Free Mystery Shopping Guide

What is mystery shopping? A mystery shopper is an independent contractor who visits a business to evaluate customer service, the appearance and condition of the facility, or a combination of both. Mystery shoppers are usually paid a flat rate for the job in addition to a reimbursement for the purchase made.

To be a mystery shopper, you must have an attention to detail, be able to articulate your opinion, and have strong organizational skills. Some sites that are considered mystery shopping sites also include “merchandizing” opportunities. Tasks may include setting up displays in stores or demonstrating products.

Most of this work is strictly on an independent contractor basis. You will apply with their site and they will notify you when they have something for which you might be eligible. In some cities, mystery shopping is very competitive. The better that you do with your work, the more likely that you are to get more assignments.

Do you need to pay to register with a service? No! Is there a benefit? Maybe. You can register with a service and pay for year’s worth of access to their database. Often you can get emails anytime jobs are posted in your area. It may be worth a little investment (never more than $100) to get you started. If you would rather go at it on your own, we are including a great list of sites that you can register with on your own. We’ll do our best to continue to update this list regularly.

A Step Above Service Evaluations
A Top Shop
A&A Merchandising Ltd.
ACPV
Acra, Inc.
Amusement Advantage
Ann Michaels & Associates, Ltd.
Anonymous Shoppers & Assessments of Pittsburgh (A.S.A.P.)
Ardent Services Inc.
Associate Consumer Evaluations (ACE) Mystery Shopping
B Business Solutions
Bare Associates International (BAI)
Barry Leeds & Associates
Best Mark
Beyond Hello
Beyond Marketing Group
Business Evaluation Services
Business Insights Group
Byers Choice Inc.
Campus Consulting
Capstone Research
Certified Reports, Inc.
Check Mark, Inc.
Check Up Marketing
Cirrus Marketing Consultants
CKA Group, Inc.
Consumer Impressions
Consumer Pulse
Consumer Research Group (CRG)
Corporate Research International (CoRI)
Count on Us
Coyle Hospitality Group
Creative Image Assoc.
Cross Financial Group
Customer 1st
Customer Perspectives
Customer Service Experts, Inc. (CSE)
Datatron
David Sparks & Associates (DSA)
DSG Associates
Devin Hill Associates
DSG Associates
Ellis Property Management Services (EPMS)
Evaluation Systems for Personnel
Feedback Plus, Inc.
Full Scope Mystery Shopping