25 Best Mystery Shopping Companies to Work For

We have assembled 25 of the best mystery shopping companies to work for. There is sure to be an option on our list that will fit your schedule and your unique interests. If you are a person who likes to shop or you simply enjoy the opportunity to make a bit of extra money on the side, then working for a mystery shopping company could be for you.

When you decide to mystery shop, you get to play many different roles and experience lots of different things. Overall this opportunity is unique and can be a great way to earn extra money.

What Is a Mystery Shopper?

A mystery shopper is a person that is paid to go and pretend that they are a real customer for a business. This person has to act as if they are truly interested in a product and see how a company will perform without knowing they are being judged.

Large brands pay companies to send mystery shoppers to their establishments. It is one of the best ways to get data and feedback on a brand's performance. 

When you complete mystery shopping tasks, it can be anything from eating at a restaurant to playing golf to bowling. The options are endless, and each of the mystery shopping companies will have different opportunities that they offer. 

How to Become a Mystery Shopper (and Find Secret Shopper Jobs Near You)

To become a mystery shopper, you have to start applying with a few different companies. It’s hard to apply for just one and expect to get a job right away. These companies are varied in what they offer, and it is essential to get your information out there and apply to a few at a time. 

You will enter your location when you sign up to be a mystery shopper. If there are any openings near you, you will get notified and have a chance to participate. The number of opportunities you get will also depend on your demographics, area, and interests. Pay rates are also going to vary from one company to another. 

How Much Do Mystery Shoppers Make?

If you're thinking of becoming a mystery shopper, you might be wondering how much you can expect to earn. According to ZipRecruiter, the average pay for a mystery shopper is $24.40 per hour. However, it's important to keep in mind that pay can vary depending on factors such as the type of assignment and the location.

Indeed, another job search site, reports that the average pay for a mystery shopper is $20 per hour. So, if you're looking to mystery shop as a way to earn some extra cash, you can expect to make around $20-$25 per hour.

While this isn't a huge amount of money, it can add up over time, especially if you're able to snag a few higher-paying assignments. Plus, it's always nice to get paid to do something that's usually considered enjoyable, like shopping!

Mystery Shopping Companies That Pay The Best

These top five companies offer the best rates for mystery shopping. Always make sure you negotiate the best deal you can for yourself and let the companies know all of your strengths. 

1. A Closer Look

If you enjoy writing and giving your opinion on various subjects, A Closer Look could be a good option for you to consider. Mystery shopping at A Closer Look will involve heading to local restaurants and retail locations and completing your tasks.

This company has been highly rated, and some of the best mystery shoppers across the country trust this brand. When you apply, ensure you provide plenty of detail and offer your honest opinion. Your demographics and application will decide whether or not you are eligible for this job. 

Pay: According to Indeed, the pay is about $4.00 per hour.

Rating: 2.6 out of 5 stars with the Better Business Bureau

2. About Face

As you will quickly determine, the longer a mystery shopping company has spent in the industry, the better the chance they have of giving you a fair and honest assignment.

With About Face, they have been in the industry for more than 20 years and its pay rates seem to be a bit higher than other options. If you are looking for a side gig that is both fun and high-paying, AboutFace could be a  great place to look. 

Rating: 3.6 out of 5 stars with the Better Business Bureau

3. Pinnacle Financial Strategies 

Pinnacle is more than just a mystery shopper company. This is one of those companies that you can trust and rely on when it comes to valuable data, clear instructions, and an overall great experience. If you are interested in finance, this is the perfect mystery shopper position for you.

Your experience will be dealing with banks and credit unions. You will find this mystery shopping position to be a bit unique compared to the other options on our list, which may make it a good one to add in combination with another type of mystery shopping gig. 

Pay: $4 to $75, depending on the assignment.

Rating: A+ from the Better Business Bureau, but no reviews exist.

4. Secret Shopper

Obviously, one of the most important things to look out for when it comes to mystery shopping companies is the scam. There are so many of them out there, and it can get overwhelming to sort through what is good and what is not good.

Therefore a company like Secret Shopper, which has been around since the early 1990s, will likely be a great choice to consider. This company has plenty of history, and you won’t have to worry about being scammed. Once you sign up, you can look for mystery shopping jobs in your area and see if anything fits in with your schedule. 

Pay: $15 to $20 per hour

Rating: A+ from the Better Business Bureau, but no reviews exist.

5. Second to None

You will notice that some of these mystery shopping companies are bigger than others. The larger companies will have more opportunities and openings, but they aren’t always the easiest to get in with. Second to None is a smaller company that will take more specialized groups of people when they sign you up.

Each month they seem to update the types of experts they are looking for. You could be put to work relatively quickly if you meet all the qualifications. Sometimes mystery shopping jobs requiring a little extra experience or expertise are known to pay a bit higher. 

Pay: $10 and up.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Other Legitimate Mystery Shopping Companies

Even though these companies didn’t make our top five, they are still recognized among mystery shoppers as being legitimate shopping companies. Ensuring that you are working for a company that genuinely pays out and does what they say is essential in this industry. 

6. ATH Power Consulting

ATH Power is a mystery shopping company that is very serious about the information that it provides to its customers and clients. The mystery shopping jobs at ATH will require specific reporting skills and excellent attention to detail.

If you get in with this company, you should have plenty of work coming your way. ATH has been in the industry for more than 20 years, and they have an excellent reputation. 

Rating: An A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, but no customer reviews exist.

7. Bare

Bare is a mystery shopping favorite. Many of the people that have decided to work for and with Bare have really enjoyed the time they have spent. This is a modern mystery shopping company that keeps the needs of its employees at the forefront of its thinking.

One of the things you will enjoy most about Bare is the ability to enter five different Zip Codes that work for you as a mystery shopper. Typically staying within a five-zip code radius will give you just the right amount of travel time between projects. Overall, Bare is worth considering. 

Rating: B- with the Better Business Bureau, but there are no customer reviews.

8. Market Force

Market Force is a mystery shopping company known for its premium data collection and statistics. Brands trust the information given to them by Market Force, which is one of the major reasons why this company has done so well.

With the Market Force sign-up, you will have to go through some thorough questions to ensure that you can provide the type of information they need. Overall, if you can get in and find opportunities with Market Force, you will be happy with what they have to offer mystery shoppers. 

Pay: $10 to $14 per hour.

Rating: 3.06 out of 5 stars, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

9. Quest for Best 

Quest for Best seems to focus primarily on the entertainment industry. If you want to go bowling, head to the movies, or eat some pizza, you may enjoy being a mystery shopper at Quest for Best.

This company will offer opportunities in more than 40 states, and they are constantly adding new options for people that sign up. If you notice there are no open mystery shopping assignments, Quest for Best will keep you in their system and alert you when new mystery shopping opportunities arise. 

Rating: A+ from the Better Business Bureau with no customer reviews.

10. IntelliShop

If you get bored easily, IntelliShop is the company you want to look into. IntelliShop serves over 50 different industries, and because of that, the shopping assignments they offer will be quite varied.

With the size of Intellishop and the diversity in the spaces they serve, your chances of getting a great assignment could be a bit higher with this organization. 

Pay: $11 to $12 per hour.

Rating: 1.8 out of 5 stars with the Better Business Bureau.

11. Perception Strategies

Perception Strategies is a unique mystery shopping company focusing only on the healthcare industry. This could mean that you actually have to sit through an appointment with a health care provider.

If you aren’t a fan of doctors or waiting rooms, this won’t be the job for you. If you find it interesting to learn more about the medical world, give Perception Strategies a shot. 

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars with the Better Business Bureau.

12. Ipsos

One of the most unique things about Ipsos is that it is a nationwide company. If you are a person who likes to travel internationally or is working and living more of that remote lifestyle, this could be the perfect mystery shopping gig for you.

With Ipsos, you can find opportunities worldwide to complete mystery shopping assignments across various industries. You will likely spend a bit of time working on the Ipsos application as there is quite a bit to it. Don’t let this push you away; this is a great mystery shopping job if you get in. 

Rating: 1.29 out of 5 stars with the Better Business Bureau.

13. BestMark

If you are getting into mystery shopping, chances are you expect to make some money throughout the process. One of the great things about BestMark is that they let you know how much each assignment will pay. On average, shoppers make around $20 per hour.

This allows you to only get involved in projects that make sense for you. The company has been around for almost 35 years and offers thousands of options each month for mystery shoppers all across the United States. 

Rating: 1.16 out of 5 stars and an F rating from the Better Business Bureau.

14. ACPVIEW

One of our favorite things about ACPVIEW is that it is a perfect place to start in the industry. The ACPView is all about getting the customer’s point of view and ensuring that they are experiencing the business in the way that management and higher-ups expect. The ACPView offers a wide range of opportunities and is a great way to get your foot in the door with mystery shopping. 

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

15. Confero

So much mystery shopping is location-based; if you live in the right area, you get better mystery shopping jobs. Confero is one of those that is easy to work with and simple to sign up for.

Simply put in your information and then get the scoop on anything that may be available in your area. Check back often to see if things change. You won’t always get an assignment the first time you sign up, but if you stick with it, chances are you will find something. 

Rating: A+ from the Better Business Bureau but there are no reviews.

16. Amusement Advantage

If you enjoy entertainment and you like the incentive to make some extra money, Amusement Advantage is likely a perfect choice for you.

If you handle this process properly, you have many extra bonuses and rewards to make a few extra dollars each time you complete a task. Overall the Amusement Advantage is a great way to earn and have fun simultaneously. 

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

17. SeeLevel

Some mystery shopping jobs are very straightforward and offer no benefits or incentives. Certainly, the company has to make money in addition to paying you so we can understand this. 

However, if you want to earn a free meal while you are working, SeeLevel is one of the best places to do so. If you can get in with SeeLevel, expect some pretty great perks along the way. After all, sometimes the best things about a  job are the perks and the job itself. 

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars and a B- rating with the Better Business Bureau.

18. Shopper’s View

Starting out as a mystery shopper will make some people somewhat skeptical. If that describes how you feel about this situation, take a look at Shoppers View.

This company has been in it for quite some time, and its ratings among mystery shoppers and the BBB are quite high. Shoppers View is a good one to put on your list when you start applying. 

Rating: A+ from the Better Business Bureau but there are no reviews.

19. iSecretShop

ISecrtetShop is an excellent choice if you are interested in doing various assignments. Some of what you do will be in-person shopping. However, there are also opportunities for phone shopping, surveys, and more. We recommend this website if you want a way to earn some extra money fast. 

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars and an F rating with the Better Business Bureau.

20. Reality-Based Group

If you are kind of picky about the types of mystery shopping gigs you want to take on, check out Reality Based Group or RBG. This company has some very large clients, and you will recognize many of the brand names quite well. Signing up with RBG means that you may have more of a say/choice in the types of projects you take on. 

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

21. Mercantile Systems

Mercantile Systems has worked a bit further down our list, which has everything to do with the payment schedule. With this company, you won’t get paid for quite some time after completing your assignment. We understand why this is from the point of Mercantile Systems, but it is a tough pill for the mystery shopper. Waiting for months for your payment will make you question whether or not it is coming. 

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars and a B- rating with the Better Business Bureau.

22. Service Evaluation Concepts

Service Evaluation Concepts provides mystery shopping services to some of the world's most iconic brands, including Aveda, Cartier, Macy's, Kroger and Lego. Mystery shoppers who work with SEC undergo a rigorous certification process that includes two levels of certification. This ensures that our mystery shoppers have the skills and knowledge necessary to provide accurate and valuable client feedback.

Pay: $10 to $50 or more per assignment/evaluation.

Rating: The Better Business Bureau has no ratings or reviews for this company.

Legitimate Phone Mystery Shopping Companies

Some of the phone mystery shopping jobs are a bit harder to scope out than others. If you are worried about signing up for something that is a scam, these options could help you feel a bit more comfortable. 

23.  InteliChek

InteliCheck is a well-known market research company. They generally have jobs available for mystery shoppers. The variety and range of the jobs will vary, but many of them are serious part to full-time jobs. Keep an eye on the jobs section of the InteliChek website, as it changes and updates quite often. 

Rating: 1.8 out of 5 stars and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

24. Call Center QA 

As technology improves and more and more people want to do things via text and AI as opposed to true call-in service, calling-type jobs increase in value. For instance, you can make quite a bit more money on some of these mystery shopping companies by phone jobs than you can on the in-person ones.

In addition, you won’t have to leave the comfort of your home. The Call Center QA works hard to give customers feedback on how their call centers perform. 

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

25. Signature Worldwide

You can work with Signature Worldwide to provide telephone mystery shopping services to companies in various industries. The company provides mystery shopping services to companies in various industries, such as construction and equipment, hotels and resorts, casinos and spas, assisted living communities, party rentals, medical offices, government agencies, restaurants, and diet centers. You can choose the industry you are interested in and the hours you want to work.

Pay: $10 per hour.

Rating: A+ from the Better Business Bureau but there are no reviews.

Which mystery shopping company pays the best?

If you're looking for a mystery shopping company that pays well, you'll want to consider BestMark. Founded in 1986, BestMark is one of the largest mystery shopping companies in the world, with over 600,000 mystery shoppers.

They offer various assignments, from dining and retail experiences to hotel stays and automobile purchases. According to Indeed, the pay is around $20 per hour but can go as higher for more complex assignments. Payment is made via PayPal within two weeks of completing an assignment. A referral program also pays for each new shopper you refer.

BestMark is a great option if you're looking for a mystery shopping company that pays well and offers a wide range of assignments.

Does Walmart hire mystery shoppers?

Walmart does not hire mystery shoppers. While some retail companies do use mystery shoppers to evaluate employee performance, Walmart has stated that it does not use this practice.

Which Mystery Shopping Companies Are Legitimate?

It can be difficult to figure out which mystery shopping companies are legitimate. There are a few things to look for that can help you decide.

First, check to see if the company is a member of the Better Business Bureau. This organization requires its members to adhere to a strict code of ethics, so you can be sure that any company that is a member is legitimate.

Second, look for online reviews of mystery shopping companies. Be sure to read both positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded picture of what others have experienced.

Finally, contact the company directly and ask any questions you may have. A legitimate company will be happy to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have. By taking these steps, you can be sure that you choose a mystery shopping company that is both reputable and reliable.

Avoid Mystery Shopping Scams

The mystery shopper jobs are work-from-home opportunities that can help you earn quite a bit of extra income. Some of these are even phone mystery shopping, so you won’t even need to travel to a store.

With jobs like this, you will notice quite a few scams often come up. The scams are because people are so desperate to find an opportunity that they are not cautious about the website's legitimacy. 

When you are looking for a mystery shopping job, make sure you carefully research the company. Check to see if they are registered and if they have any reviews or testimonials.

Also, check the BBB rating to see if they exist. Most of the time, if they are very heavy at client recruiting and you can see that they have large companies that they work for, chances are they are legitimate. 

Find Your Ideal Mystery Shopping Company 

You know how much we like to find ways to earn extra income. Mystery shopping can be a really fun way to earn quite a bit of money. Depending on how many companies you sign up with and the opportunities in your area, you can make this a real part-time job.

The only thing you have to be careful of is that you don’t spend too much of your money being out and about and enjoying all that your local area offers. Mystery shopping is a unique option to earn extra income and can be a smart choice for many people.