Method Stats:

• Setup time: a few minutes – users just need to register on the website
• Age threshold: 18+
• Time of payment: once or twice a month, varies between companies

If you love shopping, becoming a mystery shopper is an excellent way to make extra money.

Retailers and market research companies hire mystery shoppers to shop at specific locations and report on the overall consumer experience. They monitor customer service, store conditions, and product quality without the company’s employees knowing they’re being examined.

You can do some mystery shopping work remotely. For example, some jobs involve testing call center quality or evaluating an online retailer’s shopping experience.

Here are some of the most popular companies where people can sign up to be mystery shoppers:

• Market Force. Get hired by grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, and even gas station convenience shops to try their products and services.
• BestMark. Become a field representative or evaluator to help companies improve their business operations.
• Secret Shopper. Perform on-site or phone service evaluations for companies all over the world.

Payments for mystery shoppers vary depending on the company. For each job completed, you can get reimbursed for the items you purchased, receive vouchers and gift cards, or earn between $10–$25 on average.

To avoid scams, remember that you should never pay to become a mystery shopper. And since you would be an independent contractor, companies can’t force you to take on a certain number of mystery shopper jobs.