WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS, HIRING BEST PRACTICES, CAREER ADVICE.
Is a Secret Shopper Job a Real Job?
Posted on 10/27 by Erin Helms
Yes! Mystery/secret shopping is a real job. And it can be an excellent job for anyone who is observant and likes to shop. As a mystery shopper, you can help businesses understand more about the services offered at their locations. You can mystery shop for extra income or as a full-time job. Here is how it works and how you can become a mystery shopper.
How Does It Work?
So, what exactly is mystery shopping? Mystery shopping is a technique utilized by marketing research companies. It lets an organization observe the quality of customer service and overall experience at various locations. Third-party companies hire individuals to pretend to be customers to get information such as facility cleanliness or how the employees treat customers. The company then uses the insights to determine the areas needing improvement.
What Does a Mystery Shopper Do?
As a mystery shopper, you will observe a store or a service center and report your experience. You will perform a task, such as an item return or purchase, as you follow the specific instructions given by an employer. You will complete questionnaires and file reports to third-party companies.
How to Find a Mystery Shopping Job
As you seek mystery/secret shopping jobs, please understand that you must know how and where to find legitimate positions. Here are tips to help you: Check the reviews and comments online. To determine a company's credibility, read reviews online from other shoppers who share their experiences. If you find generally positive reviews, there is an excellent chance that the company is legitimate. Never send money to an employer. If you must send money to an employer, it is a sign that the employer is not legitimate. Ensure that the company supplies you with all the required information before you leave for your assignment and that you are not responsible for sending money to the employer. Be cautious of companies with startup fees. A legitimate company will pay and not charge you before you start an assignment! Find out if the company you plan to shop for charges their shoppers any fees. Search for businesses approved by the Mystery Shopping Providers Association. The Mystery Shopping Providers Association lists only legitimate companies that offer actual mystery shopping positions that pay shoppers for assignments. Avoid companies that charge for job listings. Some illegitimate companies might ask you to pay them to view their job listings. Legitimate businesses that offer mystery shopping services will not have a requirement like this one.
Legitimate Mystery & Secret Shopping Companies
Always research a company before you accept a mystery shopping job. See what others are saying about the company and its legitimacy. To start your research, here are legitimate mystery shopping companies to consider: BestMark IntelliShop Market Force
Looking For a Mystery Shopping job?
Let LaborMAX staffing help you find work with top employers nationwide! We have legitimate mystery and secret shopping jobs listed on our career portal. Search and apply today.
Browse Available Jobs
Are you looking for work? LaborMAX can find you the right job.
SEARCH JOBS NOWCategories
What's Happening
How LaborMax Can Help Your Business Adapt in 2025
The only constant in life is change—we all know that. But when you own a business, that can be the most stressful truth to confront. How do you address the unknown shifts that might be just around the corner? How do you prepare for changes, whether good or bad, if you can’t predict them with certainty? How do you know if you have enough staffing to handle what’s next? The good news is, when it comes to staffing needs, you can hand those worries over to your trusted partner—LaborMax.
Read more >>Skilled Trades in Demand: How LaborMax Connects You to Career Opportunities
The demand for skilled trades—such as construction, manufacturing, HVAC, and welding—continues to grow in 2025. If you’re already working in the trades, your expertise is more valuable than ever. But how do you find a job that pays you what you’re worth while allowing you to grow, specialize, and advance your career? And if you’re new to skilled trades, how do you take the first step toward building a successful future? Don’t worry—LaborMax is here to help. Here are some top jobs in demand for 2025:
Read more >>Why LaborMax is Your Go-To Partner for Event Staffing Success
You have a big event coming up—one that could make or break your company’s reputation or help you impress a new client. Everything needs to run smoothly, but you’re not sure you have enough staff, and unexpected challenges like bad weather might make things even harder. Don’t panic. Call LaborMax Staffing. With more than 20 years of experience in the staffing and recruitment industry, LaborMax has built a reputation as a reliable partner for meeting event staffing needs quickly and efficiently. Our company started in Las Vegas—a city where conventions and events are a way of life—so we know what it takes to build a dependable team. Here’s why LaborMax is the best choice for your event staffing needs:
Read more >>