Can mystery shopping really lead to making money, seeing the world, and even eating lobster on a cruise ship—all while helping businesses improve?
Yes.
But only if you treat it like a profession, not a hobby.
In a previous segment from The List, mystery shopping expert Michael Mershimer breaks down the three secrets to turning mystery shopping into a reliable income stream. Whether you’re a retailer curious about how mystery shoppers work or someone considering becoming one—his insights are worth a closer look.
Secret 1: Start Small, Then Move Up
Mystery shopping doesn’t begin with luxury experiences. Most shoppers start with small, everyday tasks:
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Fast food chains
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Supermarkets
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Coffee shops
These early gigs pay anywhere from $15 to $25 for a short visit and a quick report. The work is simple but important. It helps you build credibility with mystery shopping companies, which will only send high-value assignments to those they trust.
“You’ll move from getting a hamburger and writing a report to evaluating cruise ships, casinos, and jewelry stores.” – Michael Mershimer
Top mystery shoppers can earn $10,000–$20,000 per year, part-time.
Secret 2: Build Your Brand as a Shopper
Mystery shopping is more than just showing up; it’s about consistency and professionalism.
To stand out and get better gigs:
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Submit reports that are clear, detailed, and accurate
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Show up on time, follow instructions, and don’t break cover
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Get certified through the Mystery Shopping Professionals Association (MSPA – Americas) for just $5 per month.
There are over a million shoppers in the U.S., but less than 5% are certified.
That credential can move your application to the top of the list.
Secret 3: Payment Depends on Performance
Here’s the truth: not all shoppers get paid. If your report is sloppy, vague, or suspiciously inaccurate, you could get rejected or worse, blacklisted.
But if your feedback is solid and timely, you’ll get:
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Full payment
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Full expense reimbursement
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More, higher-paying assignments
And remember: never reveal your identity. That voids the shop and your payment.
The Business Perspective: Why Mystery Shopping Works
At Mershimer, we partner with brands to deploy trained mystery shoppers because:
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They uncover what VoC tools miss
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They test specific procedures, not just outcomes
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They ensure brand standards are consistently delivered
If you’re a business leader looking to measure performance and improve operations, mystery shopping is a vital layer in your CX strategy.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Get Scammed
Not all mystery shopping “jobs” are real.
To protect yourself, watch for red flags like:
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Promises of big pay upfront
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Requests for your banking info
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Being asked to pay to access job lists
Final Thoughts
Mystery shopping offers real value for shoppers and the businesses that hire them. Whether you’re building a side hustle or strengthening customer experience for your brand, the key is professionalism, consistency, and using the right partners.
Ready to Level Up Your CX & Brand Standards Execution?
Let’s talk.
Book a free consultation to see how our CX & Brand Compliance Audit approach combines mystery shopping and customer feedback into a single, insight-driven solution.
