Equipping the Modern Mystery Shopper: Must-Have Tools

Mystery shopping can be a fun and rewarding way to earn extra income, provide valuable feedback to businesses, and even get reimbursed for purchases! But to truly excel in this field, you need more than just a keen eye and attention to detail. Equipping yourself with the right tools can significantly improve your efficiency, accuracy, and overall success as a Mystery Shopper.

Here's a rundown of essential tools every Mystery Shopper should consider:

1. A Smartphone: Your smartphone is arguably your most important tool. In addition to finding gigs and submitting Mystery Shopping reports right from your mobile device, it is also your primary means of communication, documentation, and navigation. Investing in a device that has a quality camera and plenty of storage will help you submit high-quality reports quickly.
2. Portable Chargers: Taking photos, submitting reports, and navigating to different locations can significantly drain your smartphone's battery. A dead battery can bring a day of Mystery Shopping to a screeching halt. So come prepared with portable chargers or backup batteries.
3. Shopper Guidelines: Each Mystery Shop you accept will come with a set of guidelines. These instructions outline the requirements of the assignment and include a list of things you will be asked to report and document on the survey. Be sure to read them before you go, and take a copy (it can be digital!) with you so you don’t forget anything important.
4. Printed Materials: Although you do not need to print the Shopper Guidelines, your report may come with some attachments that you will need to have printed for use during your visit. Some Mystery Shops come with a “Leave Behind Document” that you fill out and leave with a manager or employee before ending your visit, or a “Letter of Authorization” that gives you permission to be on-site if you have to introduce yourself to an employee or are identified as a Mystery Shopper. Not all Mystery Shops have these kinds of documents, but it’s important to review your guidelines carefully so you know if you have to print any documents before you head out.
5. GPS Navigation & Route Planning Tools: Apps like Google Maps are invaluable for navigating to unfamiliar locations efficiently. If you are planning longer routes of Mystery Shops, you may want to consider some other route planning software like Batchgeo or Circuit to help you make the most of your time. You can learn more about route planning in this blog post: Planning Mystery Shopping Routes for Maximum Efficiency.
6. Mystery Shopping Apps: Several apps connect you with Mystery Shopping opportunities and streamline the reporting process. We host opportunities on the PrestoShopper and iShopFor Ipsos NEXT apps. Both apps allow you to search for Mystery Shopping gigs and submit your reports easily.
7. Records & Documentation: Effective record-keeping is essential for managing expenses and filing taxes at the end of the year. Maintain a detailed log of your income, expenses, and mileage. Consider using Excel or other accounting software to keep an ongoing record of your completed Mystery Shops. You can learn more about tracking expenses in this blog post: How to Get More Mystery Shopping Jobs in 2025.
8. Mileage Tracker: Keep track of your mileage for tax purposes. Apps like MileIQ to automatically record your trips. You can also do manual entry as part of your record-keeping tracker using the IRS Standard Mileage Rate.
9. Receipt Organizer: We suggest you keep receipts from your Mystery Shopping assignments until your report is accepted and you receive reimbursement. If you upload a blurry receipt to your survey or accidentally upload one from the wrong location, it’s important to have the original copy handy!

Special Equipment for Complex Mystery Shops

There are some Mystery Shops and audits that require a specialized set of equipment. Below is a list of some tools you may see when taking on more complex Mystery Shopping tasks. If special equipment is required, you will see a note in the assignment details or on the Shopper guidelines.

1. Safety Vest: This is by far the most common requirement. If you accept an assignment at a gas station that has a revealed component (meaning at some point during the visit, you introduce yourself to an employee as their Mystery Shopper), you will be asked to wear a safety vest since you will have to walk around a high-traffic area.
2. Infrared Thermometer: Some surveys may ask for the specific temperature of hot food or roller grills. An infrared thermometer is the best, and often required, tool for this job.
3. Scale: Some assignments may ask for the specific weight – in grams – of a food or beverage item. In addition to weighing the item, you may be asked to upload a photo of the item on the scale to ensure accuracy.
4. Covert Recording Equipment: For video Mystery Shopping, consider investing in a high-quality, discreet camera, such as a button camera or a bag camera. Video Mystery Shops are usually more lucrative assignments because they require this specialized equipment.

By investing in these tools and using them effectively, you'll be well-equipped to excel in the world of Mystery Shopping and provide valuable insights to businesses seeking to improve their customer experience.