What's It Like Being A Mystery Shopper?
Being a mystery shopper sounds simple when you first hear about it. You walk into a store, act like a normal customer, and then write up what happened. But the first time you actually accept an assignment, it can feel strangely intense – like you’re stepping onto a stage without a script. You try to remember a whole checklist of observations you need to make.
Right after you click “accept” from the mystery shopping company, anticipation usually hits in two waves. First is excitement about getting the assignment. Second is pressure to do the assignment correctly and to make sure you get paid for it. That push-pull is one of the most common emotional patterns people feel before their first assignment in the mystery shopping business.
Many new mystery shoppers will read the instructions the night before an assignment, as if studying for an exam. A big source of anxiety is the fear of forgetting details. New shoppers worry they won’t remember the employee’s name, the exact greeting, or the order of events. I used to rehearse how I’d ask for a specific product so I didn’t sound robotic. Even though it’s just shopping, you want to be as accurate as possible. The assignment instructions can feel like a long list of don’ts, and that can make you hyper-aware of every move you’re about to make.
Another fear is being noticed. Before your first assignment, you might worry your face will give it away, or that you’ll act too stiff, or that you’ll look like you’re searching for cameras. This is where being a mystery shopper feels less like running an errand and more like performing a calm, casual role.
Listen to my conversation with Mystery Phil about the mystery shopping business.
Apply for easy assignments first.
The key to the first assignment is to do one that doesn’t require too many scenarios to remember or too many questions to answer.
My first assignment was at a check-cashing location where I had to purchase a money order. (The money order I purchased, I cashed at another location after my visit.) I had to observe how long it took to be greeted, how fast the transaction was done, and the overall friendliness of the clerk. I also had to check the lobby area for cleanliness. There were 10 questions to answer and a short narrative to write. That assignment paid $10. I was in the store for about 4 minutes, and it took me about 10 minutes to write the report. It was an easy assignment and one that built confidence.
Read my article regarding the scams surrounding check-cashing locations.
Once you get a few more assignments under your belt, the fear drops, and you become more excited about doing assignments. The key is to stay calm while you collect details and listen to what is said. If you’re considering the mystery shopping business, expect nerves at first.
The emotional impact of being discovered is usually bigger than the actual consequences. Even if nobody is rude, you can feel exposed – because the whole job depends on blending in, and discovery makes you feel like you failed at the most basic part of the role.
The feeling can be even stronger during video mystery shopping, where you might be using hidden recording equipment. New shoppers worry not just about being recognized, but about the device itself being noticed – an odd-shaped button camera, a phone held at a strange angle, or an unnatural posture that looks like you’re aiming at someone.
Being a mystery shopper when you fail an assignment.
A failed first attempt at completing a mystery shop can feel crushing. Maybe you missed a required question, forgot the receipt, went outside the time window, or couldn’t complete the scenario because the business was too busy. Afterward, you may feel disappointment, self-criticism, and anxiety about whether you’ll be paid or whether your account will be flagged. Just remember that every mystery shopper has failed an assignment at some point.
My first failed assignment came on my second assignment. I was supposed to get a car wash and an oil change. I only got the car wash. No payment for that assignment. The mystery shopping company gave me a pass and assigned me to more shops.
Most experienced shoppers will tell you that stumbling early is common. If it happens, it’s not the end of the world. It shouldn’t be the end of your mystery shopping experience either.
If you’re asked if you’re a mystery shopper, give the person a quizzical look. You have no idea what they’re talking about. Looking confused or saying “what’s that?” is enough to get away with it most of the time. Don’t ever admit that you’re a mystery shopper.
The experience of being a mystery shopper has been an excellent journey for me. Not only has it helped me financially over the years, but it has also allowed me to visit places I never would have visited had it not been for this business.
The mystery shopping business is always looking for new faces to visit different places. Learn how you can start your own mystery shopping business from my book, "Take That Job And Mystery Shop It!" I also list nearly 200 mystery shopping companies you can visit on their websites to submit an application. There's information about each company, and I indicate which ones I've worked with.
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