Best Mystery Shopping Gigs [2024]: 6 Legit Opportunities for Extra Cash

Mystery shopping is an appealing side hustle, where you can turn your shopping habit into cash in your spare time. It could provide an added income source to pay down debt or bolster an emergency fund. However, scams are prevalent, and it can be difficult to distinguish legitimate opportunities from scams that take your money or waste your time.

To help you find the best mystery shopping jobs, I looked at 15 leading companies based on their eligibility requirements, pay, gig availability, and ratings and then identified the six best picks. Some of my favorites include Intellishop, which offers helpful tools for new shoppers, and Gigwalk, which lets you complete mystery shopping assignments entirely on your phone.

How we evaluate products

I evaluated 15 mystery shopping companies and researched their pay rates, payment methods, shopper eligibility requirements, BBB ratings, and Trustpilot shopper reviews. I didn’t explore all of the mystery shopping opportunities available. I emphasized companies that had clear and transparent information about their payment methods and frequency, as well as the availability of online or mobile shopper applications.

Key takeaways

• To improve the customer experience, some companies use mystery shoppers to try out services or products.
• Mystery shopping companies like BestMark, Gigwalk, and IntelliShop usually reimburse you for the products or services you buy, plus a little extra.
• Based on my research, the best mystery shopping jobs usually pay from $3 to $100.
• While mystery shopping is a useful side hustle, it’s not a reliable source of income.
• Scams are prevalent, so carefully evaluate potential opportunities.

The 6 best mystery shopper jobs

Companies hire mystery shoppers to evaluate their stores or services. You try out their products or services and then report back on your experience. In exchange, the company reimburses you for your expenses and might also pay an added fee.

For example, a restaurant chain may hire you to get your feedback on a new menu item, such as an appetizer. After you order the appetizer and report back what you thought, the company will reimburse you for the appetizer's cost and may also give you $10 extra.

Legitimate mystery shopping gigs are available, but they can be difficult to find. The best options will pay out based on a regular schedule, offer a variety of gigs, and feature easy-to-use online portals or phone apps. Based on my research, these are the six top mystery shopping gigs:

• BestMark
• Gigwalk
• IntelliShop
• Market Force Information
• iSecretShop
• Observati

Comparison of the best mystery shopper jobs

The pay, types of work available, and the gig claims processes can vary significantly by company. Here is how the top mystery shopper jobs measure up:

Company name	Best for	Typical pay
BestMark	Payment options	$20 to $37 per hour (based on 10 Glassdoor reviews)
Gigwalk	Mobile users	$3 to $100 per assignment (per Gigwalk)
IntelliShop	New shoppers	$19 to $35 per hour (based on 4 Glassdoor reviews)
Market Force Information	Foodies	$20 to $36 per hour (based on 5 Glassdoor reviews)
iSecretShop	Multiple locations	Varies by company
Observati	Shopper satisfaction	$30 to $70 per assignment (per Observati)

BestMark

BestMark is a leading mystery shopping company that has operated since 1986. Based in Minneapolis, it has a network of over 600,000 mystery shoppers in the U.S. and Canada.

BestMark's shoppers, whom the company refers to as field representatives, pose as customers to conduct market research. Its eligibility requirements are broad: You have to be 18 or older, have internet access, and be able to submit well-written reports.

If hired, the company provides some preparation to help you get started with visiting client sites. You can receive assignment offers via text, email, or the BestMark website. After completing a gig, you must submit your survey on the website within 24 hours and wait for an evaluation.

According to the company, new shoppers can earn anywhere from $7 to $20 per hour, but the reported hourly pay on Glassdoor ranges from $20 to $37. While many companies pay only via PayPal, BestMark has additional payment options, including direct deposit and gift cards.

The company has an A+ rating and accreditation through the Better Bureau Bureau, but reviews from shoppers tend to be mixed. Multiple shoppers on the TrustPilot and BBB websites complained about long delays in payments and expense reimbursement.

Visit BestMark

Gigwalk

Gigwalk provides mystery shopping services for a broad range of companies, from small startups to Fortune 500 organizations. Some major brands it works with include Frito Lay, Red Bull, Deloitte, and Whirlpool.

It’s one of the most mobile-accessible companies I evaluated, with a popular mobile app rated 4.6 out of 5 stars based on over 5,200 reviews on Apple’s App Store. It’s also available to Android users on Google Play, where it has a rating of 3.2 out of 5 stars and over 6,600 reviews.

Unlike when working for several other mystery shopping companies, you don’t need access to a desktop computer. You can handle every step of the process — from claiming a gig to completing the necessary surveys — from your phone.

Gigwalk has a variety of gigs, including those you can complete within a few minutes and more intensive, higher-paying gigs. After completing the assignment and receiving the customer’s review and approval, you’ll get your payment through PayPal.

Reviews of Gigwalk are dependent on location. Those in smaller towns or cities can have fewer gigs to choose from, so users may report more negative experiences in those areas. If you live in a high-demand area, you might earn lucrative pay, which Gigwalk says is up to $100 per assignment.

Visit Gigwalk

IntelliShop

IntelliShop is an Ohio-based company that has operated since 1999 and advertises that it has more than a million evaluators in its shopper panel. It stands out for its robust shopper tools that help both new and experienced shoppers improve their skills, become more efficient, and earn higher rates. Once hired, you use a job board to find available shops in your preferred area.

This company has an A+ BBB rating. Although mystery shopping companies often have poor reviews, several of IntelliShop's shopper reviews on Glassdoor and the BBB website highlight the company's solid pay, quick payment processing, and gig availability. However, some shoppers did report problems with their submissions.

Some downsides are that IntelliShop processes payments only through PayPal and pays shoppers just once per month. When you're counting on that cash to cover a bill, that payout schedule can be frustrating. IntelliShop also doesn’t advertise rate information, though Glassdoor reports an hourly pay range of $19 to $35.

Visit Intellishop

Market Force Information

According to Market Force Information, its shoppers complete over 100,000 gigs per month, which indicates many regular opportunities. While some competitors only have gigs involving retail or services, this Georgia-based company also has clients looking for feedback about restaurants. If you're a foodie, that means you could try out new restaurants or sample new menus and get reimbursed for your meal (and potentially earn money, too).

Another unique Market Force Information feature is that it allows you to make an offer for certain shops. This allows you to name your pay for those gigs, which the company can accept or deny.

You can complete a short and simple application to become a mystery shopper online. Once you've started work, Market Force Information offers two payment options: direct deposit or PayPal. However, the BBB-accredited company pays shoppers only once per month, and some shoppers have reported issues getting their payments.

While the company doesn’t disclose pay details on its website, Market Force Information shoppers have reported an hourly pay range of $20 to $36 on Glassdoor.

Visit Market Force

iSecretShop

With many mystery shopping companies, you have to enter your zip code, and you'll only receive gigs within a certain radius, such as 20 miles. That can be an annoying issue if you travel often or have a nomadic lifestyle.

With the Washington-based iSecretShop, you can adjust your settings to find gigs near wherever you are at that time. So you can take gigs to earn extra cash even when you're on the road.

In addition to its online platform, this company offers iOS and Android apps so you can more conveniently complete assignments. Plus, it advertises a simple application process.

Since iSecretShop contracts with major companies and has a job board, you might find more opportunities through the app than with other platforms. However, the company’s website provides very little information on the earnings potential and payout schedule, which it says will vary depending on the contracting company.

Some customers on Trustpilot mentioned that they enjoyed taking assignments for iSecretShop and received their payments within the timeline provided. A few others on the BBB and Trustpilot reported issues getting their work approved and paid.

Visit iSecretShop

Observati

In general, legitimate mystery shopping companies don't require membership fees, but Observati (previously SecretShoppr) is an exception. It requires a monthly or annual membership fee — which was shown as $39 per year to me but can range from $0.99 to $199.99 — as well as a possible activation fee.

Despite those costs, Observati is highly rated with hundreds of 4- and 5-star reviews on Trustpilot from shoppers who said they enjoy doing the paid assignments. The company also advertises that it has 30,000 available opportunities nationwide.

Observati specializes in mystery shopping for restaurants. When you visit a participating restaurant, you can qualify for a payout and meal reimbursement. According to its website, shoppers can earn between $30 and $70 per review. Observati also says that premium members can potentially make $7,000 in a year, which may come in gift cards and cash.

Other opportunities, such as retail, aren't available, so if you prefer to browse the aisles and shop, you may want to choose another mystery shopping company. Cash payouts might also take longer than you prefer. They typically are available on the 20th of the following month, while gift cards arrive on the 5th.

Visit Observati

How does mystery shopping work?

Mystery shopping is a common business practice that companies use to evaluate their performance, products, and customer service. Typical clients include retailers, restaurant chains, banks, theaters, amusement parks, gyms, and hotels.

As a mystery shopper, you visit the company’s location and report back on your experience. Depending on the shopping site, you may provide comments on the level of customer service received, the quality of the food consumed, or your impressions of a new shop layout.

To participate, you’ll need to sign up with a reputable mystery shopping platform and meet its requirements. Once the company approves your application, you'll usually get access to a portal or app where you can view and claim potential gigs. Gig pay and time-intensiveness will vary. For example, you might earn $5 for a 15-minute gig or $100 for a multi-hour dining experience.

Once you've visited the mystery shop location, you may need to submit written responses, a copy of your receipt, and photos. Some gigs might also require audio or video submissions. Once you complete the task and the platform approves it, you’ll receive your pay, including reimbursement for eligible expenses, within a certain timeframe.

Mystery shopping gigs are usually easy to get. In general, companies look for adults 18 or older with reliable internet access, a smartphone, and strong writing skills.

Tips for picking a legit mystery shopping job

Unfortunately, mystery shopping is a common scam target. It's an appealing gig, so scammers take advantage to steal money or sensitive information from potential shoppers. To ensure you work only with legitimate mystery shopping companies, follow these steps:

• Search for a company associated with the Mystery Shopping Professionals Association (MSPA): The MSPA is a trade association that maintains a database of legitimate, reputable companies. You can search for mystery shopping companies that operate in your area online. You should also consider reading shopper reviews from sources such as the BBB, Trustpilot, and Glassdoor.
• Avoid companies that charge fees: As a rule, reputable companies won't charge fees or require you to transfer money. In fact, the MSPA said charging fees is against its rules for member companies. You should still keep this in mind if you go with Observati, which I considered an exception due to its many positive reviews.
• Be realistic about pay: Mystery shopping can be a fun side gig, but it's not going to replace your full-time job. According to the MSPCA, the vast majority of shoppers complete fewer than 20 shops per month. Assuming that these gigs pay between $3 and $25 — the typical range provided by companies — this means most shoppers earn $60 to $500 per month (or less). If a company promises significantly higher pay rates, that should be a red flag that it's not a legitimate opportunity.

How to maximize your earnings

To maximize your earnings as a mystery shopper, follow these tips:

• Sign up with multiple companies: Mystery shopping companies often specialize in different areas or niches. For example, some might only deal with restaurants, while others focus on boutiques. By registering with several companies, you increase your odds of finding gigs in your area and making more from this side hustle.
• Be selective: When choosing gigs, try to schedule them carefully. If you can schedule multiple gigs that are in close proximity, you may earn more while minimizing your commuting time. You should also consider the potential work involved with the gig before accepting it.
• Follow the instructions: Carefully read the job instructions and timelines. For example, you may need to submit a report within 3 hours of visiting the store. Follow the instructions and complete every required step to ensure you get paid.
• Improve your writing skills: Mystery shopping gigs rely on shoppers' written reports. Writing clearly and concisely can help you qualify for the best possible gigs.

FAQs

Bottom line

If you're looking for a side gig to earn money from home, signing up with one of the best mystery shopping companies could be a smart idea. You could get paid to shop at local boutiques or dining at the new bistro down the street. However, be aware that scams are common, so double-check if the company is a member of the MSPA and read online shopper reviews to make sure it's a legitimate opportunity.

If mystery shopping isn't for you, consider the other types of side hustles you can do, from delivering groceries to walking dogs.