The Mystery Shopping Business
Can Help You Earn Extra Income

The mystery shopping business is a simple way to start earning extra income without spending a lot of money to get started. As a mystery shopper, you can apply for assignments like dining at restaurants, staying in hotels, test-driving vehicles, or visiting new home builders — then you get paid to report what you experienced.

The key is doing it the right way: there are no franchise fees, and you should never have to pay a mystery shopping company to join.

The mystery shopping business is always looking for new faces to visit different places.

If you want to learn the mystery shopping business and start doing legitimate assignments, my Kindle book walks you through the process step by step (including how to avoid scams and “pay to join” traps).

Hi, I’m Mystery Don. I’ve completed real mystery shopping assignments in areas like restaurants, hotels, vehicles, and new home builders, and I created this site to help you get started the right way (without paying to “join” a company). If you’re new, my Kindle book Take That Job And Mystery Shop It! shows you how to find legitimate opportunities, avoid scams, and build a simple side business you can grow.

If you have pockets of time where you can do some 15 - 30 minute mystery shops, this business may be something for you to consider. Of course, some mystery shops will take longer, especially for new home builders. However, there are many $10 and $15 assignments that are easy to do and don't take long to write and submit a report. The money you make will add up over time and help pay some of your expenses.

Use my Mystery Shopper Checklist to get set up the right way (and avoid the most common mistakes).

You have the opportunity to apply for assignments like test driving a luxury vehicle or touring luxury new homes and apartments. I see a lot of requests from mystery shopping companies to assign mystery shoppers to stay at a hotel for a few nights. You can also eat at all kinds of restaurants.

Mystery shopping companies are always looking for new mystery shoppers. People of all ages are needed for assignments. College students are needed to take an entrance exam (and fail it!) or to visit the campus bookstore. Retirees have all kinds of assignments, which include visiting senior living centers and builders for garden homes. If you speak more than one language, you have more opportunities that may pay more.

Please read my Mystery Shopper Scam warning before you respond to any “easy money” emails or checks.

One thing I will emphasize on this website. Beware of scam artists. Do not send anyone an email with your personal information on it. Mystery shopping companies have encrypted websites that will protect your information. I’ve seen a lot of emails and advertisements that boast making $350.00 per assignment by wiring money at a check cashing location. Once you answer the email or advertisement, you'll receive a check in the mail.

THIS IS A SCAM! THE CHECK IS A FAKE! DO NOT CASH IT!

Not ready for the book yet? Start with Becoming a Mystery Shopper.

The Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) is the watchdog over the Mystery Shopping industry. They have a list of mystery shopping companies worldwide that you can apply to.

I have a list of companies in my book (paperback, hardback and eBook) “Take That Job And Mystery Shop It!” My list lets you know who I have done business with and the type of assignments I have done with them. I left out a few companies that charge money to join. You should not have to pay a cent to join a mystery shopping company.

Throughout this website, I will at times mention the mystery shopper as a secret shopper or ghost shopper. This is merely to show the different naming terminology that is used in this business.

I have a lot of great information for you on this website. I hope you take the time to read through and agree with me that being a mystery shopper is fascinating. We need responsible people to write as accurately as possible what happens during a visit or phone call. This helps employers give proper evaluations to their staff to make their business run more efficiently. That is the whole reason for mystery shopping.

A higher-paying option and what you need to know before you try it.

Mystery shoppers usually earn double when they are assigned to visit a location with hidden video equipment. Giving an employer a video of a sales presentation is a great tool to train people properly. It's not always meant to catch someone doing something they shouldn't be doing. Employees know there are mystery shoppers out there and that some of them may be wearing hidden video equipment.

Get my Kindle book on Amazon — a step-by-step guide to starting your own mystery shopping business (the right way, without paying any “membership fees”).

Once you're comfortable with mystery shopping, you may also consider other ways to earn extra income, like audits. This is where you enter a business with a checklist of items to check on the shelves. It could be price checks on grocery store items, or checking if certain printers are on display.

You have income tax advantages when you operate a mystery shopping business. The biggest deductions are miles travelled and items you purchase for your business.

I recorded a podcast with CPA and CGMA Tim Kiker about what mystery shoppers can and cannot deduct on their taxes.

FAQ: Mystery Shopping Basics

Q: Do I ever have to pay to become a mystery shopper?

A: No. Legitimate mystery shopping companies do not charge you a fee to join. If someone asks for money up front, treat it as a red flag and read my Mystery Shopper Scam Warning page first.

Q: How much money can I make mystery shopping?

A: It varies by assignment, location, and how reliable you are. Many beginners start with smaller, simpler shops, then work up to better-paying assignments as they build experience and a track record.

Q: How do mystery shoppers get paid?

A: Some assignments pay a fee, some reimburse a required purchase, and some do both. Always read the assignment details so you know exactly what’s reimbursed, what’s paid, and what you must submit to qualify.

Q: What do I need to get started?

A: Usually just a computer or phone, an email address you check regularly, and the ability to follow instructions and submit reports on time. Organization matters more than “special skills.”

Q: What are the biggest mistakes beginners make?

A: Paying to “join,” missing deadlines, not following the exact instructions, and taking assignments without understanding reimbursement rules. If you want a step-by-step path, start with my Kindle book first.

Please submit a form if you have any questions. Read and enjoy!

Becoming A Mystery Shopper: If you're interested in becoming a mystery shopper, you can apply for assignments for FREE with many different companies. Click here to learn more about the business.
video mystery shopping: VIDEO MYSTERY SHOPPING is a great way that you can make some money in a short period of time without investing any money. If you can follow directions and wear a hidden camera, this may be for you.
Mystery Shopping Companies: There are over 200 legitimate mystery shopping companies that you can apply for assignments. Learn more about it here.
Mystery Shopper Checklist: Here is a mystery shopper checklist if you're looking to get started with the mystery shopping business.
Mystery Shopping Sample Report: Here is a mystery shopping sample report from a restaurant that I did in Texas in 2009. It gives you an idea of what mystery shop companies and business owners want to know about their business.
Mystery Shopper Scam: There is an important mystery shopper scam that you need to be aware of. It involves you receiving a check in the mail from a secret shopper company. Read this warning before you cash that check.
MSPA: The Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) is a professional trade organization for mystery shoppers. They have workshops and DVDs that help shoppers become eligible for higher paying shops.
My Story: My story of starting a mystery shopping business began when I was in dire need of some extra income. Learn how the business can help you.
Contact Me: Mystery shopping is a great way to get ahead in your financial world. I encourage you to contact me to learn how it can help you.
Privacy Policy: Privacy policy
Mystery Shopping In Nevada: Mystery shopping in Nevada has some important set of laws you need to know about.
benefits of mystery shopping: Learn the many benefits of mystery shopping as a side hustle.
Income Tax Deductions: Learn how income tax deductions can help your mystery shopping business.
Mystery Video Shopping: You can earn extra income by mystery video shopping. It's a business that you can do part-time or full time.
Mystery Shopping: If you're looking for a side hustle, look at the mystery shopping business. We're always looking for new faces to visit different places.
Mystery Shopper Jobs: There are many mystery shopper jobs available for people who are looking to make some extra money. Click here to learn more about the business.
telephone mystery shopping: Telephone mystery shopping is a great way for people to stay at home and make some extra income. It's great for work at home moms (wahm).
Restaurant Mystery Shopper: How You Can Get Started: A restaurant mystery shopper is a great way to get started in the secret shopper business and to stay well-fed for a long time. Click here for more information.
Types of Audit Opinions: Learn how you can earn extra money by doing different types of audit opinions as a side hustle.
payoff credit card debt: Mystery shopping can help you payoff credit card debt. Learn how some people work this business full and part time.
job opportunities for retirees: If you're looking for job opportunities for retirees, take look at mystery shopping. Work your own hours.