Have you noticed how gratified you feel after shopping? Shopping is an absolute pleasure for most people. It gives joy, excitement, and a dopamine boost.
The best mystery shopping companies make shopping even more fun today.
Welcome to the world of mystery shopping! You can work at the best mystery shopping companies to help them improve customer experience and earn extra cash.
No experience is required!
Many market research or customer research companies hire mystery shoppers to evaluate customer experience and pay them for their service.
In this article, let's discuss the best mystery shopping companies to work for and make money!
Best Mystery Shopping Companies To Earn Extra Cash:
These are the best mystery shopping companies you need to check out to make extra money in your spare time:
Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links and I will earn a small commission at no cost to you for qualifying sign-ups. Regardless, I only recommend what I believe will immensely help you make money. Hope it helps you.
1) Survey Club
Survey Club is a platform where you can earn cash, gift cards, sweepstakes, and prizes by participating in mystery shopping studies.
It is one of the best mystery shopping companies to earn extra cash.
You can find paid research opportunities on Survey Club and earn cash for participating in:
Mystery Shopping studies
Online Surveys
Private Panels
Focus Groups
Clinical Trials
In-home Usage Tests
Online Bulletin Boards
Taste Tests
Does Survey Club really pay?
Yes, Survey Club is a legitimate company that pays you.
Here is a snapshot showing how much Survey Club pays you on average for participating in their surveys and mystery shopping studies:
Once you reach $25 in earnings, you can request a payout.
If you are from the US, you will receive several studies/surveys in a week. Those from other countries will receive fewer studies to participate in. Hence, this platform is best recommended for those in the US.
Read the Survey Club - FAQs to learn more about their guidelines.
Who can participate in Survey Club?
To join Survey Club, you must be at least 16 years old and from the US, Canada, UK, or Australia.
This company offers you an exciting opportunity to earn cash through mystery shopping studies.
So, sign up on Survey Club and get paid for your participation!
2) Bestmark
Bestmark, being one of the best mystery shopping companies in the U.S. and Canada offers you extra money to try new businesses along with free meals/services. It also gives you referral bonuses.
As a mystery shopper at Bestmark, you will be asked to purchase products or perform specific tasks to provide feedback as a customer.
By becoming a mystery shopper at Bestmark, you can provide your valuable opinion on customer experiences at:
restaurants
retail stores
banks
auto service companies and more
To become a mystery shopper at Bestmark, you must be at least 18 years old and have internet access.
Read the Bestmark - FAQs to learn benefits and apply for mystery shopper jobs.
Is BestMark a legit company?
Yes, BestMark is legit and one of the largest mystery shopping companies with more than 600,000 mystery shoppers. It provides secret shopping services across industries, including Fortune 500 companies.
Nevada-based, it is one of the very few companies that holds a private investigator's license.
How does BestMark pay you?
At BestMark, you can choose to get paid via PayPal, direct deposit, or gift card. For the mystery shopping assignments you complete in a month, you get paid between the 15th and 20th of the following month.
3) Intellishop
Intellishop is also one of the best companies to work for as a mystery shopper.
How does IntelliShop work?
Signing up as a mystery shopper at Intellishop is a simple 4-step process:
Select your preferred language
Enter your email address
Select your country
Read the Independent Contractor form and sign it
Once you sign up, you must take a quick screening test to be able to get mystery shopping tasks.
You can use apps such as Shop Notifier and GPS Verifier to find mystery shopping opportunities in your location.
After completing your task, need to submit a report evaluating your experience as a customer.
How do I get paid from IntelliShop?
Intellishop pays you on the 20th of each month via PayPal. If your mystery shopping task requires purchasing actual products, then you will be reimbursed the amount.
4) Market Force
Market Force is a customer experience management company that provides mystery shopping services in-store and online.
With over 400,000 mystery shoppers, Market Force is also one of the largest mystery shopping companies.
Market Force is also a member of the Mystery Shopping Providers' Association (MSPA). Naturally, it is one of the best companies to look for mystery shopping opportunities.
To become a mystery shopper at Market Force, you just have to create your shopper account by providing your details.
This company also has an app called Eyes:On which you can download to take up mystery shopping projects and submit your report.
5) Service Evaluation Concepts
Having over 600,000 mystery shoppers, Service Evaluation Concepts (SEC) is one of the best marketing companies to look for mystery shopping jobs.
Service Evaluation Concepts calls its mystery shoppers 'Brand Agents'. This company tests and certifies all of its brand agents to provide complete value to its clients.
Therefore, to become a mystery shopper at Service Evaluation, you need to read their certification program and complete a Brand Agent Certification Exam.
How much does Service Evaluation Concepts pay?
You can earn between $10 and $50 per mystery shopping assignment at Service Evaluation.
6) Secret Shopper
Secret Shopper is another best mystery shopping company that hires shoppers worldwide. Be it in-person, telephone, or online mystery shopping, you can choose the type of shopping tasks as per your wish.
The Secret Shopper mobile app is all that you need to find your mystery shopping jobs at this company.
No previous experience is necessary. You just need to be 18 years old and have a computer and smartphone.
How much does Secret Shopper pay?
Secret Shopper pays between $15 and hundreds depending on the assignment.
7) Sinclair Customer Metrics
Sinclair Customer Metrics (SCM) hires mystery shoppers regularly to support businesses in improving customer service.
As a mystery shopper at Sinclair Customer Metrics, you will visit businesses like fast food restaurants, retail shops like book and gift stores, etc. just like a typical customer to evaluate their services including cleanliness and food quality.
Is Sinclair mystery shopping legit?
Having been in the industry for 30 years, Sinclair is one of the best, legit mystery shopping companies to consider working for.
How much does Sinclair pay?
Sinclair pays you between $5 and $30 per mystery shopping assignment.
8) Signature Worldwide
Signature Worldwide is another leading mystery shopping company. It specializes in telephone mystery shopping with more than 100 agents.
Making more than 35,000 mystery calls a month, this company has been helping businesses thrive by recording and evaluating customer calls. No wonder, it is one of the best mystery shopping companies.
9) A Closer Look
A Closer Look is a customer experience research company that is also one of the best mystery shopping companies today.
From online shopping to movie theatres and resorts, it provides mystery shopping services for a wide range of industries.
If you are someone curious about exploring different kinds of industries, sign up as a mystery shopper at A-Closer-Look and start having fun while making money!
10) Second To None
Second To None is another mystery shopping company that specializes in different industries such as restaurants, healthcare, financial services, and retail in the U.S. and Canada.
When you become a mystery shopper at Second-To-None, you not only get paid for your work but also get reimbursement where applicable.
Is Second To None mystery shopping legit?
Second To None has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, making it one of the best and most legit mystery shopping companies today.
11) Elite CXS
Elite CXS is another leading mystery shopping company that pays you to evaluate businesses.
This company offers both on-site and online mystery shopping jobs, as seen in the above snapshot.
As a mystery shopper, you get paid for giving simple reports on the quality of the facility as well as their services. You simply have to take photos and provide your feedback to make money!
How much does Elite CXS pay?
Elite CXS pays you around $22 per hour for mystery shoppers. Payments are made bi-weekly via PayPal.
Is Elite CXS legitimate?
Elite CXS is a member of the Mystery Shopping Providers' Association (MSPA). And this company serves big names such as Swarovski, T-Mobile, Porche, Starbucks, etc.
No doubt, it is one of the best mystery shopping companies.
12) BARE International
BARE International is a mystery shopping company with more than 250,000 evaluations completed so far. It provides the best mystery shopping services in over 165 countries.
You can become a secret shopper at BARE International if you are at least 21 years old.
13) iShopForIpsos
iShopForIpsos, a popular mystery shopping agency is present in 80+ countries across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its services are also available in Australia and New Zealand.
If you are above 18 years of age and have internet access, you can apply as a mystery shopper at iShopForIpsos and earn extra cash.
Don't Miss:
FAQ on Mystery Shopping Companies:
#1. Who is a Mystery Shopper?
As a mystery shopper, you anonymously visit stores, restaurants, or other establishments to assess various aspects of the customer experience. Mystery shoppers are also called secret shoppers.
You act as a regular customer, interacting with employees and making purchases. Then you provide valuable feedback on factors such as service quality, product knowledge, cleanliness, and overall ambiance.
In this process, you help businesses gain invaluable insights into their operations to make informed decisions to improve their customer service practices.
Mystery shoppers are independent contractors and they work at their convenience.
#2. Is mystery shopping legal?
Absolutely. When you sign up as a mystery shopper, you work as an independent contractor. It is a legit side hustle where you need to pay taxes for your earnings.
When you make over $600 in a calendar year as a mystery shopper, your contracting company will issue you a Form 1099 to comply with IRS regulations.
#3. Do mystery shoppers get paid?
Yes. Most mystery shopping companies pay via PayPal whereas some may pay you through direct deposit. This depends on the company's location and its payment policies.
#4. Is it safe to be a mystery shopper?
Mystery shopping is a safe job where your data and identity remain protected. Moreover, you have the freedom to accept or decline any project.
So, you are in complete control.
#5. Can I be a mystery shopper online?
Yes, many companies offer virtual secret shopping services. You can do mystery shopping online or even over the telephone and make money for your time and effort.
Some examples of online mystery shopping jobs are:
Video mystery shopping
Audio mystery shopping
Email mystery shopping
Website mystery shopping
#6. What is the disadvantage of a mystery shopper?
While secret shopping is an interesting and exciting job, it also has its disadvantages.
Firstly, companies might take around a month to process your payment. So you may not get paid instantly.
Secondly, this is not a get-rich-quick scheme. This job is a fun side hustle to earn extra money in your spare time. It can not substitute your main income.
#7. What are the other names of mystery shopping?
Mystery shopping is also called by other names such as:
Secret Shopping
Silent Shopping
Shadow Shopping
Undercover Shopping
Anonymous Evaluation
Final Thoughts - Best Mystery Shopping Companies:
The best mystery shopping companies provide you with the opportunity to explore a wide range of products and make money.
They give you a much-needed break from your daily routines, foster social connections, and also offer instant gratification.
So if you find joy in the experience of shopping, why not join the best mystery shopping companies and embark on a shopping adventure?
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