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Get Paid to Shop: The Best Mystery Shopping Apps & 35+ Companies Hiring Now

Updated: May 19


Have you ever wished you could get paid just to shop? Mystery shopping makes that possible—and yes, it's legit.


Whether you're shopping in-store, calling a business, or evaluating an online experience, companies will pay you to act like a regular customer and report back on what the experience was like. It’s a fun and flexible side hustle that doesn’t require any special experience to get started.





What Is Mystery Shopping?

Mystery shopping is when companies hire people like you to go undercover as a customer and give honest feedback about your experience. This could include:

  • Taking photos of displays

  • Asking specific customer service questions

  • Testing out a return process

  • Checking if an item is in stock

The goal? Help companies see their business through the eyes of a real customer—and make improvements.



How Does It Work?

Here’s how most mystery shopping gigs work:

  1. Sign up for a mystery shopping platform or app

  2. Browse gigs near your location or online

  3. Accept a task, complete it, and submit a report

  4. Get paid via PayPal, direct deposit, check, or gift card

Most apps offer flexible scheduling—you only accept the jobs you want to do. And you don’t need any special background or resume to start.


shopping bag and microscope

⚠️ Quick Warning: Avoid Mystery Shopping Scams

A legitimate mystery shopping company will never ask you to:

  • Pay to join

  • Wire money

  • Cash or deposit a check and send money back

Stick to vetted platforms like the ones below. They’re trusted, pay reliably, and many have been around for years.


5 Best Mystery Shopping Apps to Start With

Here are five standout platforms that are beginner-friendly, flexible, and legit:


Intouch Insight Homepage


This one is a favorite. They've been around 25+ years and offer tons of gigs across the U.S. and Canada.

You can work as a:

  • 🕵️‍♀️ Mystery Shopper

  • 📋 Auditor

  • 🧠 Editor (this one even lets you review other people's work!)

Industries: Beginner friendly think restaurants, gyms, boutiques, and grocery stores. You’ll find tons of short tasks, some that take as little as 5 minutes.

Payout: Via PayPal, twice a month.

How much? Regular users report making $200–$300/week with consistent work.

Plus, they offer unique assignments like checking compliance for alcohol or tobacco sales.

🖥️ Sign up, pick gigs near your zip code, and work when you want.




Market force Homepage

2. Market Force (App: Eyes On)

One of the most beginner-friendly platforms.

Their app makes it super easy to find gigs on a map near you. You can even filter by distance so you’re not wasting gas.

Industries: Restaurants, movies, wellness, and retail.

Payout: Direct deposit, paid monthly.

Pro tip: Submit your reports directly through the app, so you can complete gigs on the go.

Earnings range: $5–$30 per task, depending on complexity.


Bestmark Homepage

BestMark is one of the oldest mystery shopping companies, over 35 years in the game.

What sets them apart? They offer 3 types of gigs:

  • Traditional mystery shopping

  • Exit interviews (asking real customers about their experience)

  • Compliance audits (checking pricing, signage, safety, etc.)

Payout: Direct deposit or mailed check, depending on your region.

Pay rate: $10–$25+, with more if you’re experienced or in high-demand cities.

This is a great one if you want variety in your assignments.




Sinclair Homepage

This one’s great for flexibility. You can accept or decline gigs freely without being penalized.

💡 They offer:

  • In-person gigs

  • Phone mystery shopping

  • Online mystery shopping

  • Even video mystery shopping with a hidden cam they send you!

Payout: By check, monthly.

Earnings: Usually $10–$20 per task, sometimes higher for video-based jobs.


Intellishop Homepage

  • IntelliShop is a little stricter—they rate your reports on a 1–10 scale. But if you're detailed and follow instructions, you'll do great.

    Gigs include:

    • Retail stores

    • Customer service ratings

    • Product availability checks

    They also tend to work with higher-end brands, which can mean better perks or reimbursement.

    Payout: PayPal

    Earnings: $10–$30 per gig, depending on length and type.

    Bonus tip: You’ll start with simpler gigs and unlock higher-paying ones as you prove yourself.

indeed snapshot of mystery shopping salary



How Much Can You Make as a Mystery Shopper?

Most mystery shopping tasks pay between $5–$25, but higher-paying gigs can reach $50 or more. Some include purchase reimbursement—so you're basically getting paid to shop, eat, or try services for free.

According to Indeed, the average mystery shopper in the U.S. earns around $23.47 per hour, with ranges from $7 to $74/hour depending on the task and location.


shopping elements

Bonus: 35+ Legit Mystery Shopping Companies You Can Apply to Right Now

Ready to try more? Here’s a big list of reputable companies that regularly hire mystery shoppers:

📱 App-Based Platforms


💻 Online/Phone Mystery Shopping


🕵️ Traditional Mystery Shopping Companies


Final Thoughts

Mystery shopping isn’t going to make you rich—but it’s a fun, flexible, and surprisingly legit way to earn extra cash, especially if you love shopping, dining, or trying new experiences.

And with so many reputable companies hiring, you can easily test a few apps to find what works best for your schedule and style.

👉 Want to get started? Try one of the 5 apps above and bookmark this post for the full company list!


 

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only. While I strive to keep the content accurate and up to date, I cannot guarantee that all information is current, complete, or correct. Always do your own research and verify directly with the companies mentioned before signing up. Additionally links above may contain affiliate commissions.



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