Whether you’re looking to supplement the income you earn from a full-time job, want to bring in a little cash while earning a degree, or prefer something closer to a part-time schedule, working as a mystery shopper could be a great option. You can earn some money on the side by evaluating local businesses. Plus, you might get a chance to dine out or make a purchase on the company’s dime. If you’re interested in exploring this side hustle, here’s a look at ten companies that hire mystery shoppers.
1. BestMark
If you’re looking for one of the original mystery shopping companies, BestMark is the way to go. The company has been in business since the mid-1980s and has a solid reputation. Plus, the compensation rate is strong, though it does vary depending on the job.
Signing up with BestMark is simple. Once you’re approved, you’ll be able to view opportunities in your area. Each listing includes an overview of the compensation and requirements, allowing you to choose openings that fit your skills, preferences, and schedule.
It’s important to note that BestMark doesn’t hire mystery shoppers as employees. Instead, you’d work as an independent contractor. In some ways, this can work in your favor, as it leaves you in control of your schedule, giving you more flexibility.
2. IntelliShop
Another leader in the mystery shopping space is IntelliShop. It’s used by a number of top brands, so the odds that you’ll end up exploring a business with name recognition is high. Plus, it rewards those who perform well on assignments by giving those with the highest ratings access to the best opportunities.
Like BestMark (and most other mystery shopping companies), you’ll work as an independent contractor. Signing up with Intellishop is simple, and each job listing includes an overview of any expectations, as well as compensation, making it easy to find options that work best for you.
3. Service Evaluation Concepts
Service Evaluation Concepts focuses on higher-end brands and specialty companies. With this option, there are multiple types of mystery shoppers, each with different certification levels. With a higher certification, you can get access to more opportunities and higher compensation. At the basic level, you only do shops if you’re selected by a liaison.
Usually, you’ll only want to pursue higher certifications after spending time in the lower ones. That way, you can make sure that the company feels like a good fit for your needs before committing.
4. Market Force
While Market Force has a wide customer base, it’s an excellent option for mystery shoppers who are specifically interested in food-related opportunities. Like the other mystery shopping companies, signing up as an independent contract with Market Force only takes a few minutes. Once your application is approved, you can check out the available openings and pick ones that best fit your preferences.
One nice feature of Market Force is the user-friendly mobile app. It’s a great way to learn about opportunities on the go and makes completing shops easier
5. Signature World
If you prefer to do mystery shopper assignments from the comfort of your home, Signature World could be a great fit. The company focuses on phone-based experiences. The assignments involve reaching out to a business to gather information or complete specific tasks over the phone and assessing the performance, ease of completion, and more.
Applying requires either a resume or application and the nature of the opportunities can vary. However, if you’re interested in remote mystery shopping positions, it’s worth exploring.
6. Secret Shopper
With over 25 years in the industry, Secret Shopper is a solid option for mystery shopping opportunities. The compensation rates are a bit lower than you may find with other companies, including some that may only cover the cost of a purchase or meal at the target business. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t worthwhile, particularly for those who are new to mystery shopping.
7. Second to None
With about 30 years in the business, Second to None has a solid reputation in the world of mystery shopping. However, the company focuses on applicants that are AARP members specifically, so it may not work for everyone. Still, the compensation is competitive, and the application process is simple, so it’s worth checking out if you’re an AARP member.
8. AboutFace
Another solid choice for companies that hire mystery shoppers is AboutFace. With over two decades in the industry, they have a solid client base, leading to a decent variety of shops. Plus, creating an account is simple, and the assignments are well-outlined, making it easy to decide if one is right for you. The compensation is also higher than you may find with some other companies, and they have opportunities outside of the mystery shopping space, too, including product demonstrators, focus group participants, and more.
9. Amusement Advantage
One of the more niche mystery shopping companies, Amusement Advantage focuses solely on attractions, theme parks, entertainment facilities, and other amusement businesses. This can make it a particularly enjoyable option, particularly for thrill-seekers.
When it comes to compensation, it does tend to be lower. You may get free tickets or expense reimbursement only. However, the evaluations usually won’t take all day, so it’s a great way to exchange a bit of work for a good time on someone else’s dime.
10. Call Center QA
Another phone-based option, Call Center QA mystery shoppers contact call centers to evaluate the customer experience. Usually, the assignments only take around 10 to 20 minutes to complete, including contacting the company and providing the requested feedback.
While the compensation is usually $5 per call, that can equate to $15 to $30 per hour, depending on how quickly you can complete the requirements. Plus, this option pays out faster than some other companies, usually within seven business days or less.
Do you know of any other companies that hire mystery shoppers? Have you signed up with any of the options above and want to tell others what it was like? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Read More:
- Side Hustles That Might Make You $100 in a Day
- 38 Easy Ways to Make Money on the Side
- Earning More: 7 Ways to Launch A Successful Side Business
Come back to what you love! Dollardig.com is the most reliable cash back site on the web. Just sign up, click, shop and get full cash back!
Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.
Comments