Mystery shopping is a side hustle that involves posing as a customer and evaluating a business’s customer service, products, and overall experience. As a mystery shopper, you’ll be asked to visit a store or restaurant, make a purchase or inquiry, and then report back on your experience.
Mystery shopping is a flexible and fun way to earn extra money on the side. You can choose the assignments that fit your schedule and interests, and you’ll get paid for doing something you likely already do on a regular basis – shopping and eating out.
To get started as a mystery shopper, you’ll need to sign up with a mystery shopping company. These companies act as intermediaries between businesses that need to be evaluated and the shoppers who will evaluate them. Many mystery shopping companies have online application processes and will ask you to complete a profile and take a training course before you can start accepting assignments.
Once you’re signed up with a mystery shopping company, you’ll be able to browse and apply for assignments in your area. Assignments might include visiting a store and evaluating the sales staff, trying out a restaurant and reporting on the food and service, or testing out a hotel and providing feedback on the check-in process and room amenities.
As a mystery shopper, you’ll be expected to provide detailed and accurate reports on your experiences. You’ll need to be observant and pay attention to details, as you’ll be asked to report on everything from the cleanliness of the store to the friendliness of the staff.
One of the benefits of mystery shopping is that it can be a flexible side hustle. You can choose the assignments that fit your schedule and interests, and you can work as little or as much as you want. Some mystery shoppers do it as a part-time gig, while others make it their full-time job.
If you’re looking for a fun and flexible way to earn extra money on the side, mystery shopping might be the perfect fit for you. Below are mystery shopping companies that you can get started with.