36 Best Mystery Shopping Companies to Work for in 2024

The goal is to gather data that helps companies improve their customer service, store displays, and other factors affecting their bottom line.

These companies can range from restaurants and hotels to department stores and movie theaters.

As an “agent,” you are assigned shopping jobs that come with all the details you need to know.

For example, you might be assigned to stay at a hotel and evaluate their room service, or dine at a restaurant and report on the quality of their food and service.

Some assignments may require you to ask specific questions, purchase certain products, or interact with customer service, while others may involve observing staff interactions with other customers.

Whatever the assignment, the ultimate goal is to report back on your experience so the company can use that information to improve customer service, store appearance, product pricing and placement, and more.

How Much Money Can You Make as a Mystery Shopper?

The amount of money you earn depends on several factors, including the company you’re working with, the assignment itself, and how long it takes.

Typically, all expenses are covered by the research firm conducting the study. In some cases, you might need to pay the bill upfront, but you’ll be reimbursed afterward.

Sometimes, your reward comes in the form of free items. For example, if your assignment involves shopping at a clothing store and spending $100, you get to keep the items you purchased without paying for them.

Or, if you’re assigned to stay at a hotel for two nights, the company covers the hotel, meals, and all travel expenses.

However, in most cases, you receive a monetary reward. You can earn anywhere from $20 to $200 or more for your work.

Highest-Paying Mystery Shopping Companies to Work For

Ok, now on to the list of my favorite companies that offer mystery shopping jobs.

These are all legitimate and trusted market research companies that provide shopping assignments across various industries, including hotels, hospitality, restaurants, clothing, entertainment, automobiles, and more.

1. BestMark

BestMark is one of the largest and oldest mystery shopping companies around. As a mystery shopper for BestMark, you will perform market research services for the company’s clients while working as an independent contractor.

With BestMark, you can earn extra money, receive free meals or services, help companies improve their customer service, try new businesses and services, and even get bonuses for referring friends and family.

If you’re 18 or older, have good written communication skills, and have full internet access, you can complete and submit the company’s free online application form.

BestMark offers three types of assignments: mystery shopping, intercept interviews, and compliance audits.

According to the company’s website, the pay rate for secret shops generally falls between $7 to $20 for those who are just starting out. Experienced mystery shoppers can earn higher pay rates and may be offered special assignments and projects based on their performance.

2. Market Force

Market Force pays you to shop and dine out. The company works with clients in various industries, including:

• Restaurants
• Gas stations/convenience stores
• Hotels
• Grocery stores
• Financial services

The average hourly pay for a Market Force mystery shopper is $23, according to Glassdoor.

3. Sinclair Customer Metrics

As a mystery shopper at Sinclair Customer Metrics, you visit:

• Restaurants
• Retailers
• Banks
• Auto dealerships
• And other businesses

You visit these locations as a typical customer to assess customer service, food quality, cleanliness, and other aspects of the business. You earn money for the reports you submit about your experiences.

You work with Sinclair Customer Metrics as an independent contractor, allowing you to accept or decline assignments based on availability in your area. To start the application process, complete the form on the website linked above.

With over 30 years of experience in measuring customer service at client locations worldwide, Sinclair Customer Metrics holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which is a positive indicator.

Average pay is $10 per hour but can range from $9 to $14 per hour, according to Indeed.

4. IntelliShop

IntelliShop is one of the nation’s largest panels of contractors dedicated to improving business experiences. IntelliShop hires mystery shoppers for a wide range of top brands.

Click on the “Sign up to become a mystery shopper” link on the page linked above. A new site will open in a new tab. Follow the directions on this page to sign up as a mystery shopper with IntelliShop.

Once you’re approved as a mystery shopper, you can learn about opportunities via email, through the mobile app, or by checking the job board.

According to Indeed, mystery shoppers at IntelliShop earn $9.81 per hour.

5. Service Evaluation Concepts (SEC)

You can work for SEC as a mystery shopper, or Brand Agent (BA) as the company calls them. SEC provides elite mystery shopping services to a variety of brands, including Kroger, Macy’s, LEGO, Aveda, and Cartier. SEC categorizes its shoppers into two levels of certification: Brand Agent and Certified Brand Agent (CBA).

A Brand Agent is a certified mystery shopper who has been tested and certified to ensure a thorough understanding of SEC policies, procedures, and market research methodologies.

A Certified Brand Agent is a BA who has been tested and certified to ensure a comprehensive understanding of a specific client engagement.

Due to their advanced training, CBAs receive privileged status for assignments and higher earning potential.

While uncertified mystery shoppers can complete assignments, they cannot select them and may only work if an SEC project liaison specifically selects them.

According to the company, pay ranges from $10 to $50 or more per assignment or evaluation.

6. Secret Shopper

Secret Shopper offers mystery shopping, merchandising, and on-site evaluation opportunities worldwide, including in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania.

Secret Shopper has been around since 1990, making it a well-established player in the field. It is a charter member of the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA), the professional trade association for the mystery shopping industry, so it’s a legitimate mystery shopping company.

Pay for assignments ranges from $15 to $25 per hour. However, for some shops, such as those at a restaurant, the payment may cover the cost of a meal or two.

The payment details for each assignment are provided before you agree to undertake the shop. Like all legitimate mystery shopping companies, joining Secret Shopper is free, and there is no charge to apply to become a Secret Shopper.

Although it may not be the highest-paying company, the opportunity to receive a free meal can make it worthwhile if you’re looking to gain experience in the mystery shopping field or want to try a local restaurant without paying for the food!

7. Signature Worldwide

Another mystery shopping company worth considering is Signature Worldwide. You can submit an application or resume to the company. Find the application form on the page linked above, or send your application to humanresources@signatureworldwide.com.

Signature Worldwide offers telephone mystery shopping services to companies across various industries, including hotels and resorts, apartment leasing, government agencies, and restaurants. While the site does not currently list pay rates, a previous opening indicated a pay rate of $10 per hour.

8. Elite CXS

Next on the list is Elite CXS, where you can find mystery shopping work as well. As a mystery shopper with the company, you will be an independent contractor.

Your tasks will include visiting local businesses to evaluate the cleanliness of the facility, the speed of service, and the quality of food, beverages, merchandise, or service. Additionally, you will need to take photographs of the facility, your meal, or the landscaping of a particular location.

According to the site, the average mystery shopper earns $22.67 per hour. The company also notes that some jobs take less than an hour, and there are often opportunities to earn a quick $22 in just 20 minutes.

Conveniently, the company allows you to choose the types of jobs you take. For example, if you prefer not to go out, you can opt for takeout, enjoy it in front of your TV, and still get paid. Payments are sent via PayPal.

9. Amusement Advantage

Amusement Advantage, established in 1997, has been around for a while. The company collaborates with hundreds of clients and thousands of locations across the US and Canada.

What sets Amusement Advantage apart is its exclusive focus on the amusement industry. This includes:

• Theme parks
• Amusement parks
• Water parks
• Family entertainment centers
• Bowling centers
• Skating centers
• Zoos
• Aquariums
• Museums
• Science centers
• And many other attractions and entertainment venues

Payments are sent via PayPal. Additionally, there is a referral program where you can earn a $20 referral payment each time you refer a new shopper who completes a shop for the company.

The company states that, in many cases, it does not provide a large payment or any payment beyond the set reimbursement/payment amount for expenses.

The company states that it generally reimburses all expenses required to evaluate the facility for 1 to 2 people. Additionally, there may be extra funds included in the total payment beyond the standard reimbursement. Regardless, the full pay and reimbursement details are always listed in the job posting.

So, this is a good option if you want a free trip to an amusement park or another entertainment venue, but it may not be ideal for making significant money.

10. AboutFace

AboutFace is another mystery shopping company where shoppers work as independent contractors on an assignment-by-assignment basis.

As an independent contractor, you have complete control over the shops you participate in, allowing you to accept or decline assignments as you wish. To get started, simply create a free shopper profile account.

AboutFace is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating, making it a legitimate mystery shopping company. It is also a member of the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA).

The company offers assignments in all 50 states and Canada and occasionally in other parts of the world, including South America, Australia, and Mexico.

According to the company, it currently pays 15% more than the industry standard. As an independent contractor, you control your own schedule, including when you work and how much you earn. Beyond mystery shopping, you can also join the network as a field researcher, survey panelist, focus group participant, or product demonstrator.

The company does not specify a particular pay rate on its website. Instead, it states that each client is different. As quoted on their site, “Your payment amount is dependent on the complexity of both the shop and the evaluation. For example, a simple purchase shop would pay less than a purchase and return shop.”

Payment details and any reimbursement amounts for required purchases can always be found in the stated client objectives for your specific project.

11. Mystery Shopping Service

Mystery Shopping Service has been established for over 20 years, making it a well-established company. It serves various industries, including senior living, healthcare, retail, hospitality, and real estate.

The company is currently accepting online applications from qualified individuals to become mystery shoppers. Once registered, you are eligible to be assigned mystery shopping tasks. You can select assignments that fit your schedule. There is no obligation to accept assignments, but once accepted, the shop must be completed.

Signing up as a mystery shopper with Mystery Shopping Service is free, as is the case with all legitimate mystery shopping companies.

The company offers a variety of shopping opportunities and assigns shops on a monthly basis. Payments are sent out at the end of each month via PayPal or check.

12. A Closer Look

A Closer Look conducts market research for companies aiming to measure the quality of sales and service, job performance, and operational compliance.

As an independent contractor, you will help the company collect data about various businesses, including hotels, retail establishments, and senior living communities.

13. Confero

Next on the list is Confero, another mystery shopping company worth considering. To apply for and be assigned to shops, you need to complete your Confero Shopper Profile fully. Your profile will include important information such as your PayPal details, age, and address.

You work with the company as an independent contractor, which means you can choose to work as much or as little as you like. Payments are made through PayPal, which is always convenient.

Pay varies depending on the complexity of the job.

14. GBW (GAPbusterWorldwide)

GBW claims to be the world’s largest mystery shopping company, focusing on enhancing customer service in over 50 countries.

If you live outside the United States and are seeking mystery shopping opportunities, GBW might be the right fit for you.

You can join their team of more than 200,000 mystery shoppers. They are looking for observant, reliable individuals who are online and interested in earning extra money. Payments are made directly to your bank account.

15. Perception Strategies

Perception Strategies specializes in healthcare mystery shopping. You can apply online, and the company will contact you if your profile matches their current needs.

The company has openings across various states in the U.S.

16. Pinnacle Financial Strategies

Pinnacle Financial Strategies has been in business for over 20 years and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), where it holds an A+ rating. This is a strong indicator of the company’s legitimacy.

Pinnacle Financial Strategies is also a member of the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA). As with any legitimate mystery shopping company, Pinnacle Financial Strategies does not charge any fees to become a mystery shopper.

You can browse the company’s job board to find and apply for assignments that interest you. The job board allows you to search for local assignments, read details, and apply for the ones you prefer.

Payment varies depending on the assignment type. For example, in-person shops generally pay more than telephone or web shops. Pay typically ranges from $4 to $75 per shop. The company processes payments once a month on the 10^th via PayPal. Shops completed and submitted by the 20^th of a month will be paid on the 10^th of the following month.

17. Second to None

Second to None partners with leading brands across the US and Canada. With over 30 years of experience, it is well-established in the field and is considered one of North America’s leading customer experience firms.

Second to None is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), holding an A+ rating, indicating its legitimacy. To get started, create a free shopper profile account to join the company’s national independent contractor network.

Currently, the company is seeking AARP members across the United States. Payments are made via PayPal or direct deposit.

18. A Customer’s Point of View (ACPVIEW)

With A Customer’s Point of View, you can earn money by completing mystery shops and sometimes receive free merchandise and meals. Register with the company, then sign in to browse the job board for available assignments.

The company caters to various industries, including grocery stores, retail outlets, and banking. Payments are made via PayPal.

19. BARE International

BARE International offers opportunities for mystery shoppers who want control over their working hours. On average, you can earn $20 per hour.

As an independent contractor, you’ll gather data to help BARE International’s clients by evaluating their businesses through in-person visits, phone calls, and web-based inquiries.

20. Quest for Best

Quest for Best provides mystery shopping opportunities in over 40 states in the US, with a focus on the Midwest and Southwest regions. Opportunities include visits to restaurants, bowling alleys, and movie theaters.

Complete an online shopper profile, and if a job becomes available in your area, you’ll receive the details. If no immediate needs exist, your profile will be stored for future reference.

21. iShop for IPSOS

iShop for IPSOS offers a range of mystery shopping jobs that assess customer experience, compliance, and safety standards for leading brands.

You can register to start submitting surveys via the iShop for IPSOS app or complete assignments from home through over-the-phone and online secret shops.

22. iSecretShop

iSecretShop is a mystery shopping app that connects you with numerous secret shopping assignments from various agencies. It provides a convenient way to view and apply for available jobs near you.

You get paid with cash, meal and purchase reimbursements, and gift cards.

You can sign up on the website linked in the section heading, but there are no direct app links on the site. Here are the links to the iSecretShop app:

• iOS
• Android

You don’t need a smartphone to work with iSecretShop. Although using a smartphone can provide advantages like completing assignments from the field without having to do homework later, it’s not a necessity. You can use the iSecretShop system via a smartphone app, mobile web, or a computer—whichever is easiest and most convenient for you.

In addition to mystery shops, you can register as an independent contractor and gain access to Competitive Price Audits, Merchandising Opportunities, Market Research Panels, Intercept Interviews, Overt Audits, and more.

23. Field Agent

Field Agent pays you to visit local businesses and provide feedback. The app offers various types of jobs, including audits, surveys, and scavenger hunts, where you report the availability of specific products in stores.

Field Agent works with major retailers across the country, such as:

• Walgreens
• 7-Eleven
• Dollar General
• McDonald’s
• Best Buy
• Kroger
• Target
• Kohl’s
• Publix
• Costco
• CVS

Local jobs pay anywhere from $3 to $20. You get paid directly to your bank account, which is great.

24. Ath Power Consulting

Ath Power Consulting is a prominent mystery shopping company with over 500,000 mystery shoppers across North America and recent expansions into South America.

Unlike many companies that cover a broad range of industries, Ath Power Consulting specializes in the financial and banking sectors.

25. Mercantile Systems Inc.

Mercantile Systems Inc. offers mystery shopping opportunities across various sectors, including restaurants, hotels, golf courses, retail, healthcare, storage facilities, and financial services.

As a mystery shopper with Mercantile Systems, you can set your own schedule and choose as many or as few assignments as you like. To get started, create a profile on their site—there are no fees to sign up.

Once your profile is set up, you can view open assignments on their Job Board, select a suitable day, and apply online. You will receive confirmation via email if your application is accepted.

Payment is made via check within 45 days of completing the survey.

26. Reality Based Group (RBG)

Reality Based Group (RBG) offers a variety of mystery shopping types, including written, video, phone, and online assessments. After registering as a mystery shopper, you can apply for assignments through the Job Board link available at the top of your screen when logged into your RBG account.

You can apply for assignments on the Job Board by clicking on the Job Board link at the top of your screen after logging in to Reality Based Group. Payments can be made via PayPal or direct deposit.

27. Shoppers’ View

As a mystery shopper with Shoppers’ View, you will visit various businesses just like a regular customer, performing tasks such as ordering meals or shopping for clothes. You work as an independent contractor, allowing you to set your own schedule and accept or decline assignments.

Payment for assignments typically ranges from $10 to $40, though some may offer more. For assignments like restaurant shops, payment may include reimbursement for your meal and a guest’s meal.

Payment details for each assignment are clearly outlined before you agree to it. Shoppers are paid via PayPal, with payments for shops submitted between the 1st and 15th being issued around the last day of that month, and those submitted between the 16th and 31st being paid around the 15th of the following month.

28. Mobee

Mobee App is a mystery shopping app that rewards you for visiting local businesses and sharing your feedback. Instead of cash, you earn points for completing missions, which can be redeemed for gift cards to stores like Amazon, Starbucks, and Target.

Although Mobee does not offer direct cash payments, its gift cards are quite versatile. To get started, download the Mobee app, find a nearby mission, complete it by following the instructions, and then redeem your rewards.

Each mission specifies what is expected, such as answering survey questions or taking photos inside the store.

Points are earned based on the complexity and location of the mission, with 100 Mobee points equating to $1.

The number of points you can earn with Mobee depends on the complexity and location of the mission. Points range from 100 (worth $1) to 1,000 (worth $10), with most missions earning between 100 points ($1) and 400 points ($4).

29. Globis Survey

Globis Survey seeks reliable mystery shoppers to evaluate service and sales processes, check compliance issues, and assist with loss prevention. The company operates in what it describes as the “English speaking universe,” which includes Great Britain, Ireland, North America, South Africa, and Australia. Globis Survey offers projects in a wide range of industries, including:

• Hotels
• Car dealerships and services
• Cosmetics
• Fashion
• Shoes
• Accessories
• Food
• Restaurants
• Leisure
• Travel
• Living and lifestyle
• Electronics and telecommunication

Payment is provided in Euros and Great British Pounds rather than USD. According to the site, pay ranges from £10 to £40 per task or 10 Euros to 50 Euros.

30. AQ Services International

AQ Services International is a mystery shopping company where you can sign up to become a mystery shopper. After signing up, you can check for projects available in your city and apply for those that interest you.

You’ll need to visit the designated location to perform the mystery shopping task and then share your experience in a report. You’ll be paid for your visit directly to your bank account, or in some countries, via PayPal.

31. Shoppers Confidential

Shoppers Confidential is a mystery shopping company based in Toronto. It is a member of the Independent Mystery Shoppers Coalition (IMSC), the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA), Retail Council Canada, WBE Canada, and Restaurants Canada.

Shoppers Confidential is also accredited by the BBB, where it holds an A+ rating, indicating its legitimacy.

As with other legitimate mystery shopping companies, registration with Shoppers Confidential is free, and there are no fees to become a mystery shopper. The company offers opportunities across various industries, including automotive, retail, hospitality, and entertainment.

Shoppers are independent contractors, allowing you to choose as many or as few assignments as you prefer. Pay typically ranges from $15 to $50 per assignment, with expenses noted in the assignment being reimbursed. Note that some shops may offer non-monetary reimbursements, such as free bowling or a cruise vacation.

32. Intouch Insight

Another mystery shopping company to consider is Intouch Insight. Here, you can select from a list of clients to evaluate customer service across various industries. The company works with sectors such as retail, grocery, restaurants, hospitality, and petro-convenience. You can choose assignments that fit your schedule, which is convenient.

As an independent contractor with Intouch Insight, you have a wide range of opportunities available. Some assignments may take as little as 5 minutes, while others might require up to 2 hours.

You get paid via PayPal.

33. Helion Research

Helion Research is a global mystery shopping company, offering opportunities not only in the United States but also in various countries around the world. The company collaborates with major brands like MasterCard, Total, and Mercedes.

You can search for available jobs on their platform. Jobs are posted in your profile, and you can filter them by client or distance. The job board is frequently updated, so it’s a good idea to log in daily. Once you find a suitable job, you can apply online. After completing your visit, you’ll need to fill out a report based on your experience. Following review by one of the company’s Data Quality experts, you will receive payment.

Payment varies based on the questionnaire, the time required for the store evaluation, and whether a purchase is required (which you will usually get to keep).

Shoppers, referred to as Evaluators, are typically paid around the 20^th of the month following their completed evaluation.

34. Mystery Shoppers America

Mystery Shoppers America pays you to shop and dine out. You can earn between $10 and $40 per shopping assignment and also receive free meals, merchandise, services, and more.

With Mystery Shoppers America, you can get paid to shop at stores and dine at restaurants.

According to the company, you can get paid to:

• Eat for free at restaurants
• Purchase clothes and shoes
• Go to the movies
• Shop for electronics and appliances
• Enjoy a stay at a hotel or resort
• Purchase health and beauty supplies
• Shop for groceries
• Fill up your car with gas
• Visit a health club or spa
• Have pizza delivered to your home
• Purchase books or records
• Visit an amusement park
• And more.

According to the company, nearly every kind of store and service utilizes mystery shoppers.

You can sign up with MSP and register with its partner mystery shopping companies. You will receive job assignments via email. You can select the assignments you’re interested in, visit the chosen locations, and then submit your shopper report. Payment is provided for your evaluation.

The amount you earn depends on how often you shop, but typical assignments pay between $10 and $40, with some paying as much as $75 or more.

Payment options include direct bank deposit, PayPal, or mailed check.

35. GigSpot

Finally, we have GigSpot, an app that connects you with mystery shopping and market research companies.

The app offers tens of thousands of job opportunities. You can select the jobs you want and work when and where it suits you.

The app is available for both Android and iOS devices. Payment is managed by the mystery shopping or market research company that posts the job. GigSpot provides the essential information you need to apply for opportunities, including compensation, reimbursement details, start and end dates, and distance.

What’s great about GigSpot is that it consolidates thousands of jobs from numerous mystery shopping provider companies into one platform. You can manage a single profile across all these companies and even receive push notifications for new job opportunities.

36. CentreBound

For our readers from the U.K. and E.U., CentreBound is a mystery shopping company that’s been around since 2013.

As a secret shopper, you’ll work on a variety of assignments, such as buying goods and services, ordering groceries online, visiting events, or eating out.

Assignments pay between £15 and £100, depending on the requirements, and payment is made via direct bank transfer within 7 days.

Protect Yourself from Mystery Shopping Scams

As a newcomer to mystery shopping, it’s important to exercise caution when searching for legitimate mystery shopping companies or websites.

Unfortunately, many scams are designed to exploit unsuspecting individuals.

One of the most notorious scams is the “Western Union Mystery Shopping” or “Mystery Shopping Check” scheme.

Here’s how it works:

You receive a check in the mail or by email, allegedly from a reputable market research company offering you a mystery shopping job.

You are instructed to deposit the check into your bank account and then transfer a small amount via Western Union to a designated recipient, often someone who claims to be a supplier or a store you are supposed to evaluate.

The rest of the money is supposedly your payment for the mystery shopping assignment, with details to be sent to you soon.

Eager to start earning, you deposit the check, send the money via Western Union, and wait for further instructions.

Days later, you discover that the check you deposited has bounced, leaving you responsible for the entire amount you transferred via Western Union.

In other words, you’ve lost your own money, along with having your hopes and time wasted.

Don’t fall victim to a mystery shopping scam. Legitimate companies will never ask you to wire them money or deposit a check before starting an assignment.

Be cautious of scammers who use trusted company names to deceive you. Always do your research and don’t hesitate to contact a legitimate company to verify the authenticity of the offer.

Stay vigilant and use common sense to protect yourself from mystery shopping scams.

Secret Shopping FAQs

Here are answers to some important questions about making money as a secret shopper.

Which Mystery Shopping Company Pays the Most?

There isn’t a definitive answer to which mystery shopping company pays the most. It depends on the company, the assignment, and the location.

However, several mystery shopping companies are known for paying well, such as BestMark, A Closer Look, and Market Force. Be sure to research and compare different companies before deciding which one to work with.

Which Mystery Shopping Companies Are Legitimate?

Signs of a legitimate mystery shopping company include:

• Not requiring a fee to join
• Having a clear and professional website
• Providing detailed information about the assignments they offer

It’s always a good idea to research and read reviews from other mystery shoppers before signing up with a company to ensure its reputation.

How Much Do Professional Mystery Shoppers Make?

Professional mystery shoppers can earn between $20 and $200 or more per assignment, depending on the company and the specifics of the assignment.

However, payment can also come in the form of free items or reimbursements for expenses like meals and travel.

Keep in mind that earnings can vary widely based on several factors and are not consistent.

How Do You Get Paid as a Mystery Shopper?

Payment methods for mystery shoppers vary depending on the company you work with. These methods can include direct bank deposit, PayPal, or mailed checks.

Most companies offer payment via PayPal, direct deposit, or check. Some may also provide payment in the form of gift cards or merchandise.

It’s important to check with the company you’re working with to confirm the available payment options.

Final Thoughts

With the right approach and a bit of effort, mystery shopping can be a fun and rewarding way to earn extra money on the side.

There are many legitimate and profitable mystery shopping companies available, but it’s crucial to do your research and choose wisely.

While there are many genuine opportunities, it’s essential to be aware of potential scams. Fortunately, you have the list of the best mystery shopping companies to work for right here!