The 51 Best Legit Mystery Shopping Companies To Work Remotely

Updated on: by Amy Kennedy

Want to know all about the mystery shopping craze? You can earn legit cash each month from mystery shopping when you use the right companies like these. I have done some mystery shopping here and there, and I’ll admit that it’s a fun way to earn some side income.

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I’ve also known others who go full-force with it and earn almost a full-time income using a few different companies.

Mystery shopping isn’t the right choice for everyone, but it can be a way to earn money without a 9 to 5 job.

You can usually make somewhere around $10 to $25 per mystery shop task.

It’s not bad, considering most shops don’t take more than a few minutes of your time.

Here’s everything you need to know about mystery shopping and the best companies to start with.

What Do Secret Shoppers Do?

What is mystery shopping and what will you do as a secret shopper?

All mystery shopping companies do things a bit differently, but the general idea is the same.

You visit a specific store, complete specific tasks, and provide feedback of your experience.

Some mystery shopping companies focus on telephone mystery shops only.

For these, you’ll call a store, ask specific questions, and then complete a follow-up survey.

By mystery shopping, you help store owners learn what areas they need to improve on.

For example, say you completed a mystery shop at a grocery store.

You were required to ask an associate for help locating the toiletries.

The associate continued what he was doing, didn’t look at you, and simply said “Aisle 5.”

You might point out that customer service was lacking.

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The owner will see, from your feedback, that some more customer service training might come in handy.

What are the Negatives?

Like most jobs, mystery shopping isn’t perfect.

One of the biggest downfalls is work may not be steady.

Mystery shops may come and go – you could have some busy weeks and then go months with barely any work.

It can be difficult to rely on a steady paycheck from mystery shopping.

You also need to prepare to shop with your own cash up front.

Most mystery shopping companies don’t pay you first to shop – your payment comes later.

That means that whatever you’re required to purchase comes out of your pocket.

In many cases, your performance can affect your pay, too.

If you don’t hit all the requirements, you may not get your full – or any – payment.

You’ll also be responsible for gas to get to and from the store and paying your own taxes (you’re technically self-employed). So, the costs can add up quickly.

Of course, if you’re strategic about the shops you choose – like picking ones close to you that pay a good rate – then you won’t lose out on cash.

How to Become a Mystery Shopper

Mystery shopping doesn’t typically take special skills other than excellent attention to detail.

To get started, it’s usually as simple as finding reputable companies you want to work with and signing up for a few of them.

Sign up for as many as you can handle, since more companies will mean more paid opportunities.

When one company is slow with shops, another one may have several to offer.

Make sure you have reliable transportation, since your car is your way to get to a shop.

And, a reliable computer is just as important.

Your computer is usually how you’ll submit your reports for shops.

Once you have the basics, you’re all set!

Now, onto the jobs!

In-Person Mystery Shopping Jobs (Updated for 2023)

A Closer Look

A Closer Look requires its mystery shoppers to take a test as part of the application process.

It focuses on basic math, grammar, spelling, and logic to make sure you will accurately be able to complete the shops. The test should only take about 10 minutes.

The entire application process takes about 30 minutes.

You’ll need to submit a small narrative about a recent store or restaurant experience so the company can judge your critiquing skills.

You must be at least 18 years old to apply.

About Face

About Face has over 200,000 mystery shoppers and consistently recruits more.

It’s an accredited business with the BBB and includes mystery shoppers from the United States and Canada.

You must be at least 18 years old.

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Payment depends on complexity of the shop and your previous performances.

Amusement Advantage

This company seeks mystery shoppers in Canada and all states except Nevada.

The independent contractor application will take between 15 and 30 minutes to complete.

You can choose to get paid via PayPal, which will be released between 21 and 28 days after a shop is completed.

Pay depends on the shop, but you can earn an extra $5 if you return your completed shop earlier than the deadline.

Amusement Advantage also offers a $10 referral bonus.

Anonymous Insights

Independent contractors who love to shop in person can fill out the quick registration form for Anonymous Insights to have their profile added to the roster.

Shops will then be added to the job board when they’re available in your area and you can choose which ones you want to participate in.

By the 10th of the month following the completion of your shop, you’ll get paid via check, but the company is looking to switch to PayPal in the future.

BestMark

BestMark seeks mystery shoppers with excellent attention to detail and adherence to deadlines. Most shops have a turnaround time of 24 hours.

Most payments are made within four weeks of shop completion. Payment is only available via check.

Clear Evaluations

Clear Evaluations partners with independent mystery shoppers for a variety of shops, including web-based, phone, and in-person.

The company works with clients in several industries, from auto dealerships to retail stores.

You can click this link to go to the registration form.

Once you’re signed up, you’ll be able to access the job board with open shops in your area or that match your interests.

Confero

Confero has both in-store and telephone mystery shops, but most are in-store.

The company seeks shoppers for price checks, on-site audits, compliance audits, and traditional mystery shops.

You must be at least 21 to apply.

Confero updates the job board daily and you can choose from available shops.

Shops are available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and South America.

Coyle Hospitality Group

Coyle Hospitality Group uses evaluators to help shape a variety of businesses it partners with.

The link to the signup page is currently not working, but you can always contact the company using its provided email to inquire about open positions.

Customer Perspectives

Customer Perspectives requires its mystery shoppers to have excellent writing skills so that they can accurately fill out the follow-up forms from their shops in detail.

You also must have reliable internet access, as you’ll receive assignments via the web-based communications system.

Mystery shoppers can be located in the US and Canada and can sign up using the short form on the registration page.

Ellis Partners in Management Solutions

This company focuses on apartment mystery shops.

Independent contractors will post as customers interested in becoming a potential tenant in an apartment complex.

You may need to ask specific questions, purchase a product, and browse the grounds like you would if you were considering an apartment there.

Once you complete an application, you’ll need to complete the tutorial, and then you’ll have access to open opportunities for which to apply.

Field Agent

If you love very quick mystery shops that you can fit easily into your schedule, then Field Agent is perfect for you.

This app shows tasks near you that you can typically complete in just a few minutes (you’ll have two hours to do it once you accept it).

They’ll involve things like visiting a store and giving feedback on its promotions, customer service, or cleanliness.

Once your tasks get approved, you’ll get paid within 48 hours.

GBW

GPW looks for retail auditors, which are a bit different than traditional mystery shoppers.

You’ll announce your visit to the store and complete an audit of its procedures, safety measures, compliance, etc.

You must be 18 or older to join. GBW pays auditors once per month.

GFK Mystery Shopping

GFK seeks mystery shoppers in North America. You can self-assign jobs that you’re interested in using the GFK job board.

You must complete your shops within 12 hours of acceptance to get payment.

Gigwalk

Gigwalk is an app and website that connects independent contractors with people who need stuff done near them.

Some tasks can include mystery shopping, like visiting a local restaurant and giving feedback on your experience.

Others are more service-based, but you can always browse open opportunities near you and respond to mystery shops when they’re available.

Gigwalkers get paid with PayPal once their work is approved by the platform.

IntelliShop

IntelliShop is another company that allows you to choose your jobs through its job board of available shops.

Some can also be assigned directly to you.

You’ll need to confirm these within 24 hours.

Shops must be completed within 12 hours, but you may be granted an extension if you ask for one.

Payments are made via PayPal about 30 days after a completed shop.

Market Force

Market Force is a well-established mystery shopping company that offers remote shopping assignments. 

They have a large client base, including restaurants, retail stores, and financial institutions. 

As a remote shopper, you may be assigned tasks such as online evaluations, phone calls, or video shops. 

Market Force provides detailed guidelines and training materials to help shoppers complete their assignments effectively. 

Payments are typically made via direct deposit or PayPal.

AboutFace

AboutFace is a reputable mystery shopping company that offers remote opportunities for individuals to evaluate customer experiences. 

They work with businesses in a wide range of industries, including retail, hospitality, banking, automotive, and healthcare. 

AboutFace focuses on delivering actionable insights to their clients, helping them enhance their customer service and overall operations.

As an AboutFace mystery shopper, you’ll have access to a variety of assignments that align with your preferences and location. 

They provide detailed instructions and guidelines for each assignment, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of what to evaluate. 

You’ll be responsible for conducting thorough evaluations, paying attention to specific aspects outlined in the assignment instructions.

Market Viewpoint

Market Viewpoint is a well-known mystery shopping company that specializes in providing remote opportunities for individuals to assess customer experiences. 

They collaborate with businesses across industries such as retail, restaurants, healthcare, financial services, and more. 

Market Viewpoint focuses on helping their clients improve customer satisfaction, identify areas for improvement, and enhance overall service quality.

When you join Market Viewpoint as a mystery shopper, you’ll have access to a wide range of assignments that match your interests and location. They provide detailed guidelines and instructions for each assignment, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of the expectations. 

SeeLevel HX

SeeLevel HX is a trusted mystery shopping company that offers remote opportunities for individuals to evaluate customer experiences. 

The company focuses on helping their clients improve customer service, increase sales, and optimize operational performance.

As a SeeLevel HX mystery shopper, you’ll have access to a diverse range of assignments that match your interests and location. 

They provide detailed guidelines and instructions for each assignment, ensuring that you understand the specific requirements. 

You’ll be responsible for conducting evaluations, interacting with employees, and assessing various aspects of the customer experience.

SeeLevel HX provides an intuitive platform that allows you to conveniently access available assignments, submit reports, and communicate with their support team. 

They prioritize accurate and timely report submission to maintain the quality of their services. 

InTouch Insight

InTouch Insight works with both retail and food brands to deliver quality feedback given by mystery shoppers.

When you register to become a shopper, you can access a list of open jobs near you. Request the ones you want and wait about 48 hours for a reply.

If accepted, you can get started using the given instructions.

Shoppers get paid every other Friday for the work they do.

Jancyn

Jancyn works with companies in retail, food, financial, and other top industries to help them improve their customer service and overall customer experience.

Once you sign up and get entered into the database, you’ll be able to see the current jobs available for you.

Shops need to be completed within 12 hours of visiting the location.

You’ll need to provide detailed feedback about your experience that will help each client improve every customer visit.

JM Ridgway

JM Ridgway offers a wide range of services for business that help them improve their service, and mystery shopping is one of them.

Accepted shoppers will be entered into a database called SASSIE where they can search and apply for open jobs.

All payments are made with PayPal between 30 and 45 days after a completed shop, but the pay will vary with each project.

MarketForce

MarketForce is easily one of the most popular mystery shopping companies.

It provides mystery shops in a wide range of industries, such as automotive and movie theaters.

Most shops take between one and two hours. You must be at least 18 to apply and have a high school diploma.

You’ll get paid once a month via direct deposit or check.

Person to Person Quality

This company features a variety of mystery shopping types, like visiting auto dealerships, giving feedback on a dining experience, and pretending to open a checking account at a bank.

Person to Person Quality pays for each shop with PayPal, so only those who are able to use the platform can get paid.

Once you accept the shopper agreement and register, you can start browsing available shops to complete.

Pinnacle

Once you sign up for Pinnacle, you can use the job board to search for interesting shops near you.

You must complete your survey within 12 hours of accepting a shop.

You’ll be graded on a 1-10 system. Your grade includes your accuracy, detail, dependability, and writing skills.

The higher your grade, the likelier you’ll be granted shops.

Shops pay between $4 and $75 each, depending on the type. Pays once per month with PayPal.

Quest For Best

Quest For Best offers a flexible way for mystery shoppers to get paid completing shops in their spare time.

Just sign up, fill out your profile, and be entered into the database of open shops in your area.

The company doesn’t tend to have a very active list of shops according to reports, but it will keep your name and information on file for when something does come up.

You can choose to accept or deny any shop that comes your way, depending on when you’re available and if it fits into your schedule.

Secret Shopper

Secret Shopper is a bit different than other companies. It offers on-site shops, telephone shops, and online shops.

The online mystery shops include testing and evaluating websites, taking surveys, and an online business analysis.

Shoppers can potentially have a lot of available opportunities with Secret Shopper.

Most shops pay between $12 and $25.

Second to None

Second to None seeks mystery shoppers from the United States and Canada. You can complete your shops via a computer, tablet, or smartphone, so at least one of these is required.

The company has traditional mystery shops, compliance audits, and customer surveys to choose from. When you apply, you’ll have instant access to the job board.

Sentry Marketing

This marketing company offers mystery shopping as one of its services to help businesses improve their structures and customer service.

Those with excellent observation and writing skills can apply for mystery shopping positions, which are mostly on-site shops.

To apply, you’ll need to fill out a quick form and agree to the terms for mystery shoppers, after which you should be able to login and see open shops.

Service Evaluation Concepts

Service Evaluation Concepts looks for “Brand Agents,” which is its term for someone who performs shops.

These shops are mostly customer service-based shops, so you’ll be evaluating the customer experience businesses from the customer point of view.

You can become certified here, which opens you up to more opportunities.

Once you become a Brand Agent, you can elect to take the certification course for valuable resources and more earning potential.

Service Impressions

Those who are detail-oriented and sticklers for deadlines should work out well with Service Impressions as a shopper.

This company focuses on in-person shops in stores, restaurants, and other businesses.

Once you sign up, you can begin receiving assignments to your email inbox.

Some clients may have you shop for them weekly or monthly, but most are on an as-needed basis.

Every project pay varies, but shoppers will be reimbursed via PayPal around the 30th of each month.

Shopper’s View

When you shop for this company, you’ll visit a variety of local businesses, evaluated them on specific criteria (this can differ for each shop), and then provide detailed feedback.

You’ll be able to create your own schedule and complete shops at your leisure.

The company also offers telephone mystery shopping tasks, which is great when you have a little less time to spare.

Sinclair Customer Metrics

This company uses an advanced reporting system and portal that provides mystery shopping with training, an easy way to complete reports, performance reports, and more.

You can even participate in video mystery shopping using a hidden camera to capture your interactions with employees.

To apply, you’ll need to fill out the application, a new shopper survey, and a “New Shopper Challenge” to see how well you’d perform shops.

Skilcheck

Get paid by Skilcheck to evaluate businesses based on their cleanliness, customer service, employee interactions, and more.

You can fill out a quick form and accept the service agreement to find projects and get started.

TrendSource

Become an Independent Field Agent for TrendSource, a market research company that helps businesses improve their offerings.

The company pays per project, which will vary depending on the scope of each project.

You’ll get paid twice per month via direct deposit, check, or PayPal (PayPal is only available for Canadian and UK shoppers).

WeGoLook

WeGoLook is a little different than others, and not necessarily a mystery shopping company, but there are those types of gigs available sometimes.

As a “Looker,” you’ll be assigned tasks by other people who aren’t local to your area.

Basically, you’ll act like the eyes of the requester, giving them the information they need in the form of photos or written feedback.

Some tasks are from corporate headquarters that want to know more about their local stores, so you could end up doing mystery shops for them.

You can accept or deny any jobs, so you’ll never be stuck with something you’re not interested in.

Phone Mystery Shopping Jobs (Updated for 2023)

ARC Consulting

ARC Consulting provides telephone mystery shopping opportunities.

You’ll call its clients’ locations posing as a customer and you’ll provide detailed feedback of your experience.

The company hires all of its applicants as phone mystery shoppers first.

Based on performance, accuracy, reliability, and other factors, you may then be able to perform phone audits, which can give you more money.

Ath Power Consulting

Ath Power Consulting works with brands and mystery shoppers to complete over 10,000 shops per month!

You’ll need to fill out a registration form and confirm your email to become a member of the shopper database.

Most of these shops are for the financial industry, so it’s helpful to have some knowledge of banking and personal finance products.

The company pays via Bill.com, so you’ll need to follow the given instructions after you complete your first shop to sign up with the site and get paid.

Call Center QA

Call Center QA hires United States telephone mystery shoppers. You must be at least 18 years old to apply.

This company is one of the most popular, mostly because it’s so transparent with its terms.

Its website clearly states that each shop pays $5, which includes the 5-10 minute shop and brief follow-up survey.

So, you could potentially earn about $20 per hour with consistent shops for Call Center QA.

Additionally, the company pays for shops within 7 business days or less.

There’s also a referral program that opens occasionally where you can earn money from referring your friends.

DSG Associates

DSG Associates contracts with independent mystery shoppers to help businesses transform the customer experience into something more positive.

Many shops pay within the $50 to $75 range, but some pay less or more.

Once you’re registered, you can find shops in your area or phone shops that match your interests in the Available Shops section of your dashboard.

iMyst

iMyst pays shoppers via check and PayPal for all completed shops.

You just need to fill out a quick form to register, which includes your basic information and experience (if any), plus a quick writing sample to ensure that you’ll be able to provide helpful feedback for each shop.

Intelichek

Intelicheck hires mystery shoppers in the United States and Canada. It often has positions available for bilingual telephone mystery shoppers as well.

Intelicheck prefers its candidates to have at least 6 months of call center or telesales experience, but it’s not a requirement.

You’ll need to be able to commit to 10 to 30 hours per week between the hours of 8am or 7pm EST.

The job will consist of calling businesses to inquire about the products and services they offer.

The job description states that most shoppers earn between $9 and $14 per hour.

Kennedy Training Network

The Kennedy Training Network focuses on hotel mystery shopping.

Shoppers will be responsible for posing as customers to call different hotels to inquire about prices, amenities, and anything else listed in the instructions.

You’ll then provide feedback based on the helpfulness of the desk clerk and how you felt about the overall customer experience by phone.

The company uses this information to help the hotels better train their employees based on the information you provided.

Maritz Research

Maritz Research is a market research company that contracts with mystery shoppers to provide “interviews” over the phone for its partnered businesses.

During interviews, you’ll ask questions about products and services and provide feedback about how well your questions were addressed by the person on the other end of the line.

Some of these positions are for on-site locations only, but there are also some virtual positions for at-home workers.

Most positions are relatively flexible, but may require you to work between 15 to 30 hours a week.

Perception Strategies

Perception Strategies focuses on healthcare mystery shopping. You’ll be asked to complete a sample shop as part of the application process.

The company currently seeks mystery shoppers in specific areas of the United States; the list can be found on its website.

Quality Assessments Mystery Shoppers

This company pays shoppers within 30 days of their telephone mystery shops.

You’ll just need to register and confirm your email address (the whole process takes about a half an hour) to be able to search open opportunities.

Reality Based Group

Reality Based Group has been around since 1992 helping businesses improve their customer service.

You can fill out the registration form and wait about 7 to 10 days to find out if you’ve been approved to start as a shopper.

Most shops are phone-based, but some are video-based!

You’ll visit places on-site and conduct shops using a video-enabled device to speak your thoughts into rather than writing them.

Service Performance Group, Inc.

Service Performance Group, Inc. looks for people like you to call partnered businesses and provide feedback about the call experience.

Just fill out the sign up form to be notified when new phone shops are open.

Shoppers Critique

For Shoppers Critique, you can perform mystery shops within a number of industries.

To sign up, just fill in your email address and complete the registration form.

TeleXpertise

TeleXpertise offers a variety of inbound and outbound call center services to clients, including telephone mystery shopping.

You can apply by sending your resume directly to the e-mail listed on the contact page.

Yardi-Matrix

Yardi-Matrix’s telephone mystery shopping jobs are a bit different than others.

Known as “surveyors”, its shoppers call apartment communities to conduct surveys that ask information about rent prices, office hours, amenities, etc.

Yardi-Matrix pays a base rate of $6 per hour, plus 50 cents per call.

You’ll also still earn some pay for wrong numbers, partially completed surveys, and no-answer calls.

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Watch Out for Scams!

Unfortunately, there are a lot of mystery shopping scams out there.

One in particular was called Experience Exchange. Apparently, Experience Exchange mystery shopping was a highly-touted one that’s suddenly no longer in existence.

When a company goes as easily as it comes, it’s a big red flag for a scam.

Even the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns against mystery shopping scams because it’s so easy to get fooled by them.

And, scam companies set out to prey on desperate people looking to make quick money by mystery shopping.

So, they tell you what you want to hear: “Make money fast.” “Never work again.” “Get paid $100 for 5 minutes of work.”

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

The FTC says it’s important never to pay for a mystery shopping job.

If a mystery shopping company asks for money in any way before you begin work, report it.

Read plenty of company reviews and spend some time researching the company online before you get started. If it lacks information, it may not be legit.

Does mystery shopping sound appealing to you?

If so, try it out!

Don’t forget to come back here and let us know how it went in a comment.

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Vidya | AWritersSafari

September 11, 2017 at 10:27 am

Hi, as usual, your list is very detailed and helpful. I was wondering if you know of any virtual mystery shopping sites that are open worldwide? I have been looking for work at home jobs for international members.

Debra Robinson

February 9, 2018 at 10:04 pm

TeleXpertise is gone-I get only an error page! maybe they were also scammers or a failure.

Rebekka

March 2, 2021 at 11:01 am

Hello, I’m looking for the exact same! Did you find anything?

Olaoluwa Alebiosu

October 31, 2018 at 11:48 am

Stay away from second to none. Their shopper instructions are unclear and a predominant amount of your reports will be declined with very little explanation.

Mystery Shopper

December 20, 2019 at 9:10 am

I agree. Second To None is the worst of them all! I just got stiffed for false reasons! After basically proving them wrong, they just got even madder, and even went as far as sending me a flaming hatemail in caps, saying they still are not taking back their decline, which is totally ridiculous! I am never doing anything with that company again!

Jim remds

March 5, 2019 at 7:28 am

Well it might not be a worker but a very unhappy customer

Rhonda White

February 23, 2021 at 5:13 pm

Can you tell me if msnetworkshopper is a legitimate company? I don’t see a website only a email address

Karen Salgueiro

March 27, 2021 at 1:15 pm

Is opinion output secret shopper legitimate or a scam