Unveil the Mystery: Embarking on a Paid Adventure as a Secret Shopper

EASY SIDE GIGS
Become a Paid Mystery Shopper – A Simple Guide
By
Lorraine Smithills
Update
April 21, 2022
Earning a bit extra on the side can make a big difference. One fun and simple option? Become a mystery shopper. The process may sound complicated due to some popular misconceptions, but don’t worry, we’re going to break it down for you.

What’s a Mystery Shopper?
Big companies often need a hand checking if their staff is meeting customer needs. That’s where mystery shoppers come in. They quietly visit stores to see how customers are treated, ensure displays are correct, and that staff are providing good service. Specific tasks and expectations are outlined in assignments.

Payment for Mystery Shoppers
Three payment methods are common for mystery shoppers:
1. Reimbursement: You’re refunded for specific purchases.
2. Cash payment: You’re paid for the task, usually doesn’t involve purchases.
3. Cash & Reimbursement: You’re paid for the task and get a product or service for free.

Payments vary by company and task. Most tasks pay a small fee and offer purchase reimbursements. Although becoming a millionaire isn’t likely, it may cover a meal or two and provide some extra cash. According to ZipRecruiter and Indeed, average hourly payments hover around $19.

How to Become a Mystery Shopper?
First, think about what kinds of tasks you’d like to take on. It could be checking out restaurants, car dealerships, or retail shops. Once you’ve got that sorted, sign up with a company offering those jobs.

Don’t forget to read through the assignments before you start. If you have to make a purchase, keep the receipt. It’s needed when you fill out the post-assignment report. Always finish your jobs or else you risk losing out on future gigs.

Trustworthy Mystery Shopper Companies
There are a lot of scams around, so always stick to legit companies. Here are a few you can trust:

1. BestMark: They’ve got over 600,000 mystery shoppers who make an average of $13 per hour.
2. Secret Shopper: Operating for 25 plus years, you can earn up to $25 per job.
3. Market Force: They mainly offer food-related assignments.
4. Intellishop: Offers a variety of brands to work with.
5. Sinclair Customer Metrics: Mainly focused on restaurants, retail, grocery stores, and banking.

Be sure to complete the online applications and fulfill job requirements to get started.

Avoid Mystery Shopper Scams
Watch out for companies promising high earnings or that require payment for registration, listings, or training. Legit companies don’t operate this way.

Final Thoughts on Becoming a Mystery Shopper
Mystery shopping can earn you some extra cash and get you some freebies. While it won’t make you rich, it is flexible and can be done in your downtime. This guide should help you avoid scams and find legitimate opportunities for this fun side gig.