Living in a fast-paced city on a tight freelance budget, I’m always hunting for flexible ways to pad my income. A few years ago, I stumbled across mystery shopping—and it’s been surprisingly rewarding. No, it won’t make you rich, but it has helped me bring in an extra $100–$200 a month, all while enjoying free meals, products, and experiences I’d probably pay for anyway. Best part? It fits perfectly into my unpredictable schedule.
If you’re curious about how to earn some extra cash on your own terms, here’s a breakdown of what mystery shopping is, how I got started, and how you can too.
What Is Mystery Shopping (and Why It’s Actually Kinda Cool)
Mystery shopping is exactly what it sounds like: you pose as a regular customer to secretly evaluate a business’s service, cleanliness, product quality, and overall vibe. Companies hire mystery shoppers to get honest feedback they can’t get from regular customer surveys.
Think of it like being a secret agent for customer experience—except your mission involves eating out or browsing a store, then filling out a report. Pretty great, right?
I started mystery shopping when I needed a way to cover unexpected costs—like surprise car repairs or high utility bills. There’s no formal training or qualifications needed, and the flexibility makes it ideal for anyone juggling gigs or working part-time. You won’t strike it rich, but between the extra cash and the perks (free food, skincare, the occasional splurge), it’s a side hustle that actually pays off.
How I Got Into Mystery Shopping
I first heard about mystery shopping while working at a café. Our manager warned us to always be on our toes—mystery shoppers could walk in at any time. The idea that someone got paid to dine and review was super intriguing.
A bit of research later, I signed up with a legit company called BestMark. In my first month, I pulled in around $120, plus a couple of free meals and some skincare goodies. After a few months, I was averaging $150–$200 monthly by taking on 5–10 assignments. That extra cash helped me save for a short trip, and the free stuff meant I could treat myself without guilt.
So, How Much Can You Actually Earn?
Earnings depend on the type of shop and where you live. Big cities like LA or NYC tend to have more high-paying gigs. Here’s what my experience looked like:
- Cash + Reimbursement: Dining shops often pay $10–$30, and reimburse your meal ($20–$100). I once scored a free $75 steak dinner!
- Cash Only: Quick online or phone tasks usually pay $3–$15.
- Reimbursement Only: Fast-food visits may not pay cash, but hey—free food.
On average, I earned about $10–$20 per assignment, completing 5–10 a month. Some gigs—like visiting car dealerships—pay more ($20–$50), but take longer. Rare high-end shops, like luxury dining or hotels, can reimburse up to $200, though they’re competitive to snag.
Heads up: as a freelancer, you’ll need to report mystery shopping income on your taxes. Keep track of payments and receipts.
Is This Even Legit?
Absolutely—but scams do exist, so be cautious.
Real companies like BestMark never ask for upfront fees. If someone promises huge money, asks you to pay to access jobs, or sends sketchy checks, run.
To stay safe:
- Do your research: Look up companies on the BBB or IMSC (formerly MSPA).
- Avoid upfront fees: Legit companies pay you, not the other way around.
- Double-check payment terms: Reimbursements come after you submit reports—not before.
Personally, I’ve had zero issues with BestMark. They’ve always paid on time, and I stick to them or other reputable platforms to avoid drama.
How to Get Started (Step-by-Step)
Ready to give it a shot? Here’s how to start mystery shopping:
- Sign up with BestMark: Visit www.bestmark.com. Use my referral ID MO4999—some promotions might offer bonuses (check their site for details). It’s free and takes 5 minutes.
- Explore other legit platforms: Check out Market Force, IntelliShop, or Sinclair Customer Metrics. Sign up for multiple platforms to access more gigs.
- Fill out your profile: Add your location, availability, and preferences. Some jobs—like bank visits—may require a background check, but most don’t.
- Browse assignments: Log in to see available shops. You can filter by category or distance. Many companies also have apps, which makes it easy to apply and report on the go.
- Apply for a shop: Click “Request,” select a date, and wait for approval. I’ve been approved for about 95% of my requests.
- Do the job: Read the shop instructions carefully—details matter. You might be asked to observe staff behavior, store layout, or purchase something. Be discreet.
- Submit your report: Most reports are due within 24 hours. Good writing helps—be clear, honest, and specific.
- Get paid: Payments usually arrive within 2–6 weeks, depending on the company.
Real Talk: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Flexible and easy to fit around your schedule
- Free food, products, and occasional splurges
- No experience or special skills needed
- A fun way to earn extra money
Cons:
- Some reports can be time-consuming
- You need to pay upfront (then get reimbursed)
- Driving far for shops can eat into earnings
- Scams exist—stick to trusted platforms
I mainly pick shops close to home or on my commute to avoid wasting time or gas. And once you get the hang of writing quick, clear reports, it becomes second nature.
Want to Learn More?
Final Thoughts
Mystery shopping isn’t a path to riches, but it is a surprisingly enjoyable way to earn a little extra money while doing things you’d probably do anyway. As a freelancer, I love how flexible and low-pressure it is—and the perks don’t hurt either.
If you’re curious, sign up, give it a shot, and see if it works for you. Just stay cautious, follow the instructions, and enjoy the experience. Got questions? Ask away—I’m happy to share what I’ve learned!
