probably my biggest tip. Don’t wait until you’re sitting in the parking lot to read the assignment. Some shops have very specific requirements — a certain department you need to visit, questions you need to ask, photos you need to take, names or descriptions you need to remember, or a specific item you’re required to purchase. I’ve learned that it’s much easier to look natural when I already know what I’m supposed to be watching for.
Take Notes Without Looking Like You’re Taking Notes
You may think you’ll remember everything once you leave, but details disappear fast. I use my phone when I can and make quick notes as soon as I’m away from the employee or back in my car. Names, times, descriptions and what was said can all matter when you sit down later to complete the report
Pay Attention to the Deadline
A shop isn’t finished when you walk out the door. Most assignments also have a deadline for submitting your report, and some are due the same day. I try not to leave the report until the last minute because detailed shops can take longer to complete than you expect.
Keep Your Receipts and Photos
If the shop requires a receipt, photo or other proof of your visit, don’t lose it. I keep everything until the assignment has been reviewed and approved. I also double-check my photos before leaving the location when possible. There’s nothing worse than getting home and realizing the photo you needed is blurry or you forgot it completely.
Decide Whether the Shop Is Actually Worth It
Not every available shop is a good shop. A $15 assignment might sound easy until you realize you’ll drive 30 minutes each way, spend money upfront and complete a lengthy report afterward. I look at the total picture — pay, reimbursement, mileage, time and report requirements — before accepting an assignment. Sometimes I’ll also group shops in the same area so the trip makes more sense.
Don’t Get Discouraged If You Don’t See Many Shops at First
Available shops can vary by location, company and even time of month. If one mystery shopping company doesn’t have much available, that doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities out there. This is one reason I recommend signing up with several legitimate companies instead of relying on just one.
Where to Find Legitimate Mystery Shopping Jobs
One of the hardest parts when you’re new to mystery shopping is figuring out where to actually find legitimate assignments. There isn’t one website that lists every mystery shop available. Instead, different mystery shopping companies work with different clients, which is why experienced shoppers are usually registered with multiple companies.
The key is to sign up directly with reputable mystery shopping companies and create a shopper profile with each one. Once you’re registered, you’ll typically be able to view available assignments through the company’s job board, app or emails.
Start With My Free Mystery Shopping Quick Guide
If you’re ready to start looking for legitimate mystery shopping opportunities, I’ve put together a FREE Mystery Shopping Company Quick Guide to make it easier. It includes 11 legitimate mystery shopping companies, what each one is known for, who they may be a good fit for, and clickable links that take you directly to their official websites.
It’s completely free — no digging through Google trying to figure out where to start. Download it, save it to your phone or computer, and use it as your starting point.
