How To Make Money As A Secret Shopper

What is a A Secret shopper?

Secret shoppers are paid by companies to shop their products or business (without letting the employees know). After their shop, they send in a report (sometimes pictures) about the cleanliness, service, products, etc.

Am I a good candidate?

This is a real job that you need to take seriously. Most companies are looking for people who are reliable, can follow directions, detail oriented, have a good memory to fill out the paperwork after each shop, and can write detailed reports using correct grammar. If you can do these things, secret shopping may be for you!

How can I become a Secret shopper?

Most companies require you to fill out their paperwork online. They require information such as your name, age, address, phone number. They also may have you fill out a short screener to make sure you qualify for a specific job. Depending on the company (and sometimes how much you make), they usually ask for your tax information.

Am I required to share my tax information?

If they company asks for it (and you decide to work with them)- yes. Many won’t ask for it until you make over a certain amount each year, but others want it up front. This is why it is important to research and find companies that you trust and are the right fit for you.

This is a job, but you are considered an independent contractor and will need to figure out your own taxes. Most companies will send out 1099 forms, but you will need to look into the policies of each agency before you work with them.

How do I find secret shopper companies?

You may want to start with MSPA, which is an association for secret shoppers. You can also search online. I have listed a few that I have used below and will add more as I learn about them. You should always look into any companies that you choose to work with.

What do secret shoppers do?

The app or website will usually walk you through the steps you need to take to complete each job. You will need to follow all directions in order to get paid, so don’t accept any jobs that you don’t intend to do.

You will usually go to the business that you are assigned to at the assigned day and time. You will need to be very aware of your surroundings so that you can complete the paperwork as soon as you leave the business. I would recommend looking over the questions before you go so that you can make sure to answer everything when you leave. You will write up your report, send it in, and then wait for payment.

How much will I get paid?

Each company and each job is different, but I have found that on average, they pay about $10-25, but can range from $2-several hundred dollars depending on the job.

How do I know if the company is legit?

Never pay to sign up to be a mystery shopper. This is good pace to read up on How to Spot A Mystery Shopper Scam. Also, use common sense. Make sure you check into any company before you give information to them.

Secret Shopper Companies

You may want to work for a few different companies so that you will be able to choose from more jobs. I have included are some companies that I have tried, but I would recommend that you look at each company and decide which is a great fit for you.

A Closer Look– In my area, I’ve mostly noticed restaurant secret shopper jobs so far, but you never know what will come up. When you are traveling, you can easily search for jobs that will be near your destination.

I Secret Shop– You can download the app on your phone. Accept any jobs that work for you. I have done restaurant jobs for them at specific restaurants. They usually pay enough to cover your meal, and may or may not pay over that. They do let you know before you accept the job how much exactly they will pay. So you decide if it’s worth it to you.

BestMark– This company has a lot of automobile secret shops available. I haven’t been able to do one yet, but am watching for one that I qualify for. If you qualify, you can be reimbursed for a needed oil change, tire rotation, etc. . They process checks every other Friday and mail them out the next week. If you sign up, use my referral code: UT8559 🙂

The Source– This company seems to have a lot of grocery store shops in my area. If you sign up, they may also have healthcare and other shops available.

I am also looking into a few other companies and will update this post soon. Let me know in the comments below if you try any of these out. Or if you find any others that you love.