Top Picks for Best Mystery Shopping Companies in 2025

Are you exploring ways to make some extra money? Perhaps you enjoy shopping, dining out, or experiencing new services. Becoming a mystery shopper sounds appealing, offering payment for activities you might already engage in, but finding the best mystery shopping companies is important.

Finding legitimate mystery shopping work can feel confusing sometimes. Many platforms advertise these opportunities, but distinguishing the real mystery shopping jobs from the scams takes effort. This guide will help you identify some of the best mystery shopping companies available today.

Selecting the right shopping company is vital because you deserve fair compensation delivered promptly. Partnering with the best mystery shopping companies connects you with professional organizations that value the feedback you provide valuable insights on the customer experience .

What Exactly is Mystery Shopping?

Let’s clarify what being a mystery shopper involves. Businesses hire individuals to act as regular customers. Your assignment might take you to retail stores , restaurants, banks, grocery stores , or even require you to interact with call centers via phone mystery shops.

Your main task as a secret shopper is to observe and report on specific elements of the customer experience . This could include facility cleanliness, staff friendliness, service speed, or adherence to procedures. Often, a mystery shop will require asking predetermined questions or making a purchase, which may be reimbursed.

Following your visit or interaction, you complete a detailed report documenting your findings. Companies use this crucial feedback to enhance customer service , refine employee training, conduct loss prevention checks, and improve overall business operations. It allows them a candid view of their establishment from a customer’s perspective, a concept detailed by resources like Investopedia .

Finding Reputable Mystery Shopping Partners

How can you differentiate reliable mystery shopping companies from questionable ones? One indicator is membership in the Mystery Shopping Professionals Association (MSPA) Americas . Membership suggests the mystery shopping provider adheres to industry ethics and standards, though it’s wise to do further checks.

Trustworthy shopping providers have transparent payment terms; you should clearly understand the pay rate per shopping job and the payment schedule (e.g., direct deposit , check, sometimes gift cards or cash payment ). Good companies pay fairly for your time and effort. They also offer reliable support channels for mystery shoppers with questions about their shopping gigs .

Check if a mystery shopping company frequently offers assignments in your geographic area. Reading shopper reviews or checking the company’s Better Business Bureau rating (bureau rating ) can offer insights into their reputation. Remember that experiences can vary, so gather information from multiple companies if possible.

Our Look at Some of the Best Mystery Shopping Companies

Now, let’s look into some well-regarded mystery shopping providers . Availability of mystery shops depends heavily on your location and the specific needs of the company hiring at that time. Signing up as an independent contractor with several legitimate mystery shopping companies broadens your chances of finding suitable mystery shopper jobs .

IntelliShop

Intouch Insight powers IntelliShop, a frequently mentioned name among mystery shoppers . They boast a diverse range of mystery shopping jobs across various sectors, including retail, dining, and automotive services. Many shoppers find their platform intuitive for locating and applying for assignments.

IntelliShop emphasizes detailed and accurate reporting, making strong observational and writing skills advantageous. The required purchase, if any, and the payment details are typically specified clearly within the assignment description before you accept.

As a respected member of the MSPA, IntelliShop demonstrates a commitment to industry standards. Their focus is on delivering actionable customer metrics back to their clients based on shopper feedback.

BestMark

BestMark stands out as a prominent player among mystery shopping companies . With a long history, they collaborate with numerous large, recognizable brands across North America. You might find shopper jobs evaluating banks, casinos, theme parks , or high-end retail stores .

They receive positive feedback for professionalism and the quality of their assignments, which often demand keen observation and memory. BestMark is also an MSPA member, reinforcing its credibility as one of the legitimate companies .

Payment is usually reliable, often facilitated through direct deposit . Prospective shoppers can visit their website to explore current opportunities and complete the simple online application process.

Secret Shopper

The Secret Shopper company manages a vast database of mystery shopping assignments throughout the US and Canada. Their coverage spans multiple industries, such as retail, restaurants, and property management. This wide variety increases the likelihood of finding shopping jobs that align with your personal interests and location.

Their website includes helpful resources for secret shoppers , which is particularly beneficial for those new to mystery shopping gigs . Secret Shopper maintains membership with the MSPA.

Payment reliability is a focus, with compensation typically issued via check or electronic methods. Shopper feedback often notes their reporting system is comprehensive but manageable.

Market Force Information

Market Force Information is a substantial market research firm offering extensive mystery shopping opportunities. They partner with many famous restaurant chains, retailers, and service businesses. You could earn extra cash evaluating anything from a fast-food pickup to a visit to a major clothing retailer.

Due to their size, Market Force often provides a steady flow of diverse assignments. They utilize a mobile application, Eyes:On, simplifying the reporting process for specific types of mystery shops .

An MSPA member, Market Force Information clearly outlines payment terms for each assignment. Compensation typically includes reimbursement for necessary purchases plus a fee for your time and report; this is how the shopping company pays .

Second To None

Second To None centers its services on customer experience measurement, where mystery shopping plays a significant role. They collaborate with businesses in hospitality, retail, healthcare, and other sectors. They seek detailed, objective feedback from their mystery shoppers .

Shoppers frequently praise their professional communication style and the clarity of assignment instructions. Consistent, on-time payment is another positive attribute often highlighted in shopper feedback about this mystery shopping company .

They are active MSPA members. The sign-up involves creating a profile with your demographic details and interests, helping match you with relevant mystery shopping jobs .

Sinclair Customer Metrics

Sinclair Customer Metrics specializes in mystery shopping services , particularly within the banking and financial industries. If you possess strong attention to detail and are comfortable evaluating financial institutions, Sinclair Customer Metrics could be an excellent choice. Their focus delivers precise customer metrics .

They place a high value on accuracy, objectivity, and professionalism in shopper reports. Given their client base, assignments might involve more complex scenarios or require careful scrutiny compared to typical retail shops.

Sinclair Customer Metrics is an MSPA member company. Shoppers generally regard their payment processes as dependable and timely.

Ipsos

Ipsos operates as a global market research leader, incorporating mystery shopping into its service portfolio. They manage projects for a wide spectrum of industries across the globe. This international presence might present opportunities even for shoppers located outside the United States.

Engaging with Ipsos can expose you to various evaluation types, from basic store checks to intricate customer journey assessments. They employ robust systems for managing assignments and collecting detailed reports from their mystery shoppers .

Ipsos adheres to MSPA standards in relevant regions. Registration requires setting up an account within their dedicated shopper portal to view available shopping jobs .

Coyle Hospitality Group

If evaluating luxury experiences like fine dining, upscale hotels, or spas interests you, Coyle Hospitality Group is a notable mystery shopping provider . They focus exclusively on the high-end hospitality market. Their mystery shops typically involve assessing premium services and environments.

These assignments demand superior observational abilities and the skill to craft detailed, narrative-style reports. The compensation, including reimbursements and fees, often corresponds to the higher cost associated with the services being evaluated.

Coyle Hospitality Group holds a strong reputation within the hospitality sector and upholds professional standards consistent with MSPA guidelines. They seek dedicated shoppers mystery evaluating skills.

A Closer Look

A Closer Look primarily offers mystery shopping services for the restaurant and hotel industries but also covers retail and healthcare clients. Their assignments frequently involve evaluating customer service quality, staff interactions, and the overall atmosphere. Potential perks might include free food during restaurant evaluations.

They provide support resources for their shoppers via their website. Many users find their online platform straightforward for managing shopping gigs and submitting reports after a visit.

A Closer Look is an active MSPA member. Payment schedules and methods (like direct deposit ) are clearly communicated when an assignment is offered.

Confero Inc.

Confero Inc. partners with clients across diverse sectors, including quick-service restaurants, retail banking, and automotive sales/service. They are known for being well-organized and maintaining clear communication with their network of mystery shoppers .

They supply unambiguous instructions and expectations for every mystery shop . Shoppers often commend Confero for their reliability regarding timely payments for completed work.

Confero is also a dedicated member of the MSPA. Their registration process involves submitting your details through their website to be considered for mystery shopping jobs in your area.

Tips for Mystery Shopping Success

Getting accepted by the best mystery shopping companies is the first step. To consistently receive mystery shopping assignments , you need to demonstrate reliability and skill. Becoming a successful mystery shopper requires dedication.

Maintain professionalism at all times. Although you pose as a typical customer, remember you are performing a shopping job to evaluate a business. Arrive promptly for timed visits and meticulously follow the provided scenario and instructions.

Cultivate keen attention to detail. You might need to recall employee names, note specific service times, or assess cleanliness against a checklist. Taking discreet notes immediately after leaving the location is highly recommended to ensure report accuracy.

Thoroughly read and understand all assignment guidelines *before* conducting the mystery shop . Overlooking a required task or question can lead to report rejection and non-payment. Following directions precisely is fundamental to being a successful mystery shopper.

Submit your evaluation reports promptly, adhering strictly to the deadline set by the mystery shopping provider . Late submissions reflect poorly and can jeopardize future assignment offers. Timeliness is crucial because the data is often time-sensitive for the client.

Manage your earnings expectations realistically. Mystery shopping typically provides supplemental extra income , not a full-time salary replacement. Pay per shop varies based on complexity and time required, and you must account for your time, travel, and sometimes initial purchase costs before reimbursement.

Develop good organizational skills, especially if you register with multiple companies to increase your opportunities. Keep track of assignments, deadlines, and payment schedules. Using a calendar or spreadsheet can help you stay organized and meet all obligations.

Watch Out for Scams.

Unfortunately, the appeal of earning extra money through shopping attracts fraudulent operators. You must be vigilant to avoid mystery shopping scams . Learning how to spot red flags is essential for protecting yourself.

Legitimate mystery shopping companies will *never* require you to pay money for registration, access to their job board , or certification. This is a primary indicator of a scam; legitimate companies pay *you* for your work. Any request for payment from you should be declined immediately.

Be extremely wary of unsolicited offers, especially those involving receiving a large check upfront with instructions to cash it, wire a portion elsewhere, and retain the remainder as payment. This is a prevalent fake check scam, as warned by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) . The check will ultimately bounce, leaving you liable to the bank for the withdrawn funds.

Also, exercise caution regarding requests for highly sensitive personal data, such as bank account details or Social Security numbers, during the initial sign-up phase before you’ve even seen or accepted a specific mystery shopping job . Only provide payment information through secure channels once you have established a relationship with a verified, legitimate mystery shopping company and accepted an assignment.

Before signing up, consider checking the company’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). While not definitive, a poor business bureau rating or numerous unresolved complaints can be a warning sign. Stick with well-known, reputable shopping providers association members when possible to avoid mystery scams.

Conclusion

Mystery shopping can be an enjoyable and rewarding way to earn extra cash or enjoy perks like free food , all while helping businesses refine their operations and customer service . Success in this field requires professionalism, sharp observational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to provide clear, objective reports. Choosing the right mystery shopping companies to partner with is foundational to a positive experience.

By focusing your efforts on established and legitimate companies , such as those mentioned in this guide (many of which belong to the Mystery Shopping Providers Association ), you significantly improve your chances of securing worthwhile assignments and receiving timely payment. Researching potential shopping providers , understanding their requirements, and carefully selecting the best mystery shopping companies that match your interests and skills can lead to fulfilling shopping gigs .

Remember to always be cautious to avoid mystery shopping scams and never pay a fee to become a mystery shopper . With diligence and professionalism, you can become a valued independent contractor in the customer experience feedback industry. Happy shopping.