Is BestMark a Legitimate Mystery Shopping Company?

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The promise of earning money and scoring freebies while running errands sounds almost too good to be true. And let’s face it, with countless online scams out there, it’s natural to be skeptical about mystery shopping jobs.

But what if there was a way to turn your everyday shopping trips into a source of extra cash? What if you could get paid to eat at restaurants, test drive cars, or even get free oil changes? The catch is, you’d need to pay attention to details, write reports, and sometimes front the money for purchases. Is it worth the effort, especially when you’re juggling the demands of family life?

As a mom of three boys under 5, I spent six months diving into the world of BestMark mystery shopping. In this article, I’ll share my honest experience, break down how it really works, and help you decide if it’s a legitimate opportunity worth your precious time. Whether you’re looking to pad your wallet or just curious about the mystery shopping scene, buckle up – we’re about to pull back the curtain on this intriguing side hustle.

What is BestMark Mystery Shopping?

Let’s break down what mystery shopping actually is. Companies hire regular folks like you and me to pose as customers and evaluate their services.

BestMark is one of the best known mystery shopping services. They’ve been around since 1987, which speaks to their longevity. They work with all sorts of businesses – from restaurants to car dealerships – to provide honest feedback from everyday customers.

How BestMark Mystery Shopping Works

Here’s how it works:

1. Sign up on the BestMark website. It’s free, and mystery shoppers don’t need any special qualifications. Just be ready to fill out some paperwork – they need to know you’re a real person, after all.
2. Once you’re in, you’ll see a list of available assignments in your area. You get to pick and choose what works for you.
3. Complete the shop. This could mean anything from dining at a restaurant to test-driving a car. Depending on the mystery shopping assignment, you’ll pay attention to specific details as instructed, such as: customer service quality, cleanliness of the establishment, product availability, wait times, staff appearance and professionalism, and more.
4. Submit your report. Be prepared to answer questions and provide details about your experience.
5. Get paid! BestMark pays via direct deposit, which is convenient for busy parents.

In my experience, I usually make about $15 – $30 a month with BestMark. But I also get free services that make it worth my while. I’ve received free oil changes for my car, dry cleaning services, and even meals out.

Is BestMark Legit? The Truth About Mystery Shopping

I’m happy to report that this appears to be a legitimate company as the Better Business Bureau accredits them, and it is a leading Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) member.

Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

• Flexibility: You choose when and where you work.
• Free services: You can receive a free meal or service
• No special skills required: If you can shop and write coherently, you’re set.

Cons:

• Limited income: Don’t expect to earn a full-time income.
• Upfront costs: Sometimes, you need to pay for services upfront and get reimbursed later.
• Time-consuming reports: Those detailed questionnaires can be challenging, especially when you’re busy with family life.

Tips for Maximizing Your BestMark Mystery Shopping Experience

After six months of experience, I’ve learned a few tips about making the most of BestMark:

1. Be selective: Not all shops are equally beneficial. I choose assignments that are:

• Close by: With three little ones, I’m not driving across town unless it’s worth it.
• Something I need anyway: That free oil change? Definitely worth it. A mystery shop at a fancy steakhouse when I’m dairy-free and vegetarian? Not so much.

1. Don’t overcommit: There are always many assignments available, especially for car dealerships. Your coordinator will notice if you’re constantly canceling jobs, and that could hurt your chances of getting good assignments.
2. Be realistic: Mystery shopping isn’t going to replace your full-time income, but it can be a nice little extra. I use it for “fun money” – those little extras that make life more enjoyable.
3. Stay safe: Always trust your gut. If a shop feels unsafe, it’s not worth the risk. Your safety comes first, always.
4. Keep track of taxes: This income is taxable, so keep good records.

Is BestMark Right for You?

BestMark mystery shopping is a legitimate way to earn a little extra cash and receive some freebies. It’s not going to make you rich, but it can definitely add some wiggle room to your budget.

For me, as a mom of three boys, it’s been a fun way to get out of the house, enjoy a meal I don’t have to cook (or clean up after), and pad my wallet a bit. Is it always easy? No. There have definitely been times when I’ve found it challenging to complete a shop with three kids in tow. But overall, the flexibility and perks make it worthwhile for my family.

If you’re looking for a flexible side job that can fit into the busy schedule of family life, BestMark might be worth a shot. Just be realistic about the time commitment and potential earnings. While it won’t replace a full-time job, it can be a great way to earn some extra cash doing things you might already be doing anyway. And who knows? You might just discover a new adventure in the process of being a “secret shopper” for a day.