Best Mystery Shopper Jobs: My Top Picks From 100+ Assignments

Trying to make the most of mystery shopper jobs picks? You are in the right place. Below we break it down in plain English, with practical tips you can actually use.

Key Takeaways

• Share This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, advisory, or brokerage services.
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• Over the past few years, I’ve completed more than 100 mystery shops, earning cash, dinners, gas, groceries, amusement park tickets and more.

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This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, advisory, or brokerage services. We may earn compensation from some links on this page. Learn more.

Over the past few years, I’ve completed more than 100 mystery shops, earning cash, dinners, gas, groceries, amusement park tickets and more.

In this article, I’ll explain how mystery shopping works and answer common questions, like how much mystery shopping pays, where to find mystery shopping jobs, and whether you actually need to get “certified” to work in the field.

Here’s what’s included in this guide:

• Where to find mystery shopping jobs: A list of the mystery shopping companies I’ve personally worked for, along with a number of other reputable agencies.
• Mystery shopping basics: Everything you need to know about mystery shopping if you’re a beginner, including what mystery shoppers do, who uses mystery shoppers, and how to prepare for an assignment.
• How to avoid mystery shopping scams: Mystery shopping is 100% legit, but there are some scams and time-wasters out there. Here’s how to make sure you’re working with reputable companies that will actually pay you.
• How you get paid: Mystery shopping agencies use a wide range of payment structures. Here’s what you should expect , including how much you can earn , based on my experience.
• Mystery shopping FAQs: Answers to some of the most common questions people have about Mystery Shopping.

Where to Find Mystery Shopping Jobs

There are a few large job boards that pull assignments from numerous different agencies. I have used these boards for years, and they are the best place to start if you are brand new.

Think of them as your first step.

They show you what types of shops exist in your area, which industries are active near you, and which companies are posting work right now.

The main ones are:

• JobSlinger. A free job aggregator that pulls listings from agencies using the SASSIE platform. You can search by zip code and sort by pay, distance, or date posted. This is the one I use most frequently.
• PrestoMap. A map-based search tool that also pulls from SASSIE companies. It shows available shops as pins on a map, which makes it simple to plan routes or find shops near wherever you happen to be. There is also an app.
• iSecretShop. An app-first platform that aggregates listings from dozens of mystery shopping providers. Good for browsing on your phone and claiming shops on the go.

These are not mystery shopping companies. They are search tools that aggregate listings from the agencies that actually pay you.

Browsing these boards gives you a quick snapshot of what is available in your area and which companies are actively recruiting.

You then look for shops on one of these boards. When you find an assignment you are interested in, you click through to the mystery shopping company that owns the job.

Then you sign up with that company directly so you can take the assignment and receive future opportunities from them.

This is also how you start to build your list of agencies. The companies I have worked with are listed below, but the ones you end up working with will depend on what is active in your region. Your job is to start on the big job boards, see who is posting in your area, and then filter down to the agencies that consistently offer shops you are interested in.

Mystery Shopping Agencies I’ve Worked For

There are dozens of mystery shopping agencies out there, though some are better than others.

Here are a few of my favorite companies that I have personally mystery shopped for (in alphabetical order). All are 100% legit, paying companies.

1. Amusement Advantage

This company is my personal favorite. They focus on amusement locations like zoos, theme parks, aquariums, water parks, and bowling alleys.

As a mom with kids, this has been a terrific way to take my family on a fun outing for free (or almost free).

Most shops allow you to bring children if you have another adult with you , a rarity among secret shopping companies. Of course, unless you go solo, you probably won’t make much profit on these shops. The main benefit is being able to have a excellent time on someone else’s dime.

2. Ath Power Consulting

This is one of the best companies when it comes to high-paying jobs. They focus on credit card companies and banks, so you should have good credit that can withstand a hard pull if you plan to go shop for them.

However, they pay handsomely for the trouble, with rates as high as $100 per assignment!

3. Coyle

These shops are the crème de la crème of mystery shopping, with assignments at high-end hotels and restaurants around the world. 

Want to be reimbursed for a three-night stay in the Caribbean? You’ll need substantial experience as a secret shopper to get accepted for these assignments, and competition is fierce.

However, Coyle does also offer phone shops for reservations at restaurants and hotels that you can do from anywhere, so this is a good way to get your foot in the door. 

Note that when submitting your application to Coyle, you’ll be required to provide two writing samples: one that describes the best customer service experience that you’ve ever had, and one that describes the worst.

4. Intellishop

Assignments from Intellishop are plentiful and varied. Payment typically ranges between $5 and $20, and they frequently offer bonuses for shops that are in remote areas or are close to the deadline. This is a good company to sign up for if you want consistent access to a large number of available assignments.

5. SeeLevelHX (now InTouch)

When I worked with them, the company was called SeeLevelHX. They offered a wide range of shops, including restaurant assignments and showroom evaluations for things like power sports and upscale hardware. SeeLevelHX has since been acquired by Intouch Insight, so if you want to work with them today, you will sign up through Intouch’s shopper platform instead of the old SeeLevelHX site.

Other Mystery Shopping Agencies

There are literally dozens of companies that offer mystery shopping opportunities.

Each company has a specific client, customer and geographic focus, so do some research before signing up to make sure the agency offers jobs in your area that you qualify for. 

And remember, there’s no rule that you can only work for one; if you want to stay busy you’ll need to sign up with multiple companies.

Although it is by no means comprehensive, here’s a list of the major players in the mystery shopping world to get you started. 

• Ace Mystery Shopping: A small mystery shopping company with a heavy restaurant focus.
• A Closer Look: A legit, long-standing company. There have been some complaints about low or missed pay since a recent change in executive management.
• ACPVIEW: A mystery shopping firm that offers standard shops, as well as call center evaluation shops and public transit shops.
• BestMark: Has an A+ rating with the BBB.
• Confero: Works with big-name brands like AMC, Capital One, Coca-Cola and Jiffy Lube. A long-standing company with consistent leadership.
• Ipsos (formerly GfK): Offers cell phone, electronics and retail audits.
• Market Force: A major market player, Market Force offers fast food, dine-in, airport, and gas station shops.

  Final Thoughts

  The bottom line: a little research on mystery shopper jobs picks goes a long way. Compare your options, watch for seasonal offers, and never pay full price when a better deal is one click away.

  Originally published at thewaystowealth.com.