Mystery Shopping for Beginners:
How to Get Started
Mystery shopping for beginners can seem confusing when you're trying to find legitimate assignments, avoid scams, and earn extra money. The good news is that you don't need previous experience to become a mystery shopper.
I've been mystery shopping since 2006, completing assignments at restaurants, retail stores, apartments, automobile dealerships, new-home builders, and other businesses.
Along the way, I've made mistakes, learned valuable lessons, and discovered that mystery shopping can be a rewarding way to earn additional income.
But there's something beginners need to understand immediately.
Mystery shopping is real work. It's not free money.
Let me explain how the business operates and what you should know before accepting your first assignment.
Want more help getting started? My book, Take That Job And Mystery Shop It!, walks you through finding assignments, completing shops, writing reports, and avoiding many of the mistakes new shoppers make.
What Is Mystery Shopping?
Mystery shopping is a form of market research that helps businesses evaluate their customer service.
A company hires a mystery shopping organization to send someone into a business posing as an ordinary customer.
The shopper follows specific instructions, observes what happens, and submits a report afterward.
For example, a restaurant assignment might require you to record how quickly you're greeted, whether the server recommends additional items, and how long your food takes to arrive.
Some assignments require a purchase. Others involve asking questions, touring a property, or evaluating a salesperson.
The important thing is to report what actually happened, not what you think the business wants to hear.
How Mystery Shopping for Beginners Works
Most mystery shoppers work as independent contractors for companies that organize assignments on clients' behalf.
Here's how the process usually works:
- Register with a legitimate mystery shopping company.
- Complete your shopper profile and any required screening.
- Review available assignments in your area.
- Apply for or accept an assignment.
- Read the instructions carefully before visiting.
- Complete the shop and submit your report.
- Receive payment after the assignment is accepted, according to the company's payment schedule.
Every company operates a little differently. Some allow you to select assignments immediately, while others require approval from a scheduler.
I recommend registering with several reputable companies because the same company may not always have assignments available.
Do You Need Experience to Become a Mystery Shopper?
No. Many mystery shoppers begin without previous experience.
You don't need a college degree or specialized training for most beginner assignments.
However, successful mystery shoppers share several important qualities.
They're dependable, observant, organized, and able to follow detailed instructions.
Writing is especially important.
You may remember everything that happened during a visit, but you still need to communicate those observations clearly in your report.
I recommend starting with a straightforward assignment rather than taking on something complicated involving multiple employees, extensive photographs, or hidden recording equipment.
Build your confidence before attempting more demanding work.
How Much Money Can Beginners Make?
Mystery shopping assignments vary considerably in compensation.
Some offer a modest fee. Others reimburse a purchase, meal, or service. More specialized assignments may pay substantially more.
But reimbursement isn't the same as income.
If you spend $40 on a required restaurant meal and receive $40 back, you've recovered your expense. You haven't earned $40 in profit.
I've completed video mystery shopping assignments that paid considerably more than ordinary shops, but those opportunities required additional skills and equipment.
Before accepting an assignment, consider the total time involved, including travel, preparation, completing the visit, and writing the report.
A $20 assignment that takes 30 minutes may be more attractive than a $40 assignment requiring several hours.
Learn what your time is worth.
How to Avoid Mystery Shopping Scams
Unfortunately, scammers sometimes use the mystery shopping industry to trick people into sending money or disclosing financial information.
One common scam involves receiving an unexpected check with instructions to deposit it and send part of the money elsewhere.
The check eventually turns out to be fraudulent, and the victim may be responsible for the money withdrawn.
Be suspicious of anyone who promises unusually high earnings, demands an upfront registration fee, or pressures you to act immediately.
Legitimate mystery shopping companies generally don't charge shoppers to register for assignments.
I interviewed Jason Meza from the Better Business Bureau about mystery shopping scams. His insights can help beginners recognize suspicious offers.
Listen to my interview with Jason Meza of the Better Business Bureau about mystery shopping scams.
Always verify a company independently before providing personal information.
Choosing Your First Mystery Shopping Assignment
One of my earliest assignments involved purchasing a $10 money order at a check-cashing business.
It wasn't glamorous, but it gave me an opportunity to learn how mystery shopping worked.
I had to follow instructions, complete the transaction, remember what happened, and submit an accurate report.
That's exactly the kind of experience beginners need.
For your first assignment, look for something reasonably close to home with straightforward instructions and manageable reporting requirements.
Don't accept five assignments on your first day simply because they're available.
Complete one successfully, learn from the experience, and gradually take on more work.
Is Mystery Shopping Worth It?
Mystery shopping can provide flexible opportunities for college students, retirees, working professionals, and anyone interested in earning extra income.
However, assignments aren't guaranteed, and you generally won't receive a regular paycheck.
Some weeks may offer plenty of opportunities. Other weeks may be slow.
I've enjoyed mystery shopping because it has allowed me to visit different businesses, meet interesting people, and learn about industries I might never have encountered otherwise.
I've also learned when to turn down assignments that simply aren't worth the effort.
That's an important part of becoming an experienced mystery shopper.
My Advice for Mystery Shopping Beginners
Start slowly. Register with legitimate companies, read every instruction, keep accurate records, and submit reports on time.
Don't be discouraged if your first assignment takes longer than expected. Experience makes the process easier.
Most importantly, don't chase every assignment just because it pays.
Choose work that fits your schedule, abilities, and financial goals.
Mystery shopping has been part of my life since 2006. It hasn't made me rich, but it's provided extra income and experiences I wouldn't trade.
Start with one assignment, do it well, and build from there.
Happy Shopping!
Where to Go Next
If mystery shopping feels more real — and less confusing — now, here are the best next steps:
- How to Choose Your First Mystery Shopping Assignment
- How Much Do Mystery Shoppers Really Make?
- Mystery Shopper Scams
- How Mystery Shopping Reports Work
About the Author
I'm Mystery Don (Donald J. Servais, Jr.), and I've completed mystery shopping assignments for restaurants, hotels, apartment communities, automobile dealerships, new home builders, and other businesses.
I created MystShopper.com to share what I've learned from my own experiences, help new shoppers avoid common mistakes, and explain how legitimate mystery shopping really works.
I'm also the author of Take That Job And Mystery Shop It!, which includes beginner-friendly advice, real-world mystery shopping experiences, and a directory of more than 150 mystery shopping companies.
Drawing on my 45-year career in television, I've also written 7 Keys to Success in a Changing Television Industry, a guide for people interested in building a career in television and video.
My goal is simple: honest guidance without the hype.
We're always looking for new faces to visit different places.
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