Looking for a flexible and fun way to earn extra money? Mystery shopping is still a solid option. I first tried it back in 2012 as a broke college student and picked it up again in 2023 out of curiosity, and it’s just as easy and legit as it was back then.
Since restarting, I’ve landed gigs at restaurants, retailers, auto shops, financial services, and more, all on my own schedule.
If you’re wondering how to get started with mystery shopping apps, one of the biggest hurdles is knowing where to find reliable jobs as well as how mystery shopping really works.
What is Mystery Shopping and How Does It Work?
Mystery shopping involves companies paying everyday people to act like regular customers and evaluate their quality of service, cleanliness, product availability, employee behavior, and more. The goal is to gather honest, unbiased feedback so businesses can improve their products and services, with a focus on the overall customer experience.
Here’s how it typically works:
Step 1: You sign up with a mystery shopping company, which serves as the middleman to help connect you with legitimate paying opportunities. You’ll find most of your mystery shopping gigs this way (through a third-party website or app). I’ve only seen one mystery shopping job directly through a cleaning company itself, but most places outsource their needs to a third party.
Step 2: Next, you’ll apply for assignments online or via a smartphone app. You can usually decide how far out you’d like to go for jobs, and some jobs are even virtual so that you can do them from home. These typically involve making an online purchase at a retailer or making a phone call to a business and then submitting a report based on the conversation you had with the employee. It’s not a guarantee that you’ll get approved for each assignment you apply for, but if you are approved, you’ll get specific details on what to do and will know how much you’re getting paid upfront.
Step 3: Then, you’ll complete the shop within the time and date you agreed on when you got approved. You’ll follow specific instructions, observe details, and often make a small purchase. Be sure to reread the instructions a few times to double-check essential details, such as when you can complete the shop, since there may be a required timeframe. For example, when I do restaurant secret shopper jobs, I usually can’t visit within the first hour of the place being open or within one hour of closing.
Step 4: When you complete your mystery shopping job, you will need to submit a report online. After the visit, you must follow specific directions to fill out an online form detailing your experience. It’s important to do this within the required timeframe, which is usually 24 to 48 hours.
Step 5: Once you submit your report, you’ll be eligible to get paid or reimbursed. Many assignments pay a flat rate for completion, along with reimbursement for any expenses you incur, but others might just reimburse you for what you spent up to a specific limit.
7 Best Mystery Shopping Apps and Companies
Here are some of the best mystery shopping apps and companies to check out.
1. Intouch Insight
Intouch Insight stands out as one of the most established names in the mystery shopping industry. Their mobile app connects shoppers with assignments across retail, restaurant, and service sectors throughout the United States and North America.
What sets Intouch apart is its comprehensive mystery shopping program that goes beyond simple store visits. You might be asked to evaluate customer service interactions, assess product displays, or test drive experiences at automotive dealerships. The platform emphasizes accuracy in reporting, so like most other mystery shopping opportunities, you’ll need to provide detailed feedback about your experiences.
Intouch typically processes payments on the 15th and last day of each month, and their consistent assignment availability and professional support make them a reliable choice for serious mystery shoppers.
2. iSecretShop
iSecretShop is one of the largest networks of mystery shopping companies, giving users access to thousands of assignments across multiple industries. When you sign up for this platform, you’ll find a range of opportunities—from quick retail or convenience store checks that take 15 minutes, to comprehensive restaurant or fast-food evaluations lasting longer periods of time.
Each assignment includes clear instructions and submission deadlines. The iSecretShop app also has a rating system. Shoppers who consistently deliver high-quality reports gain access to more assignments with better compensation.
The app’s reporting tools are among the most user-friendly in the industry. With some mystery shopping sites I’ve used personally, I’ve noticed that some of the platforms seem outdated, which makes it more challenging to navigate. But with iSecretShop, you can upload photos, record audio notes, and complete questionnaires directly through your mobile devices. Payment processing varies by assignment provider, but most payments arrive within 2-4 weeks.
3. Mobee
Mobee focuses specifically on retail mystery shopping, partnering with major brands to evaluate in-store experiences. This app is simple to use, and it’s an excellent choice for beginners who want to start with straightforward assignments.
Most Mobee assignments involve visiting stores and checking product availability. You’ll then need to answer questions based on your experience. The platform doesn’t require lengthy written reports, making it easier to complete assignments quickly while maintaining accuracy.
Mobee assignments typically pay between $5 to $9, which might seem modest compared to other platforms. However, the quick completion times mean you can often finish multiple assignments in a single shopping trip.
One unique feature is Mobee’s integration with location services. The app can notify you when you’re near stores with available assignments. This makes it easy to earn money during your regular errands.
4. Gigwalk
Gigwalk takes a broader approach to gig work by combining mystery shopping with other quick tasks like checking inventory or promotional displays at retail stores.
The app’s “gigs” range from traditional mystery shopping assignments to more specialized tasks like verifying business hours or checking product placement. Many assignments can be completed in under 30 minutes, making Gigwalk an ideal option for anyone who’s looking for a flexible side hustle.
Gigwalk’s payment system is pretty fast compared to traditional mystery shopping companies. Most gigs pay within 24-48 hours of approval via PayPal.
5. Market Force (Eyes on Global)
Eyes on Global by Market Force is a popular mystery shopping app that provides access to assignments in categories like retail, restaurant, banking, and automotive services.
The platform is known for its detailed assignment requirements and emphasis on professional-quality reporting. Market Force assignments often involve in-depth evaluations that require specific observations about customer service interactions, the conditions of the facility, and more. This focus on accuracy means higher compensation but also more tedious reporting standards, so keep that in mind.
Market Force typically processes payments monthly for work completed the previous month, but their higher compensation levels and consistent assignment availability make the wait worthwhile for dedicated mystery shoppers.
6. Confero
Confero is another option that offers a wide range of mystery shopping assignments across fields like hospitality, retail, and service industries.
What distinguishes Confero is its emphasis on storytelling and personal input in reports. Rather than simple checklists, they want detailed narratives about the company’s service quality and your customer experience. This approach requires strong communication skills but typically results in higher compensation than basic evaluation assignments.
The platform’s assignments often involve multiple touchpoints with businesses, such as phone calls, website interactions, and in-person visits. Confero’s payout structure varies by assignment but generally offers competitive compensation for the time invested.
7. IntelliShop
IntelliShop’s app provides access to mystery shop assignments across various industries, including banks, theme parks, grocery stores, and more, but they focus on food service evaluations. When you sign up, you will be asked to take a five-minute screening test to demonstrate your skills at paying attention to details and following specific directions.
Payment processing typically occurs around the 20th of each month for work completed the previous month, pending report approval. While it’s not the fastest in the industry, IntelliShop does provide a reliable assignment flow and tends to pay a competitive rate.
- IntelliShop gets a 3.5-star rating out of 5 on Indeed.
Summary: Mystery Shopping Apps
Mystery shopping remains a viable way to earn money flexibly from home or on the go, and it will continue to be so as long as companies value the opinions and experiences of everyday people like you and me. These seven companies will provide an excellent start, whether you’re looking to begin secret shopping or have been doing this for a while and want to diversify your opportunities.
When evaluating mystery shopping companies, do a little research. Make sure they have a reliable website with lots of independent reviews. Verify that the company is a member of the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) or check if they are rated on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. And never pay any money to sign up or to access jobs, since this isn’t required.
Consider starting with two to three platforms from this list to learn their systems and requirements. As you develop your skills and build positive ratings, you can expand to additional apps and increase your availability.
Check out this article if you want to make money shopping!
