Parents often dream about making extra money without sacrificing precious family time. Mystery shopping offers this perfect blend – turning everyday shopping trips into income opportunities. Whether you need money for after-school activities or want to build your savings, becoming a mystery shopper with legitimate companies can help you reach those goals.
Many people dismiss mystery shopping as too good to be true. While scams certainly exist, several established companies consistently provide legitimate opportunities. These respected firms work with major retailers, restaurants, and service providers to gather valuable customer feedback.
The key is knowing which companies to trust. These five mystery shopping companies stand apart with their proven track records, consistent payment practices, and professional support for their shoppers.
Best Mystery Shopping Companies for Extra Income
1. Sinclair Customer Metrics
For those seeking varied shopping assignments, Sinclair Customer Metrics brings extensive opportunities across multiple industries. Their assignments span banking institutions, retail stores, grocery chains, restaurants, and convenience stores. They’ve built their reputation since 1987 through consistent, reliable practices and clear communication with their shoppers.
Assignment Types: Beyond traditional written evaluations, they offer video mystery shopping assignments using hidden cameras. These specialized assignments often come with higher compensation rates and provide detailed insights for their clients. Payment Structure: Shoppers receive monthly checks during the last week of the following month. Their A+ BBB rating underscores their commitment to timely payments and professional treatment of shoppers.
2. Market Force Information
Market Force Information stands out through its international presence and sophisticated technology integration. They specialize in health and wellness evaluations, movie theater experiences, specialty retail locations, and age-restricted product sales for alcohol and tobacco merchants.
Technology: Their Eyes:On mobile app simplifies assignment management and reporting. Geographic Coverage: With operations across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, shoppers can often find local opportunities. Payment Method: Direct deposits arrive on the 15th of each month, and their A+ BBB rating reflects their professional business practices.
3. IntelliShop
IntelliShop excels in comprehensive evaluation services across multiple sectors. They focus on measuring customer experience, monitoring online reputation, and ensuring compliance with company standards. Their extensive network covers 18,000 cities throughout North America and extends into 180 countries.
Service Areas: Their assignments often involve detailed evaluations of customer service quality, store cleanliness, and employee knowledge. Payment Details: Shoppers receive compensation through PayPal 30 days after the month ends. The company maintains an A+ BBB rating, highlighting its dedication to ethical business practices.
4. Mystery Shopping Service
With its quarter-century of industry experience, Mystery Shopping Service has developed strong relationships in specialized markets. They provide evaluation services for real estate companies, senior living facilities, healthcare providers, retail establishments, and hospitality businesses.
Industry Focus: Their assignments often require detailed observations and thorough reporting of specific customer service elements. Payment Options: Shoppers can choose between PayPal transfers or traditional checks at month’s end. Their A+ BBB rating demonstrates their commitment to maintaining high professional standards.
5. Intouch Insight
Intouch Insight provides diverse shopping opportunities across North America. With 25 years of industry experience, they’ve developed strong relationships with restaurants, boutique retailers, fitness centers, and grocery stores. Their bi-monthly payment schedule appeals to shoppers seeking regular income from their evaluations.
Assignment Variety: Shoppers evaluate customer service, store presentation, and product availability across various retail environments. Payment Schedule: Funds arrive via PayPal twice monthly – on the 15th and final day of each month, providing more frequent compensation than many other companies in the industry.
Turn Shopping Into Earning
Mystery shopping won’t replace a full-time income, but it can provide that extra cushion many families need. These five companies offer legitimate opportunities to earn while running your regular errands. By starting with one or two companies and gradually expanding your involvement, you can build a steady stream of extra income that fits your family’s schedule.
Consider which company aligns best with your daily routine and available time. Then take that first step toward turning your shopping trips into earning opportunities. The extra income might just be the answer to funding those special family moments you’ve been planning.