Become a Mystery Shopper

Secret Shopping/Mystery Shopping is a legitimate way to earn supplemental income. However, scammers often impersonate real firms.

The Golden Rule: If a company sends you a large check and asks you to "buy gift cards" or "wire money back," it is a scam. We only pay you after a shop is successfully completed and verified.

Shoppers Confidential will NEVER ask you to wire money, cash a check, send funds back, buy gift cards to send to us, or pay a fee to join. All communication comes from @shoppersconfidential.com.

No. If you’re detail-oriented and dependable, you’re a great fit. We’ll guide you.

Everything from phone and website evaluations to retail, dining, and more. Availability depends on your location.

We pay via PayPal ONLY. Our payment cycles are twice a month: once on the 15th (or the next business day) and once on the last day of the month (or the next business day). You will be issued a pay statement, and two weeks later, it will be paid via PayPal. This ensures all reports have passed Quality Assurance and client review before funds are released, and that you have the chance to ask questions about your pay statement before payday.

You can learn more by visiting our Pay Policy page.

Yes, but it's not a full-time role or 'job'. Mystery Shopper positions are usually as independent contractors. You take on assignments as they are available and you have interest and/ore experience.

Never. You should never pay to be a mystery shopper or to be offered missions. If a site asks for a "registration fee," walk away. At Shoppers Confidential, signing up is 100% free.

There are some specialized certifications offered by the MSPA-Americas for a fee, but they are optional and can enhance your learning and experience. They are not required to be a mystery shopper.

Yes. We are a premier Canadian mystery shopping firm that operates in Canada and the US. We started in 2005 and have been a long-standing member of the MSPA (Mystery Shopping Professionals Association). We have been helping brands improve and mystery shoppers earn for over 20 years. You can find us listed with the BBB, CFA and MSPA Americas.

As a Canadian company, and in accordance with the CRA (Canada) regulations, we are required to collect tax identification information to issue a  T4A if your earnings exceed the legal threshold in a calendar year ($500 CAD, or equivalent). Your data is encrypted and stored on our secure server. We encourage you to discuss your income and expenses for mystery shopping with a taz professional.

Payment varies based on the complexity of the shop.

• Simple Shops: $3–$50 (e.g., quick calls are cheap and can be done in volume to maximize your income, but retail visits typically range from $15- $50). The exact fee and reimbursement limit are always shown clearly before you apply or accept a shop.
• Specialized Shops: $50 – $100+ (e.g., automotive test drives, senior living, luxury missions, financial assignments, etc.). Again, the exact fee and reimbursement limit are always shown clearly before you apply for or accept a mystery shop, so you know what you can expect if you complete it.

If a shop requires a purchase (like a $20 meal), you will be reimbursed for that amount up to the limit specified in the instructions. You will pay at the time of the meal, and we will reimburse you in the pay cycle following approval of your mystery shop report.

Plus, if it is noted to also have a shop fee/pay rate, you will receive the posted shopper fee/pay rate. You must upload a clear photo of your receipt to be reimbursed, as well as follow all instructions and complete the survey form correctly and accurately.

We prefer to be honest: Mystery shopping is a fantastic side hustle. Some people can make this a full-time gig, but not everyone can make it a replacement for a full-time salary. The number of shops available depends on your location and your shopper rating. We recommend signing up with various companies and creating ‘routes’ to maximize your income and lower your expenses.

You will find Shoppers Confidential on the popular mystery shopping app/website GigSpot, with many other Mystery Shop Providers.

1. Select: Choose a mystery shop from our job board that you are interested in and qualify for, and apply for it. Our scheduling team will review your application and notify you via email if it is successful.
2. Prepare: Read the instructions carefully (the "Scenario") and the survey form. Ask the scheduler listed in the mission’s instructions for clarification (if needed) before you begin your mystery shop.
3. Complete the mission: Go to the location or make the call/online inquiry, act as a normal customer, and observe specific details. Ensure you capture all the required details in the survey form and instructions (don’t forget the geotagged photos if requested!).
4. Report: Fill out our online survey form and upload your photos/receipts/attachments within 12 hours of the mission being completed.

Not if you follow our guides! We give you examples of how to blend in and be successful without being detected. You won't be taking notes on a clipboard; you’ll be using your smartphone or your memory, just like any other customer.

It depends on the assignment; unless otherwise noted, generally no. Treat a mystery shop mission like a professional and go solo unless the instructions note that the mission involves guests or children.

Nope. A modern smartphone with a clear lens is perfect for capturing photos of receipts, storefronts, or displays. We also prefer cell phone photos, as they allow you to embed geocoding and timestamps in the photo metadata. If you are required to have a high-resolution video camera or pin camera, the instructions will clearly note this requirement, and the shop will likely have a certification confirming the tech you have and a sample of its quality.

Every report is graded by our editors after the validation process. Each company is different, but Shoppers Confidential grades on the following:

• Spelling and Grammar
• Content and Quality
• Summ
• High-rated shoppers (those who follow instructions, write detailed narratives, have minimal errors and do not decline or ‘flake’ on missions) get first pick of the highest-paying shops and "Elite" assignments.

Our editors may "Return for Clarification" if details or attachments are missing. As long as you respond quickly to clarify, your shop will proceed.

Repeatedly missing details or failing to follow the scenario may result in a lower rating, a rejected shop, or removal from our platform as an available shopper. If you notice that you have misreported or missed information after you submit your mystery shop survey, email your scheduler and see if they can return it to you for an update.

NEVER create images (AI/Photoshop) or download images from the internet if you missed taking a photo. Reach out to your scheduler to see if an exception can be made to accept your report.

Yes!

As an independent contractor, you are free to work for multiple mystery shop providers (MSPs). We just ask that you always maintain the confidentiality of our specific clients and shop scenarios as per your Independent Contractor Agreement.

You will also note that, within the industry, all great mystery shoppers respect and abide by the confidentiality rules of mystery shopping with each MSP they work with.