Are you looking for the best mystery shopping companies offering secret shopper jobs? Yes? Here are some of the best companies offering mystery shopping jobs.
Precisely, there are plenty of ways to make extra money. All you have to do is choose the best ways that are convenient for you. Mystery shopping jobs are one of them.
Most of the side hustles require you to have specific skills or expensive equipment. Mystery shopping jobs are one of the easiest ways to make extra money. If you like to shop, mystery shopping jobs are perfect for you.
Many of us don’t know anything about mystery shopping jobs. You may ask whether it’s legal or not. For that reason, I’m here to answer all of your questions.
In this article, I’ll tell you everything about mystery shopping jobs along with mystery shopping companies. Stick with this article till the end.
What Is a Mystery Shopper?
A mystery shopper is a person hired by a retailer or marketing research company to shop at stores and report back on the overall customer experience to the company.
As a mystery shopper, you have to pose like a regular customer at stores. Mystery shopping companies may give you tasks to complete, such as asking about specific products. After the tasks, mystery shoppers give their feedback to the company.
A mystery shopper may be asked to report on:
- How clean the store was
- How they treat their customers in-person or on the phone
- How stores sell products
- The quality of stores products
For providing this information, mystery shopping companies pay money to mystery shoppers. In some cases, you may have to buy products. In that case, mystery shopping companies may pay for your expenses.
As a mystery shopper, you may have to make a shopping trip to retail stores, food markets, or phone shops. Sometimes you may get a chance to visit local restaurants and theme parks. Wherever you go as a mystery shopper, you have to report on the overall customer experience.
How To Become a Mystery Shopper?
To become a mystery shopper, you don’t need to have a higher degree. All you have to do is sign up with the mystery shopping companies as many as you like.
After becoming a mystery shopper for a company, you’ll be able to perform tasks posed by the company. All you need to do is choose the best tasks or assignments that are convenient for you. Mystery shopping companies will give you all the instructions regarding the tasks. When you complete your mystery shopping trip, you have to submit your report to the company’s website.
Most of the mystery shopping companies pay via direct deposit or check at the end of the month.
How Much Do Mystery Shoppers Make?
A mystery shopper’s earnings depend on various factors, such as level of experience, the company hiring, and working full-time or part-time.
According to ZipRecruiter, mystery shoppers make an average of $41,611 per year. On the other hand, Indeed reports that the average pay is $18 per hour.
One anonymous secret shopper worked for 75 companies and made $14,000 a year by performing mystery shopping on weekends. You can work as a part-time mystery shopper to make extra money.
The Best Mystery Shopping Companies To Work For
It’s time to know about the best mystery shopping companies. To find mystery shopping jobs, consider using these mystery shopping companies.
1. BestMark
When it comes to finding mystery shopping jobs, BestMark is one of the best companies. It has been around since 1986. It’s one of the nation’s first and largest mystery shopping and customer experience measurement companies.
They call their mystery shoppers a field representative who performs market research services for BestMark’s clients. A field representative is a self-employed evaluator who gets opportunities to perform projects for third-party clients.
BestMark offers over 10,000 mystery shop assignments each month for restaurants, resorts, and hotels. Your earning will differ based on the assignment that you choose.
Here are a few benefits to becoming a field representative:
- Make extra money, free meals, and services.
- Try out new businesses and services.
- Get bonuses to referring friends and family members to BestMark.
- Help companies to improve their services.
Here are a few requirements to become a field representative:
- You have to be 18 years or older.
- You have to be detail-oriented, dedicated to honoring commitments, and able to follow detailed client requirements.
- You need to have good written communication skills.
- You need to have an internet connection.
If you comply with these requirements, you can submit an online application form. After signing up, you’ll be able to see in-person or phone/web mystery shopping jobs available. BestMark not only provides mystery shopping jobs but also provides intercept interviewers, compliance auditors, and panelists jobs.
2. Ath Power Consulting
Ath Power Consulting is another mystery shopping company to work as a mystery shopper. It’s a member of the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA). Ath Power Consulting offers more than 10,000 mystery shopping jobs a month and over 500,000 mystery shoppers working under this company.
Ath Power Consulting only focuses on the financial and banking industry. As a mystery shopper, you’ll likely go into a bank and describe your experience to the company. If you have security clearance, you may go to the airport.
If you want to become a mystery shopper for Ath Power Consulting, fill out an online application. Ath Power Consulting pays its shoppers twice a month.
3. Sinclair Customer Metrics
Sinclair is a member of the MSPA that has been in business since 1987. Until now, it has helped thousands of businesses improve their customer experience. Sinclair offers a wide variety of mystery shopping jobs, such as video, phone, and in-person.
As a mystery shopper, you have to visit restaurants, retailers, banks, auto dealerships, and other businesses as a typical customer. After that, you have to submit your overall experiences, including customer service, food quality, location cleanliness, and other areas of the business.
To get started, you have to fill out an online application. You’ll be working with Sinclair as an independent contractor. As soon as you become an independent contractor, you’ll be able to accept/decline assignments as they become available in your area. You’ll get your payment via check once a month.
4. Intellishop
IntelliShop is one of the nation’s largest panels of contractors dedicated to helping businesses to improve customer experience. This company received a 2019 Shoppers’ Choice Awards from the MSPA. That means it’s one of the best mystery shopping companies to work as a mystery shopper.
To become a mystery shopper for IntelliShop, you have to be detail-oriented and insightful individuals. IntelliShop serves over 50 industries and provides coverage in more than 18,000 cities in the USA and Canada.
To get started, you have to sign-up first. After that, you have to enter your email address to make sure you haven’t already signed up. Next, you have to pick your country. In the next step, you have to sign agreements and fill out an online form.
In the form fields, you have to provide:
- Basic Account Information – Name, Address, and Contact Information
- Payment Information
- Demographic Information
- Area Codes
- Tax Information
- Privacy Information
You have to fill out this information to begin conducting evaluations for IntelliShop.
5. Market Force
Market Force is another mystery shopping company under MSPA. It works with clients in various industries, such as banks, restaurants, stores, health, alcohol, tobacco, and many more. As a mystery shopper, you have to provide feedback on cleanliness, product selection, and customer experience.
Market Force’s mobile app Eyes:On™ allows Market Force mystery shoppers to complete shops on the go. To get started, you have to create a shopper Market Force account. Also, you have to answer questions about your criminal background as well.
6. Secret Shopper
Secret Shopper has been in business since 1990. It helps clients to improve their businesses. It’s a charter member of the Mystery Shopping Provider’s Association (MSPA).
There is no charge to be a secret shopper. They have secret shopping, merchandising, and on-site evaluation opportunities throughout the globe. As a secret shopper, you can set your hours. You can expect to earn anywhere between $15 to $25 per job on average. In some cases, you’ll get free meals or reimbursement for the item you have to purchase.
Therefore, become a part of this platform and work as a mystery shopper.
7. Pinnacle
Pinnacle has been doing business for over 20 years. Its Peak Performance Measurement programs assist financial institutions to improve their service and sales quality. They are a proud member of the MSPA and are A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau.
As a mystery shopper, you have to evaluate customer service, sales efforts, facility cleanliness, and other elements of the consumer’s experience. You’ll receive instructions before a shop that outline the specific details to look for while conducting an evaluation. You can set your hours and apply for the only assignments you want.
8. BARE
BARE is another mystery shopping company to work as a mystery shopper. BARE has got a Shopper’s Choice Award from the MSPA IN 2019. Mystery shoppers voted for this company. That means it’s one of the best mystery shopping companies.
BARE hires mystery shoppers to do:
- In-Person
- Phone
- Website Chat/Inquiry
- Voice of Customer Video
BARE will allow you to list five area codes in which you want to mystery shop. It’ll help you to find several mystery jobs and maximize your earnings. Therefore, become a part of this platform and start working as a mystery shopper.
9. A Closer Look
A Closer Look is another mystery shopping company that works under the MSPA. This company has won several awards from the MSPA. A Closer Look conducts market research for companies that want to measure the quality of sales and service, job performance, and operational compliance. For that reason, they hire independent mystery shoppers to help their clients collect organic and unbiased data about their business.
It specializes in several industries, such as specialty retail, restaurants, senior living communities, hotels, and entertainment. As a mystery shopper, you can set your schedule and get free meals, hotel stays, and entertainment.
To get started, you have to sign up first. It’ll take less than 10 minutes. Once submitted, they’ll reach out to you with the next steps.
10. Ipsos
If you’re looking for international mystery shopping jobs, Ipsos is the best platform. There are several mystery shopping jobs available, such as in-person, by phone, through email, or using chat. Mystery shoppers perform mystery shopping jobs in several locations, such as gas stations, restaurants, banks, and many more.
Ipsos is available in 30 countries, including the United States, India, Canada, Chile, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and many more. To get started, you have to sign up for this platform. After that, provide some personal information.
11. Quest for Best
Quest for Best provides mystery shopping jobs in over 40 states in the United States. You can see its mystery shopper map.
You don’t need to pay any money to apply. You need to have an automobile, stopwatch, and other equipment if required. If your area doesn’t need mystery shoppers, your profile will be stored until one is needed.
12. ACPVIEW
ACPVIEW stands for the customer’s point of view. Mystery shoppers working on this platform get paid real money, plus free meals and merchandise. This company does mystery shops for retail, grocery stores, restaurants, airports, retail banking, public transportation, and government agencies.
Here’s how to start mystery shopping:
- Click on the sign-up button
- Fill out your detail to register
- Check your email
- Sign-in and browse their job board for assignments
This company is serious about mystery shopping. For that reason, they’re hiring worthful candidates for mystery shopping. You’ll become a good mystery shopper if you:
- Have good writing and verbal skills
- Love interacting with people
- Can record experiences accurately
- Are obsessively observant
- Have a computer, tablet or smartphone
- Have reliable internet access
- Can follow instructions and meet deadlines
The payment depends on several factors, such as the client, how long it takes you to conduct and report the shop, and the complexity of the job. You will get paid either via PayPal or Direct Deposit.
13. Confero
Confero is another mystery shopping company to work as a mystery shopper. It has been in business for 35 years. It offers mystery shopping jobs in several industries, such as:
- Restaurant and Hospitality
- Retail and Grocery
- Medical and Legal
- Banking and Financial
- Travel and Entertainment
- Automotive Sales and Service
- Education and Campus Services
- Goverment and Regulatory
First of all, you have to register. After that, you have to visit the job board to find mystery shopping opportunities in your area. From there, choose a mystery shopping job and review the client’s specs and guidelines for conducting the shop. After completing the mystery shopping job, submit your report.
14. Shoppers’ View
Shoppers’ View can be a good mystery shopping company to work as a mystery shopper. It’s a founding member of the MSPA. As a mystery shopper, you’ll get paid to visit local businesses and evaluate their customer service, product quality, and the physical appearance of the stores.
Here are a few benefits to becoming a mystery shopper for Shoppers’ View:
- You can create your flexible schedule with the opportunity to accept or reject any assignment.
- You’ll be reimbursed for meals at restaurants, sports games, and other fun events.
- You can work from home with telephone mystery shopping.
Apart from mystery shopping, you can refer your friends to Shoppers’ View. This company will give you $5 for each new shopper you refer.
15. Mercantile Systems
Mercantile Systems offers mystery shopping jobs in several industries, such as restaurants, hotels, storage facilities, golf courses, retail, healthcare, and many more. It’s also a member of the MSPA.
To get started, you have to register and complete a profile. After completing your profile, you’ll see available mystery shopping opportunities in your area. You can apply for mystery shopping jobs from the job board. If you’re selected, they’ll send you instructions to complete the mystery shopping job.
You’ll get 24 hours to complete the assignment. Their editing team will review your assignment and might contact you for clarification or additional information. You’ll get your payment via check within 45 days of assignment completion.
Mystery Shopping Jobs by Phone
If you don’t like in-person mystery shopping jobs, here are a few mystery shopping companies offering mystery shopping jobs by phone.
16. Call Center QA
If you want to help organizations improve the quality and helpfulness of their call centers, Call Center QA is the best platform. They’re hiring telephone mystery shoppers throughout the United States.
Here are a few requirements to become a mystery shopper:
- You need to have great listening and writing skills.
- You need to have a strong attention to detail.
- You must need to be at least 18 years old.
- You have to be a current resident of the United States.
The best thing about this platform is you can choose your hours and work from home. This company will pay you $5 to complete a telephone mystery shop along with a brief online feedback form. It’ll take around 10 minutes to complete a call, and a feedback form takes only a few minutes. You’ll get your payment within seven business days.
17. Signature World
Signature World is another company that provides telephone mystery shopping services to companies in a wide range of industries, such as:
- Restaurants
- Hotels and Spas
- Medical Offices
- Apartment Leasing
- Diet Centers
- Goverment Agencies
To apply for a position, you can submit your resume or application to [email protected]. You can apply online through the ADP recruitment page.
18. ARC Consulting
Here is another company that provides telephone mystery shopping opportunities. Currently, ARC employs independent contractors who telecommute from all over the world.
Here are a few requirements to become a telephone mystery shopper:
- You need to have an excellent telephone presence
- You need to have strong listening and writing skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Objectivity
You can work whenever you want. You’ll get your payment via PayPal.
Currently, language auditors and shoppers are encouraged to apply for the following languages:
- Spanish
- Italian
- Dutch
- German
- French
- Russian
- Polish
- Czech
- Slovak
- Mandarin
- Cantonese
- Japanese
- Hindi
- Thai
They also welcome native speakers. However, they need to be fluent in both English and the language.
19. Observa
Observa is a mystery shopping app that is available on both Android and iPhone. You’ll work here as an observer.
To get started, you have to download the app and create an account. After logging in, check opportunities available near you. You can select the one you’d like to complete. Once you start the observation, you’ll have 2 hours to complete it. After submitting your observation, their system will review your findings.
Once your observation is validated, you’ll get your payment via PayPal within 72 hours. You can earn between $4 to $20 per gig.
20. Field Agent
Field Agent is another mystery shopping app that provides mystery shopping assignments. Field Agent’s app is available on both Android and iPhone. It has a 4.8 rating on the App Store and a 4.0 rating on the Google Play Store. Field Agent describes in its app description jobs pay between $3 to $20.
How To Avoid Mystery Shopping Scams
So far, I’ve listed legit mystery shopping companies that provide mystery shopping opportunities. However, not all mystery shopping companies are legit. You need to watch out for scams.
- Never pay money to join a mystery shopping company: A legit mystery shopping company never asks for money to join. If any mystery shopping company asks for money, surely it’s a scam.
- Check whether the mystery shopping member of the MSPA: Before choosing a mystery shopping company, check to see whether it’s a member of the MSPA. You can find its member companies here.
- Check out online reviews: Nowadays, there are lots of platforms available that provide online reviews for companies. You can read online reviews about mystery shopping companies. You can check out TrustPilot or the Better Business Bureau.
- Never wire money: If a mystery shopping company asks you to deposit a check into your account, withdraw the amount of cash, and wire it to a third party, don’t do it. The highest percentage of possibility is the check is fake.
Before choosing a mystery shopping company, make sure to watch out for the above things. By watching out for the above things, you can stay away from mystery shopping scams.
WrapUp
As you can see, there are lots of mystery shopping companies available that provide mystery shopping opportunities. All you have to do is choose the best company that is convenient for you.
Mystery shopping is one of the best side hustle ideas to make extra money. As a mystery shopper, you can get free meals and reimburse for buying products.
Like any other side hustle app, you can sign up for multiple mystery shopping companies. It’ll help to find lots of mystery shopping jobs and maximize your earnings.
At the starting point, start with little mystery shopping jobs. Meantime you’ll gather experience in this industry that will help you in the future.
Hopefully, this article helped you to know about the best mystery shopping companies. If you found it helpful, share it with your friends.
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