Top 15 Mystery Shopping Apps You Should Try

In the dynamic realm of consumer reviews and feedback, mystery shopping stands out as a key strategy for businesses to gain honest and unfiltered insights.

These covert operations, led by ordinary consumers-turned-sleuths, reveal the true consumer experience.

With the digital wave, mystery shopping has transitioned from a manual task to one dominated by mobile apps.

These applications not only make the process seamless but also more rewarding for the shoppers.

But before we cover the apps, let’s find out what these apps entail.

What are Mystery Shopping Apps?

Mystery shopping apps are digital platforms that connect businesses with individuals willing to evaluate and review their services discreetly. These individuals, known as “mystery shoppers,” visit businesses pretending to be regular customers, while secretly evaluating various aspects such as customer service, product quality, and overall experience.

After their visit, they provide feedback through the app. These insights are invaluable to businesses aiming to improve their service quality or assess staff performance.

In exchange for their services, mystery shoppers receive compensation, often in the form of cash, reimbursements, or gift cards. These apps have streamlined the entire process, making it convenient for both businesses and shoppers to engage in and benefit from the mystery shopping ecosystem.

1. Field Agent

Overview

Field Agent revolutionized the mystery shopping landscape with its user-friendly interface and extensive task offerings. Launched in 2010, the app has since garnered a large community of mystery shoppers and businesses alike.

How it Works

Upon registration, users can immediately access available jobs in their vicinity. Tasks range from store audits to price checks, and once completed, users submit their findings via the app.

Features

Field Agent boasts real-time data collection and a simplified report submission process. The built-in GPS ensures tasks are completed at the designated location, increasing credibility and accuracy.

Rewards

For every completed task, users earn cash rewards. With an easy-to-use cash-out system, users can transfer their earnings directly to their bank account or opt for gift cards.

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2. Mobee

Overview

Mobee adds an element of gamification to mystery shopping. Its mission-based approach makes the process interactive, engaging, and fun, appealing to both new and seasoned mystery shoppers.

How it Works

Users embark on “missions” at local stores. These missions have specific objectives, from photographing product placements to interviewing staff, all of which are outlined clearly within the app.

Features

The standout feature of Mobee is its points system. Rather than direct cash rewards, users accumulate points for missions, which can later be exchanged for rewards.

Rewards

Mobee offers a diverse rewards catalog. Points can be redeemed for a wide array of gift cards, ranging from popular retailers to online streaming services.

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3. Shopkick

Overview

Shopkick offers a unique take on the mystery shopping concept. While it encompasses traditional tasks, it also rewards users for simply walking into stores or scanning barcodes.

How it Works

After downloading, users can immediately start earning “kicks” or points. These can be garnered from a multitude of tasks, be it making purchases, scanning items, or even just window shopping.

Features

With its barcode scanning feature, users don’t necessarily have to make a purchase to earn points. The app also offers daily challenges, boosting engagement and reward opportunities.

Rewards

The accumulated “kicks” can be traded in for an array of gift cards. From big-name retailers to niche online stores, Shopkick offers something for everyone.

4. BestMark

Overview

BestMark has cemented its reputation as one of the pioneers in mystery shopping. With a legacy spanning over three decades, the app blends traditional mystery shopping principles with contemporary digital convenience.

How it Works

Users apply for assignments that fit their profiles. After completing these assignments, which range from service evaluations to product inspections, shoppers provide detailed feedback via the platform.

Features

BestMark’s expansive network of partnerships with leading brands and retailers sets it apart. It also offers comprehensive training resources, ensuring that shoppers are well-prepared for their assignments.

Rewards

Compensation varies depending on the assignment’s complexity. While some tasks offer direct cash incentives, others provide reimbursement for purchases or services experienced during the assignment.

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5. Gigwalk

Overview

Gigwalk transforms everyday consumers into an on-demand workforce. With its task-oriented approach, the platform provides businesses with real-time operational insights.

How it Works

Upon downloading, users can view “Gigs” available nearby. These tasks, which can last anywhere from 5 minutes to a few hours, involve activities such as verifying product displays or assessing promotional compliance.

Features

The app’s real-time reporting capability allows clients to receive immediate insights. Gigwalk’s user-friendly interface and detailed task guidelines ensure a seamless experience for its users.

Rewards

Payment is rendered directly through PayPal. The earnings for each gig are predetermined and are showcased to users before they accept an assignment.

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6. Presto Insta-Shopper

Overview

Presto Insta-Shopper combines the aspects of gamification with mystery shopping. Its sleek interface and interactive design make it a favorite among many users.

How it Works

Shoppers select assignments from an interactive map that highlights available opportunities in their vicinity. From there, users follow a set of instructions to complete their tasks.

Features

The Presto Map feature is a unique tool that displays real-time data on available shops, allowing users to plan their assignments effectively. The app also integrates timely reminders, ensuring users never miss a deadline.

Rewards

Payments are processed through PayPal. The amount varies based on the assignment’s complexity, with details provided upfront.

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7. Secret Shopper

Overview

Operating since 1993, Secret Shopper has transitioned seamlessly into the digital age. It offers a wide range of mystery shopping opportunities across various sectors.

How it Works

After a simple registration process, users can access and apply for assignments that match their preferences. Each assignment comes with a comprehensive guide on task completion.

Features

The platform stands out with its detailed shopper resources, including training modules and FAQs. This ensures users are well-equipped to deliver quality feedback.

Rewards

Compensation includes both reimbursements and pay. Depending on the task, shoppers can expect direct payments, service or product reimbursements, or a combination of both.

8. A Closer Look

Overview

Distinguished for its emphasis on thoroughness, A Closer Look has become a favorite for businesses that value in-depth feedback. The platform is tailored to provide brands with comprehensive insights into their operations.

How it Works

Prospective shoppers need to pass a screening test, ensuring only dedicated individuals access the assignments. Once onboarded, shoppers can pick assignments that align with their interests and expertise.

Features

One of the hallmarks of A Closer Look is its robust support system. Shoppers have access to detailed guidelines and can reach out for support whenever needed, ensuring they’re never left in the dark.

Rewards

Primarily, shoppers receive reimbursements for their purchases. Additionally, many assignments come with a bonus fee, acknowledging the effort and detail the shopper puts in.

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9. TrendSource

Overview

TrendSource is known for its multifaceted approach, combining mystery shopping with other forms of market research to provide businesses with a holistic view.

How it Works

Shoppers sign up and gain access to a diverse range of assignments. Beyond traditional shopping, some tasks may involve observing market trends or gauging the effectiveness of in-store promotions.

Features

TrendSource is lauded for its extensive geographic reach, with assignments spanning across North America. Their detailed reporting provides businesses with actionable insights.

Rewards

Payments are consistent and reliable, with the platform processing earnings twice a month. Compensation is offered both in the form of reimbursements and additional fees, depending on the task’s nature.

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10. QuickThoughts

Overview

QuickThoughts offers an innovative blend of mystery shopping and survey completion, allowing users to earn in various ways.

How it Works

While users can take up traditional mystery shopping tasks, they can also opt for surveys that match their profile, maximizing earning opportunities.

Features

The app’s dual nature stands out. The flexibility to switch between shopping tasks and online surveys caters to a broader audience and keeps engagement high.

Rewards

Instead of cash, earnings are in the form of gift cards. As users reach specific thresholds, they can opt for gift cards from leading retailers, ensuring a rewarding experience.

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11. Observa

Overview

Positioned as a real-time retail intelligence platform, Observa stands out for its emphasis on accurate, data-driven feedback.

How it Works

Users pick available assignments in their region, which often involve capturing photos and detailed observations to provide real-time insights.

Features

Observa is designed for precision. Its comprehensive guidelines ensure that every assignment captures the most accurate data, making the insights invaluable for businesses.

Rewards

Earnings are processed rapidly, often within a few hours post assignment completion. Payments are facilitated through popular digital platforms, making the entire process seamless.

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12. iSecretShop

Overview

iSecretShop offers an aggregated approach, pooling opportunities from multiple mystery shopping providers into a single platform.

How it Works

Users get the advantage of viewing, applying for, and completing tasks from a plethora of companies without juggling multiple platforms.

Features

The centralized approach of iSecretShop is its major USP. This system ensures users have a vast array of opportunities at their fingertips, making it easier to find assignments that align with their preferences.

Rewards

Given the platform’s aggregated nature, rewards can vary significantly. However, users can expect a combination of direct payments, gift cards, and reimbursements based on the originating company’s policies.

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13. Market Force

Overview

Having established a strong reputation over the years, Market Force is a heavyweight in the mystery shopping industry, known for its thorough assignments and detailed feedback mechanisms.

How it Works

After an in-depth screening process, shoppers access tasks that often revolve around specific service experiences, ranging from dining to retail.

Features

Market Force emphasizes training, offering modules to ensure its shoppers are best prepared for every assignment. The platform’s dashboard is also intuitive, making task tracking and feedback submission a breeze.

Rewards

Compensation typically includes reimbursements for any purchases made during the assignment. On top of this, shoppers receive a fee based on the task’s complexity.

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14. Pinnacle Mystery Shopping

Overview

Pinnacle is renowned for its tailored approach to mystery shopping, providing businesses with detailed insights into their service quality and overall customer experience.

How it Works

Shoppers undergo a vetting process and, once approved, can access assignments. Feedback is expected to be detailed and comprehensive.

Features

The platform’s strength lies in its emphasis on quality over quantity. Shoppers are provided with extensive resources and guidelines to ensure that feedback is of the highest standard.

Rewards

Payment structures are transparent, often comprising a combination of reimbursements and additional fees. The emphasis is on fair compensation, rewarding the effort and detail shoppers invest.

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15. IntelliShop

Overview

Rounding off our list is IntelliShop, a platform recognized for its expansive service offerings, spanning from traditional mystery shopping to video mystery shops and even competitor audits.

How it Works

Post-registration, users can delve into a variety of assignments. Each task comes with its own set of guidelines, ensuring that users are well-equipped to provide insightful feedback.

Features

What sets IntelliShop apart is its diverse range of assignments, catering to those who wish to explore beyond traditional mystery shopping.

Rewards

Shoppers are compensated through a mix of reimbursements and additional payments. The platform also prides itself on timely payouts, ensuring users receive their earnings promptly.

Conclusion

The digital evolution has reshaped the mystery shopping domain, making it more accessible, efficient, and rewarding.

These 15 apps stand testament to this transformation, each offering unique features and benefits tailored for today’s discerning shoppers.

Whether you’re new to the world of mystery shopping or a seasoned pro, there’s an app out there that’s a perfect fit for you.

Embrace this innovative approach to shopping and discover new ways to earn while you shop!

Related Posts:

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• TrendSource Review (Updated 2023): Mystery Shopping for Cash
• Review of Shadow Shopper
• The 51 Best Legit Mystery Shopping Companies To Work Remotely